The Easiest Way to Boost Your Hair Color

How great do you feel after getting your hair color done?  Refreshed and renewed, dying my hair a richer shade of brown always adds an extra bounce to my step.   In between color appointments, I have a recipe for radiance that keeps the shade and tone in check.  Want to make your hair color look fresh for longer?  Here's the easiest way to give it a boost – no salon needed.

I start by using Catwalk by Tigi Fashionista Brunette Shampoo & Conditioner daily.  They help to reduce any brassy, reddish tones that come out after a few weeks and keep my color intense and hair shiny by depositing a bit of color each time.  There's also a set of shampoo and conditioner for blondes that deposit violet hues onto the hair to keep it vibrant.  But sorry redheads and everyone else, that's as far as the collection extends for now.

Then, once a week I use John Frieda Color Refreshing Gloss for Cool Brunettes, which is an in-shower gloss-like treatment.  I mentioned on my Instagram recently, that this is one drugstore product I actually buy when I run out.  As a beauty blogger, I'm fortunate enough to not have to purchase products that often.  But when I get hooked, I get hooked.  While I'm a huge fan of getting professional glosses in-between colors, this gets the job done, too.  No salon visit required.  Like the shampoo and conditioner, it deposits color at a more intense level to counteract brassiness and keep your shade rich.  Once a week I leave it on my damp, clean hair for about five minutes and rinse.  This collection is available for brunettes, blondes and redheads, and also comes in warm and cool tones, so you can get the perfect match.

Don't dye your hair?  Lucky b*tch.  You can still use these products to enhance your hair color or try using a clear gloss like Rita Hazan's Ultimate Shine Gloss, just to boost your shine game.

Get Their Exact Hair Color

It's time for a color refresh!  When seasons change, one of the easiest pick-me-ups and changes we can make ourselves is to our hair.  Lately I've been bringing in pictures of Jessica Alba's color to my colorist as a hair color goal.  In case Jessica Biel or Naomi Watts is your hair color inspiration, here are their exact formulas from their colorist, Tracy Cunningham.  Try bringing this to your next appointment.

Jessica Biel

NATURAL LEVEL: 4, Medium Brown 

BASE FORMULA:

2 oz. 5WB Golden Hazel Shades EQ Cream

2 oz. 10 vol. Pro-oxide Cream Developer 

HIGHLIGHT FORMULA:

1 scoop Flash Lift Maximum Lightening Powder Lightener

1 oz. 20 vol. Pro-oxide Cream Developer 

GLAZE FORMULA:

1/2 oz. Crystal Clear Shades EQ Gloss

1 1/2 oz. 09NB Irish Cream Shades EQ Gloss

2 oz. Shades EQ Processing Solution

Naomi Watts

NATURAL LEVEL: 6, Dark Blonde

HIGHLIGHT FORMULA:

1 scoop of Flash Lift Maximum Lightening Powder Lightener

1 oz. 20 volume Pro-oxide Cream Developer 

GLAZE FORMULA:

1 oz. Crystal Clear Shades EQ Gloss

1 oz. 09V Platinum Ice Shades EQ Gloss

2 oz. Shades EQ Processing Solution

Purple Hair, Don't Care

If I wasn't getting married in about three months I'd do it.  I'd dye my hair purple, permanently.  While I wouldn't be able to go as drastic as Nicole Richie, I'm picturing more of an ombre style with my brunette hair leading to violet tips.  Thinking about switching up your hair color for spring?  Purple is the only non-natural shade that compliments all skin tones.  I got the scoop from Nicole's colorist, Danny Moon from the Andy Lecompte Salon, on how her exact shade and have recs on how how you can get it, too.

Danny used Pravanas ChromaSilk pastels and vivids to create Nicole's color in the salon.  Unfortunately for us, we don't all have the luxury of visiting Danny in LA, but we can still get the look.

Temporary: L’Oréal Professionnel Hairchalk

For the commitment phobes who just want to have fun (like myself), L'Oreal Professionnel Hairchalk is the way to go.  The shade: First Date Violet.  When using hair chalk, I recommend creating peek-a-boo streaks or coloring just the ends to create an ombre effect.

Permanent: Vidal Sassoon Pro Series Hair Color

The Vidal Sassoon Pro Series Hair Color in London Lilac is vibrant and last about eight weeks, just like an in-salon color would.

Boost Your Color with John Frieda's New Glosses

John Frieda's Brilliant Brunette Color Glaze has been a staple in my shower for at least the past five years.  As a brunette who likes to deepen her color every few months, I live for glosses in between dye jobs.  Not only do they help enrichen my color once it begins to fade, but they also keep my hair shiny.  That's why when I heard that the brand was launching new and improved at-home glosses I jumped at the chance to test them out. Here's why you should, too.

The version I'm used to using was sort of like a one-size-fits-all.  If you had brown hair, you used the Brilliant Brunette Color Glaze.  While it worked to coat my strands by depositing a temporary medium brown shade, it had a warmth to it that brought out reddish undertones in my hair. Let's face it, after a dye job oxidizes, reddish undertones look better than washed out hair color.  I was satisfied... until my next dye job.

Now, the updated glosses mimic their in-salon treatments and are customized to suit your hair color and tone.  I use the Colour Refreshing Gloss for cool brunettes in between dyes and it enriches my color just a bit while canceling out the redness so I'm able to keep my hair color in check in between dye appointments.  Plus, it has all of the shine benefits.  These new glosses come in six different shades: warm and cool versions for brunettes, blondes and red heads.

Find John Frieda Colour Refreshing Gloss for $12.99 at drugstores.

*This is a sponsored post by John Frieda, but all of my thoughts and actions are true.

BYOB to Prevent Your Hair Color from Fading

Last week I sat in the chair of Kyle White at Oscar Blandi, a celebrity colorist who I recently worked with for New York Live.  As he was going through his tips for making hair color last longer (don't shampoo daily, use a thermal protector, etc), one really stood out – BYOB. No, not booze, brush.  Bring your own brush!   Allow me to explain. The number one problem people who color their hair face is fading.  As a brunette, I can tell you that the orangish shade my hair color turns is not flattering.  Orange isn't even a hair color!  Blondes fade to whitish, which is OK, because platinum blonde is still at least considered a hair color and red heads fade out to a coppery shade, which again, isn't ideal, but at least its in the same color family.  Therefore, if you're a brunette like me, sorry, we have it the worst.

Whenever you dry your hair at home make sure you're using a natural bristle brush.  Metal brushes are our hair's worst enemy.  It comes as no surprise that metal conducts heat, which is why when we use them, our blow outs come out so smooth and are done so quickly.  However, the heat also fades our hair color at a rapid pace while causing damage to our strands.

I visit blow out bars regularly and you know what?  They're all trained to use metal brushes, because they allow the stylist to get the quickest results and turn their chairs over. Whenever you go get your hair done or if you frequent a dry bar type of place like me, BYOB – bring your own brush. Yes, it will take the stylist twice as long to do your hair, but you they won't be frying it or sacrificing your color.  As Kyle said, "Think about that black shirt that fades each time you throw it into the dryer."

The Hottest Hair Color Hues for Fall

September is here!  Well, almost, but September Vogue is out, which basically means you better be ready for Fall.  Did you think about your hair color yet?  Writing this post reminded me to schedule my appointment!  To find out what's in, I spoke with the Head Colorist at Salon AKS in NYC, Kathleen Flynn-Hui.  Whether your a brunette, blonde or red head, I've got you covered. "This season, it's all about being multi-toned," remarks Kathleen Flynn-Hui, the Head Colorist for Salon AKS.  "Hair inspiration for color is really drawn from the foliage." When going to your colorist, take inspiration from the leaves and think ambers and gold.  In general, your new fall hair color should be richer and warmer than than the lavenders and brights you had for summer.

Blondes: Stay away from the "letting your roots" grow.  The look this year is more couture and polished.  Your hair doesn't have to look natural, just blended. Tone on tone is the trend for Fall, blondes should be golden, coper or wheat.

Brunettes: After summer your hair tends to look brassy and washed out.  You want your hair to look rich and shiny.   Your hair shouldn't look ashy, but dimensional. Try subtle highlights.

Reds: You have the best color, and Fall is really your season.  Try ambers and rich reds. Again, draw the most inspiration from the leaves turning.

Spring Hair Color Trends, What to Ask for When You Go to The Salon

I've been in the mood to darken my hair color ever since I cut it into a bob and last week I had the opportunity to work with Ammon Carver, a member of the Matrix Artistic Team, at the Mizu Salon in NYC, who hooked me up.  While in his hands, we spoke about the hottest spring hair color trends and celebs that are rocking them right now.  Lucky for me, my request to go richer, was right on. "When the weather warms up ,hair color becomes about luxurious rich tones and this season we're still playing off of color graduation; deeper bases with lighter ends or soft highlights," Carver explained.

Reds: Think Jessica Chastain

Keep it in the natural feeling auburn and gold-copper tones. Avoid punk or bright red tones that look "fake."  Typically, monochromatic or very very subtle dimension is best for reds as you don't want to see the highlights too much.

Brunettes: Jennifer Lawrence

Soft dimension is everything right now! Gold-violet tones that aren't too brassy or coppery, which balance between warm and cool. Use descriptions like "cool-caramel," or "cool-mocha". This will guide your stylist into keeping the tones away from the orange-scary highlight color that brunettes usually deal with.

I went in asking for a richer, chocolate shade ended up with a healthy cool-mocha color. Carver used Matrix's new ColorInsider Precision Permanent Color, which has no ammonia, but deposits color into the hair through an oil delivery system.

Blondes: Reese Witherspoon and Charlize Theron

Tone on tone highlights. Ask for a combination of neutral-cool toned highlights and a soft-warm lowlight. You want beautifully balanced dimension that isn't extremely contrast-y. Lightest highlight and darkest lowlight should only be 3 levels of separation.  Go in for a quick single process base-adjust in between your highlight appointments to update your darker new growth.

Fall's Hottest Hair Color Trends

Fall is around the corner and I'm so excited!  Now's the time to refresh your look.  I'm already thinking about what I'm going to do with my hair.  Toying with the idea of ombre... we'll see. Here are the top three hair color trends for this fall and with recommendations for how to get each look from Clairol Professional Celebrity Colorist, Kiyah Wright.

Hair Chalking

Celebs like Lauren Conrad, Nicki Minaj and Jamie King have all flirted with this trend and if you're one of those people who are constantly seeking change, it's for you, too.  Hair Chalking is a great way to add some fun colors to your hair without making a commitment.  The best hair chalking tutorial I've seen is by Lauren Conrad herself on her blog, The Beauty Department.  Check it out before you start drawing.  The best part, yes, you can use regular chalk!

Bright Reds

Rihanna is the first person that comes to mind when I think of bright red hair done right.  Looking to jump on board?  "Make sure you talk to your colorist about the intensity that you want and the best way to achieve it without compromising the integrity of your hair," remarks Wright.  If bright red hair isn't for you, but you still want a hint of red, brunettes can add reddish coppers and blondes can play with strawberry tones to be on trend.

Ombre

Ombre isn't going anywhere!  "It's changed in intensity over the years in that it used to be more subtle. Now, many are going for drama," commented Wright, who did Ciara's ombre look for the 2012 Grammy Awards.  She advises using extensions to flirt with the trend without compromising your strands.

L'Oreal Paris Surveys Women on Hair Color Stereotypes, My Comments...

I always deepen my hair color so I dyed my hair with L'Oreal Paris' Healthy Look Creme Gloss and talked all about hair color stereotypes in a video I did in a blog post and on their Turn It Up Facebook app.  Well, (drum roll please...) the census results are in!  So of course, I created another video for you that highlights some of my key findings (one of them has to do with men).  I like that it found brunettes to be confident and outspoken.  Yep, sounds right to me! Let me know what you think of my thoughts.  Agree?  You can also check out the rest of the survey results on L'Oreal Paris' Turn It Up Facebook App.

Brunettes Have More Fun and I Partnered with L'Oreal Paris to Prove It

Born a brunette, I'll always be a brunette (let's just say I learned my lesson in high school when I made the mistake of dabbling with extreme blonde highlights), but I love my haircolor and wouldn't change it for the world.  That's why I'm proud to partner with L'Oreal Paris for their "Turn It Up" campaign as their dark haired vixen!  I recently used their Healthy Look Crème Gloss to deepen my color a bit and bring it to life.  I'm also working with the brand to explore haircolor on my social media channels and their Facebook page in fun, unique ways. As you know, I don't normally do at-home hair color, but I do color my hair because my natural shade of brown is a bit on the mousy side.  Bland!  Since I normally do a single process, it was nice to save a few hundred dollars this month and DIY it!  The Healthy Look Crème Gloss only took ten minutes and lasts through 28 shampoos.  I used "Iced Chocolate" or 4AR, which was recommended to me after I took the Haircolor Census and used the "Find My Shade Tool" on the L'Oreal Paris FB page, which is a questionairre that helps you find the perfect shade.  It gave me a cooler, chestnut brown shade, but nothing drastic, which was just what I was seeking.  I felt comfortable using it because it had no ammonia and the after-color conditioner is worth coveting.  If you color your hair at home you know what I mean.

Rich, brown hair makes my facial features pop and my hazel eyes look greener.  You can get a shade recommendation from the app too and upload before and after photos like I did.  One more thing, make sure you don't miss the coupons.  I discuss the Haircolor Census in the video below.  Yea, I tell you how I really feel about haircolor stereo-types!

*This is a sponsored post, but my thoughts and actions are honest.

Kat Dennings' Hair Color is Appropriately Budget Friendly

No matter how broke Kat Dennings may be in her new show Two Broke Girls, she'll never have to sacrifice her beauty regimen.  Who says you can't be broke and beautiful?  God knows I've eaten cereal for breakfast, lunch and dinner some weeks, but still managed to get a mani! The life of a freelancer!  Want Kat's hair color for under $10?  No problem!  I spoke with Celebrity Colorist, Kelly Van Gogh, for some at-home hair coloring tips and got the scoop on what to use on a budget. I love Kat's single process, neutral brown hue and it can be achieved in your very own bathroom with L'Oreal Paris Superior Preference in  Shade 5, Medium Brown.  It's only $9.49 per box and fool proof!

"When choosing your perfect shade, you should always stay within two levels of your current all over hair colour," Kelly Van Gogh claims is one of her universal rules of hair coloring. Also remember that color does not lift color.  So if you plan on going from black to Kat's shade of brown, it's not going to work with one box dye.

However, if you want more of a multi-dimensional neutral brown hue (picture Kat's with highlights), it's going to cost you a little more, but is still much less expensive than heading to the salon.  Try Kelly Van Gogh's own line, specifically her Master Blend Multi-Dimensional Luxury Hair Colour Kit in 4G, $49.  The same rules apply and it only takes 10 minutes!  You can find this hair color kit at kellyvangogh.com.

My Private Foam Party with Clairol Color Blend Foam

I haven't dyed my own hair in about two years, but have been tempted to try out the latest trend in at-home hair color, foam, and had a party in my bathroom last week with Clairol Nice n' Easy Color Blend Foam. Excited at first, mixing the formula and figuring out the secret behind working the foam, but once I began applying the color to my roots I think it actually hit me that I was dying my own hair.  This video captures the moment perfectly:

I went for a darker shade of brown and was really impressed by the foam technology.  I remember when I used to dye my hair, the liquid would drip down my hands and I would quickly rub it into my hair hoping it wouldn't drip onto my face.  The foam was thicker, which offered more control.  After 25 minutes I rinsed, conditioned (have to love those magical conditioners that come with at-home hair dye ah-mazing), and anxiously blow dryed to check out my new shade.  What do you think?

Thinking about dying your hair?  Give it a try.  My shade choice was right on (they have 18 different colors) and it's fool proof.  Post your before and after pictures on Clairol's Facebook page, share your experience and tell Clairol why you should be their "Foambassador" at the People's Choice Awards.  Yes, they're giving away a trip!

On a weekly basis for the month of August they're picking winners to receive free Color Blend Foam and one winner will be voted by Clairol fans to go to the big awards show. Think VIP style.

*This is a sponsored post, but all opinions are of my honest thoughts.

Get Kate Middleton's Hair Color

OK so everyone's had their eye on this leading lady for quite some time now, but all the rave's been about the ring and her wardrobe.  Allow me to fill you in on something that caught my eye – her lusturous locks. The soon-to-be princess' hair is the perfect shade of brunette with hints of auburn that compliment her skin tone – and I swear the girl always has a blow out!  I know you envy that rock, but you don't have to envy that hair color.  Try L'Oreal Paris Healthy Looks Cream Gloss Color in 4AR/Cool Chestnut Brown.

I'm a huge fan of L'Oreal color because it's quick and easy (only takes 10 minutes) and my hair is always super shiny after use.  This one is ammonia-free and available in 18 shades.

Make Your Hair Color Last

No matter what hue you're sporting, it sometimes seems nearly impossible to keep it vibrant during the summer months.  Celebrity stylist brad johns, who recently opened a new studio at the Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa in Manhattan, gave me some great tips on how to preserve your hair color while laying out and frolicking in the sun. "Blondes usually get better in the summer because of the sun, but brunettes tend to get brassy," remarked brad.

If you're a brunette, the best way to protect your hair color is by covering it completely with a sun hat or scarf, however there are sprays made for hair with SPF in them.

Post sun, no matter what your hair color make sure you follow up with a good conditioner. Brad recommends Davines Nounou Repairing Hair Mask, $26.  If you're a blonde, rinse your locks with club soda after going in a chlorinated pool to prevent your hair from turning greenish.

Hair Color You Need to Know About

For years there has been three different ways to color your hair: permanent, semi-permanent and demi-preferment.  They're all good options for different reasons.  Let's explore: Permanent dye contains ammonia and doesn't wash out, it has to grow out..  It can drastically change your hair's color and even lighten it.  Semi-permanent dye doesn't contain peroxide or ammonia and can take your hair color a level or two deeper, but only lasts about ten shampoos.  Whereas demi-permanent also intensifies your hair color, but lasts longer (up to about 20-25 shampoos).

Now, there's a new form of permanent hair dye that doesn't have ammonia so it's kinder to your hair and doesn't smell toxic.  Introducing L'Oreal Professional Inoa, which is based on an oil delivery system.

"It was hard to believe that as a colorist, we were going to get a permanent hair color without ammonia that really delivers and doesn't irritate our client's scalps," commented Joel Warren, colorist and partner of Warren-Tricomi Salon in NYC.

Next time you're going for a dye job, if you're considering permanent,make sure you ask your stylist for Iona.  It will be a much more pleasurable experience for you and your strands!

Make Your Hair Color Last

Like many of you, I've been dying my hair for years, since about 7th grade to be exact.  A natural brunette, I've experimented with different tones of red, blonde highlights and even took my strands to an inky blue-black. Currently sporting a rich brunette hue, I don't think I'll ever go back to my lighter roots.  

Since hair color is only suposed to last about four to six weeks, coloring can get pretty pricey, not to mention drying!  I spoke with celebrity colorist, brad johns, of Red Door Spa in NYC to find out how to make your color last.  Check out his tips:

•  Go dirty.  Do not shampoo or wet your hair for 48 to 72 hours after coloring. This will allow your color to set in completely.
• Use the right products.  When shampooing, make sure you use specifically formulated shampoos and conditioners for color treated hair.
• Seal it in.  Use a silicone-based styling product that promises to seal in color after a wash.
• Revive.  Once a week use an at-home in-shower hair color glaze to keep the color fresh.  
• Be aware of the sun.  If you went darker, avoid the sun or protect your strands with an SPF so it doesn't turn brassy.  If you highlighted your hair, embrace the sun and allow it to naturally lighten your color.

Brad Johns recommends Davines products for color teated hair, but also recommends consulting with your stylists.

Have What it Takes to Be A Redhead?

A natural redhead is hard to come by, but these days, colorists have perfected their techniques to a T, making it harder to distinguish the real from the fake.  

Believe it or not, people born with natural red hair make up only 1% of the human population and only about 2% out of 300 million people in the US are redheads.    

There's actually a site MyRedHairGene.com, which allows you to order a Red Tracer DNA test from to see if you're a carrier of the "red hair gene." In order to have a redheaded child, both parents have to be a carrier of the certain gene, have red hair themselves or one has to have the gene and the other has to have red hair.  

Some hot natural redheads in Hollywood include: Lindsay Lohan (aka fire crotch), Isla Fisher, Kate Walsh, and Nicole Kidman.