For the Faint of Hair
By Clementina Verge
Diamines and aminophenols. Phenylenediamine and molecules. Many find themselves sitting in salon chairs awaiting a color transformation and hoping for a fabulous outcome, without knowledge about what happens to hair follicles during the process.
“Anyone can apply single-process color, but not everyone understands the science behind color and behind the application process,” notes Scott Bond, owner of Byrde + the b, an award-winning, full-service luxury salon, shop, and art gallery in Washington Depot. “Only when you do, can you end up with a really beautiful product.”
Coloring is a basic beauty school requirement and something anyone can do at home using an over-the-counter product. Unfortunately, the ease of application means that it often falls into inexperienced hands, with disappointing results. Think unflattering shades that do not match the model on the box, dull color, or damaged hair. The reasons for trusting only a highly-trained professional include customization, protection, and proper application.
Bond and his two leading stylists—Lucy Callaway and Ange Zweifel—have been trained at L’Oréal, Revlon, and Davines, and have continued taking in depth, specialized courses. Such knowledge and 62 years of combined experience yields optimum results time after time, creating beauty while safeguarding hair health.
Transforming tresses from a current hue to a desired shade involves exact science. Whether the objective is to cover gray or find a new personal hairstyle, much deliberation goes into each person’s coloring process. Various methods—such as ombre, highlights, or balayage—require precise knowledge and products for customization, making sure the result is a color complementary to face shape, skin tone, and hair texture.
“So many small details go into the equation of formulation,” explains Zweifel.
Callaway agrees: “The perfect shade is all about neutralizing, canceling, or emphasizing colors within the natural hair shaft. It all goes back to understanding primary and tertiary colors.”
Balayage, for example, offers multi-dimensional and ultra-flattering looks with dozens of possibilities: dark brown, light brown, caramel on dark, brown on black, chocolate brown, ash brown, chestnut brown—and that’s just the brunette side. Each shade requires an exact combination of chemicals and a unique application process, whether lighting a dark base color or creating sun-kissed ribbons on a blonde.
“It’s 100 percent chemistry and art on a daily basis,” Bond remarks. “The ability to predict underlying pigment makes the biggest difference and being able to do that requires years of experience.”
Though combinations seem endless, Bond prefers simplicity.
“People sometimes forget the color wheel and get overly creative,” he cautions. “We don’t fall for the latest silly trend or technique. For us, it’s about beauty and art. It’s more natural, more beautiful, and more tasteful.”
At Byrde+the b, advanced training is also the norm when it comes to cutting, lending the same solid foundation, with stylists trained at industry powerhouses including Sassoon Academy, Fekkai, and Davines Professional Academy. In fact, all services, from extensions to treatments, barbering, and skincare, are delivered to the highest professional standards, transforming your tresses and skin from average to covetable.
byrdeandtheb.com
10 Titus Rd, Washington Depot
860-619-0422
