Maria C- Colorist & Extensions & curly hair

Direct dye
* Fading can be unpredictable depending on porosity, previous lightening, shampooing, heat, and the particular pigment.
* The color molecules are already formed and deposit directly onto the hair.
* No developer is needed.
* It primarily sits on/in the outer layers of the hair rather than changing the hair’s natural pigment.
* It can create very vibrant, fashion shades and can stain porous hair.
* It generally cannot lighten the hair.

Semi-permanent/oxidative color

* The color uses dye precursors that react/oxidize with a developer to create the color inside the hair strand.
* Depending on the specific product and developer, it can pe*****te further into the hair and generally gives a more controlled color result.
* It’s commonly used for toning, refreshing color, blending, and adding depth or tone.
* It also cannot lighten significantly unless you’re actually using a product formulated for some degree of lift.

Whether you’ve been my client for years or you’re brand new, I always talk through your hair history before I start any service. That’s also why being on time to your appointment matters. The consult is part of the service.

This client came in wanting to go lighter. I asked about her history, and she was honest and upfront about it. Her hair had been highlighted before, then she went back to the darkest shade possible. That means the hair is still fragile from the original lightening. Going darker doesn’t erase the damage, it just covers it.

So I let her know this would take multiple appointments to get to her goal safely. Why? Because rushing it would risk breakage, and no color is worth that.

Your stylist needs the full story, even the box dye and the “I just went darker” chapters. The more honest you are, the better your result will be. 💛

Want to lighten your hair? Book a consultation first. 📩

Your blow dryer might be breaking your hair. 😳

Wet hair is at its most fragile. It stretches further when wet, then shrinks back as the water evaporates. Pulling with too much tension too soon can stress or snap the strands, especially if your hair is over-processed, and it can damage your extensions too.

No time to air dry? Turn the heat down on your blow dryer but keep the air flow high. Try to get your hair about 80% dry, then finish styling with your brush of choice, controlled tension. Your hair will thank you. 🤍

Save this for your next wash day!

Color is designed to deposit pigment, and that includes your skin along the hairline, ears, and neck. The good news: it’s usually surface-level and easy to remove when it’s handled right away.

How I keep it from sticking:
💧 Hydrated skin stains less, so drink water in the days before your appointment
🎨 Color removes color: I rub fresh color onto the stain and wipe it away
🧴 Barrier cream is an option, but it can make covering resistant grays harder, so we’ll talk through what’s best for your hair

If you notice a little tint at home, don’t scrub hard. Gentle cleansing over the next day or two usually does the trick.

Save this for your next color appointment 📌

Recently, I had an appointment with a company where the owner sent a confirmation text that included a link with video instructions on how to find their “hidden gem.”

Let me tell you—it was SO helpful! It made finding the location easy and took away the guesswork.

I don’t have access to send my clients links with detailed directions to the businesses I work from, but I can share visuals to help you understand the layout and make finding me a little easier.

So if you’re ever unsure where to go, keep an eye out for my visual guides! 🤍

She came in asking me to even out her purple. But it wasn’t as simple as throwing lightener on her whole head. This kind of correction has to be done in steps, with patience, and with a plan.
6 hours later and we achieved our magical outcome that she can maintain at home ❤️