I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve had a client with jet black ends sit in my chair for a color correction and say “I don’t know what happened! The box said Dark Brown and I got THIS.”

I then ask them to describe my hair color, which, to an untrained eye, would be considered the darkest of browns. My clients can’t believe it when I tell them that in the color world my hair is considered LIGHT brown. And that there is a universal numbering system that professionals use to perfectly match their color.

Drug Store box colors don’t do this and why would they? A Duane Reade shopper is going to reach for “Cinnamon Brown” or “Milk Chocolate” before they choose “Level 5 Neutral.” They look at a photo-shopped picture on the box, done by a professional colorist and think that’s what their result will be!

When the color turns out too dark or too red or doesn’t cover grays, many people will try to fix it themselves by adding MORE color on top, creating an even bigger mess.

I can’t stress enough the importance of having a professional color your hair. After all, you are putting chemicals on your head, many of which might be too strong for what you actually need. A trained colorist can offer many options depending on individuals needs. He or she will work with you not only to find the ideal shade, but to keep your hair shiny and healthy and the unnecessary chemicals at a minimum.

If cost is a concern, look into a salon’s apprentice program where licensed hair assistants take class and need models. These classes are usually taught and supervised by senior colorists and cost a nominal product fee.

For more information on classes and becoming a color model, call us 212 989 6800.

As a colorist, I often hear from my clients “I’d love to go red, BUT…I don’t know if I can pull it off with my coloring.”  After watching the Oscars tonight, I want to tell them “YES, you can.” I saw four glorious women, all so incredibly different each owning their copper color.

On the lightest end of the spectrum was best supporting actress nominee  Jessica Chastain, radiant in a pale copper. This can be easily attained for any blonde simply by applying a demi permanent, high shine glaze.

Emma Stone and best supporting actress nominee Berenice Bejo fell into the rich Celtic copper hues. These shades tend to work better on skin tones with pink undertones and are easy to achieve with minimal lightening and a rich copper glaze.

The wonderful Viola Davis wowed me with her natural style and complementary auburn hue. For women with darker or more olive complexions, I’d go a bit less orange and more auburn like Viola.

For those just dipping their toe into the color water, I’d suggest a few well placed highlights around the face in a copper shade or a Demi permanent glaze that will wash out in 4-6 weeks.

Viola Davis won the best actress Oscar the moment she stepped onto the red carpet! She beckoned us to look at her! A PHENOMENAL, confident, bold, crisp and elegant woman, without the age-adding wigs!

Viola was dusted with a Reddish Brown Halo and sprinkled with green. BRAVO!

I am sure she was not trying to create a political statement – but any time a black woman makes a conscious decision to show up natural, it is a conversation piece. I say THANK YOU for giving black women the courage to be their glam-ma-zon selves.

As a Hairstylist that women consult with when they are thinking about a new look and at times a drastic change, I always encourage women that once you make up your mind, “JUST DO IT”.   Make sure the hair cut works with your head shape and the hair color compliments your natural skin tone – this is a winning formula!

As our gift to you, receive a 20% discount at our favorite neighborhood retailer, Tracy Reese. Receive this discount with every haircut or color service between now and Valentines Day.

Tracy’s Spring Collection is in now, be quick!

Candice will be discussing healthy meal choices with correspondent Sonia Alleyne.   I am so excited for her, and looking forward to our collaboration at the Edris salon on spring cleaning / cleansing your body and other nuritional workshops for our clients.

Please check out her website:  Candice M Taylor

Trends For All Body Types with fashion expert Mary Alice Stephenson

Thinking of becoming a new client, or have a friend that wants to try EDRIS Salon for the first time?

For a limited time only, new clients can visit EDRIS Salon at an extraordinary introductory price. Hurry – this offer won’t last and will be only on sale at GILT until Friday 10am, July 22nd.

Services can be redeemed until October 15th, 2011.

In the fall of 2010 Edris created the hair cut for SHU UEMURA’s Kendo Ballet Launch. This past month we were honored to host NYC’s hottest bloggers. We spoiled the girls to SHU’s luxury Full Ceremony Treatments and Absolute Essence blow outs. Edris was very excited to talk with bloggers about the creative process of coming up with her haircut and her inspiration behind the look.

A Day at Edris Salon from SHU UEMURA ART OF HAIR on Vimeo.

We were thrilled to have some of the hottets beauty & fashion bloggers in the salon – take a moment and check out their sites – you may end up bookmarking them to your favorites.

www.joellevandyne.com

www.gretaguide.com

www.brookandlyn.com

www.theglamourai.com

www.wheredidugetthat.com

Shu Uemura Art of Hair Gallery Of Style: Kendo Ballet from SHU UEMURA ART OF HAIR on Vimeo.