Yes, few days ago I got highlights for the first time in my life. For many women, this procedure has become a norm many years ago, but I somehow preserved and held on to my hair’s natural beauty for 30 something years. But as of today my hair, as salon stylists say it, is no longer VIRGIN!
When I showed up in London’s best-kept secret, Toni & Guy Hair Academy, to get my half-head highlights, both headmasters were touching my hair and complimenting on its silkiness and softness. In fact, I was once modelling for Wella Hair show and the top stylist refused to colour my hair as he admired its shade and texture. But enough of bragging…!
With the time I kind of got tired of the same hair colour and decided it was time to experiment a bit. My inspiration came from Giselle’s look and couple of others below.
Toni & Guy Academy was a perfect place for it. The way the drill works is that you do the usual skin test 48 hours in advance, show up for the appointment and they assign you to a specific class. I was taken to a basic colouring class where each client is assigned to a particular colouring student. First, I was a bit nervous to entrust my hair into the hands of a novice, but headmasters are watching every step of the student, making suggestions and checking on their technique, so I simply relaxed and watched my hair being transformed.
My colourist, Anastasia from Greece, was a lovely young woman who wanted to make sure the final result pleased me. She and the headmaster discussed which exactly tones to use to bring the effect I was after – a slightly lighter shade that would soften my face. She actually used two tones instead of one to achieve a more gradual effect so that the highlights would organically blend with my natural hair.
After a very precise division of hair into smaller parts, which was checked and approved by the headmaster, Anastasia used both slicing and weaving foil techniques. A bit of time under the heat lamp, and then it was time to remove the foils, wash out dye and apply the toner. After about 3 hours of the whole procedure, it was time to blow dry and style my hair.
I loved my new highlights! It was nothing drastic, a slightly brighter hair colour (very classy, as one of the academy staff said!) so that I can decide if I want something wilder next time!
Next time, if I am brave enough, I want to try Bayalage (like on these pics). Let me know what you think!
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