Editor's Note: Color TrendingAre you so over ombre? One sign you should be: the box color commercial I just heard telling your clients they can now “ombre at home.” Imitation of your hairdresser magic is fl attery, sure, but when a salon trend has saturated pop culture and into mass, it’s time to evolve it or better yet, revisit your tool box. It’s time to create the next big thing.

Our annual color issue is here to help. In our expanded PROCESS section, we ask leading color educators to share favorite new formulas and techniques you can customize.

We also have exclusive MODERN how-to shoots from industry showstoppers Sue Pemberton and Damien Carney for Joico, Hairdresser at Heart ambassador Alexandra Matiz for Wella, and Nick Arrojo and James Edick for Goldwell. Plus, check out compelling color essays from L’Oréal Professionnel and Sassoon Academy’s spring release.

For most of you, hair color is the most profi table part of your business. Spring and the promise of summer bring the most demand, especially for lightening. Throughout this issue, you’ll find tips to inspire more color business during this critical color season, along with updates on products to help create—and clients protect—beautiful hair color art.

Post your best before-and-afters on MODERN SALON’s Instagram @modernsalon (use #hairdressermagic) or on our Facebook wall. Who knows? Your work may invent or inspire the “next ombre.”

Here’s what MODERN editors are seeing in color:

• BLONDING POSSIBILITIES: “Whether baliaging accent pieces for a rooty pop of light, or softly diffusing highlights from midstrand to base, colorists are moving away from traditional rows of foils and having fun with lightener!” —Executive Editor Alison Shipley

• EXTENDED OPTIONS: “The exploding extension category is helping both stylists and clients experiment with color—traditional and extreme— without commitment. Ultimately, this will help hook and convert even more clients to the wonders of professional salon color.” —Beauty & Fashion Director Maggie Mulhern

• COSMETICS CONNECTION: “With blushing corals on lips and brilliant blues on lids, the spring make-up palette wakes up pale winter faces with gorgeous, pigmented hues. Graphic eyeliners in jade, gray and blue add intensity.” —West Coast Beauty & Markets Editor Anne Moratto

• COLOR COMES OUT: “When our team reviewed the 2013 SALONS OF THE YEAR entries, it was challenging to find a salon without a color bar, lab, lounge or processing table. Hair color not only has become a critical part of salon business, it’s become a focal point of salon decor.” —SALON TODAY Editor-in-Chief Stacey Soble

These trends and the tips inside and online should inspire a bright season for all. Happy coloring!

Editor's Note: Color Trending

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