Customized Color

Everyone's talking about customized color, but how do you create it for every client? At Carmen Carmen salons in Charlotte, North Carolina, owner Carmen Cutrona says working with skin tone and lifestyle alone won't allow self-expression: "Think of how color subtly changes every time you put your hands in the hair or restyle it." Here's how his salon created one-of-a-kind color designs for three fabulous makeovers.

Talk Texture. A natural Level 6/7 gets red-on-red to emphasize the short, croppy texture of her cut. Seasonally on-trend, the rich base and custom-placed red/gold and chestnut highlights bring out the hair's movement-both natural and style-shifted.
One of a Kind Color
Color direction by Kelly McCarty; Photography by Tom Carson

Emphasize Eyes. Make an eye-enhancing, forehead-camouflaging wedge more wearable by breaking-up dark, solid shades with cinnamon and caramel "pinwheel" highlights and a melting of pastel violet on the ends. Over Level-2 hair, the pastel simply adds lightness. Color looks like it was poured on top and allowed to run down, creating a halo of shine.
One of a Kind Color
Cut and color by Josh Carpenter for Carmen Carmen Prestige at Belk; Photography by Tom Carson

Enhance Bone Structure. A Natural Level-4 and an accountant by day, this model got warm chestnut and Level-9 highlights to boost shine and allow bolder expressions. Her chiseled jaw line is uniquely traced with blonde panels that lie beneath the surface; the effect creates "sideburn" color on both sides. "We brought out her best facial features."
One of a Kind Color
Color direction by Kelly McCarty; Photography by Tom Carson


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