Managing expectations doesn’t sound like as much fun as making dreams come true when it comes to hair color results.   But Shannon Lorene (@shannonlorene_hair) of Salon Déjà vu in Rockaway, New Jersey (@salondejavunj) says that colorists can do both if they really take the time to consult with clients.

“Often times a client comes in with an inspiration picture and it serves as just that, inspiration,” Shannon says. “I personally love when clients come in with intense inspiration pictures—I thrive off of big projects.  I  do think it’s always best to be 100% honest and realistic when it comes to a client’s expectation; when a goal is unattainable based off a client’s starting color, I explain to them why, but always try to come up with an alternative plan of action. I offer other suggestions or ideas and try to come up with something fun that I am positive is achievable.”

PRICING

“Every fantasy color takes unique steps and different technique to achieve the end goal,” says Shannon. “I break down price depending on the time, product, and technique that is used throughout each process. Discussing price beforehand is a must but I never quote exact price due to the fact that there is always the possibility of needing an extra step or process.”

MAINTENANCE

“To ensure the longevity of my client’s color, I recommend cold rinses to help preserve color. I also insist that my clients use sulfate, paraben and carcinogen free shampoos and conditioners. Another recommendation is to not shampoo every day!”

PROCESS

For this “girl on fire” finish, Shannon was able to move through things pretty easily.“There are many factors to take into consideration when trying to achieve a desired color. In this case, my client came in with previously highlighted level 9 hair with an easily attainable goal.”

Pro Tips: “In order to prevent too much color bleeding into her ends when color melting, I made sure to use cold water to keep the cuticle of the hair closed and used conditioner on the very ends of her hair as a barrier. I wasn’t overly concerned with her color running because I knew I was going to do a wet balayage at the end and I wanted all of her colors to be fused together.”

STEPS

ONE:  “First I filled her root to midlengths with Kleral Majicolor Red Copper and Majicolor Red additive and let that process.”

TWO: “ I rinsed and towel dried her hair and moved on to a color melt. I find it easiest to achieve an even blend on damp hair. I used Pravana Red on her roots and smudged that into Pravana Orange and let that process for 25 minutes.”

THREE:  “I then rinsed again and wet balayaged her ends at the bowl for 15 minutes to brighten her pre- existing blonde ends.”

FOUR:  “I finished her color by adding Pravana Neon Yellow to the pre-lightened balayage.”

CUT

“ I finished her off with a more layered razor cut to show off the gorgeous dimension of her color.”

FINAL WORD:  “I’m happy to say that this client’s inspiration color was turned into reality!”