Color: Colin Caruso, Paul Mitchell Artistic Director of ColorCut:Michael Depinto, Master Stylist, Salon Caru, Hoboken, NJPhotographer:Roberto LigrestiMakeup:David Maderich for MAC CosmeticsFashion stylist:Rod Novoa

Is fashion color on the way out? With the ability to offer new delivery systems, fresh shades and gentle pastel hues, the “ontrend” client has more ways than ever to express herself.

Colin Caruso, Paul Mitchell artistic director of color, is having a love affair with balayage and pastel fashion shades.

“Balayage is not going anywhere,” he says. “It’s on-trend, but it is a technique that makes so much sense. Clients love the look, and it offers the opportunity for a colorist to show true artistic skill.”

Caruso says clients want lived-in color, but they also want it fresh.

“It sounds like a conflict, but it is not, and it can be delivered through balayage,” says Caruso, who uses balayage to brighten and lift color, allowing softerlooking regrowth and lighter ends. For this session, Caruso points out that “what you don’t paint is as important as what you do paint.” The artist has been playing with Paul Mitchell Color Craft, a customizable conditioning color.

“It’s perfect for guests who want to try pastels but don’t want to commit,” Caruso says. “It’s temporary and dilutes quickly, and the perfect solution for guests who get bored. Keep them excited and interested—even with just one little pop of color.”

Michael Depinto, a master stylist at Salon Caru, Caruso’s Hoboken, New Jersey salon, says the goal with the
model’s cut was to create a triangular bob.

“This silhouette is perfect for her face shape,” Depinto says. “It’s versatile, a shape you can dress up or dress down.” Depinto chose to point cut throughout to create more texture and soften ends.

FORMULAS:

Formula 1: 20 g Color Craft Conditioner and
10 pumps Honeycomb, 2 pump Lapis.

Formula 2: 20 g Color Craft Conditioner,
6 pumps Lapis, one pump Paprika.

Formula 3: 20 g Color Craft Conditioner,
8 pumps Misty Violet, 1 pump Lapis.

Formula 4: 20 g Color Craft Conditioner with
1 pump Paprika, 8 pumps Misty Violet, 1 pump Lapis
and 2 pumps Ash Walnut.

Formula 5: 40 g Color Craft Conditioner,
3 pumps Paprika, 1 pump Misty Violet.

PRODUCTS & TOOLS
Color: Paul Mitchell Color Craft
Lightener: Paul Mitchell Blonde Skylight Hand-Painting Clay Lightener; Paul Mitchell The Demi
Shampoo and conditioner: Paul Mitchell Forever Blonde
Stylers: Awapuhi Wild Ginger Texturizing Sea Spray; Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum and Worked Up Hairspray
Shears: Mizutani
Blow dryer: Paul Mitchell Neuro Halo Dryer
Flat iron: Paul Mitchell Neuro Halo 1-inch Styling Iron
Brushes: Paul Mitchell 413 Sculpting Brush
Fashions: Topshop