You all know I love visiting Hylton-Hundt Salon for my “hairapy”. Whether it’s to get a cut, color or a simple blow-dry, I always enjoy talking to Bonnie about what’s new in haircare and her business and I always go away with some piece of information that surprises me. So, knowing I’m not the only one who has lots of questions…particularly about hair color…I asked Bonnie to do a guest blog here to share her vast knowledge. — Joan
HAIR COLOR – Some Common Questions
- Who needs it?
- Is it bad for me? Are some products more “green” than others?
- What are my options?
- How much maintenance will there be?
- What’s the best way to cover gray?
- Will I have roots?
Haircolor today has evolved from the dark ages of harsh chemicals, uncontrollable Hennas and weird mineral based do-it-yourself drug store tints, to a new amazing array of healthy choices that can achieve any result you can dream up. It’s no longer the vanilla , chocolate or strawberry choices of the 50′s. The possibilities and products are endless.
Almost everyone has dabbled in some form of color at some age. Right now in the U.S., 70% of women and roughly 25% of men do some form of hair coloring. 
Just walk down the aisle at any drug store and your head will spin with a blur of promises.
WHO NEEDS IT?
The number one reason for the decision to take that leap is gray hair. Coincidentally, it can also be the most challenging. As one ages, hair color changes…often becoming darker or more drab. This is a good reason for some highlights! As the seasons change, so does your color. Sun damaged and dry winter hair can be brightened with a glaze and can totally change your look…so have fun. Mother Nature changes her color every season so why shouldn’t you?! And coloring your hair can also make you feel better. According to a recent survey of 1,000 salon clients, 69% of women said they feel more attractive after a color service and 61% said they felt more confident. (click here to see more results)
IS IT BAD FOR YOU?
First and foremost, we believe that haircolor should not damage your hair! If you trust a professional to do your color you can be sure the products used will be of better quality than those you find in a drugstore. This is not to say that all salons use the same caliber of product. 
Because we believe that your hair should be just as healthy or better after any service, we use products that are of the finest ingredient standard possible. They have the lowest level of ammonia found in any haircolor because ammonia is the “bad guy”…it’s what damages the hair and consequently, causes color to wash out and look dull. For example, Schwarzkopf (the primary line that we use), has 2% ammonia content and Clairol has 18%!
ARE SOME PRODUCTS MORE “GREEN” THAN OTHERS?
There has been a successful effort over the last 20 years to remove all carcinogens and synthetic dyes from all hair products. The carcinogens are gone. However, most color products still do contain some synthetics because all-natural pigments do not hold up well and tend to slide out of the hair.
WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS & HOW MUCH MAINTENANCE WILL THERE BE?
PERMANENT COLOR – Just like it sounds, permanent color doesn’t wash out. With permanent color we can lighten or change color by using varying levels of peroxide. It will grow out with a line of demarcation that is visible depending on the degree of change. This type of color covers gray hair best and needs to be touched up every 4-6 weeks.
DEMI-PERMANENT – Washes out gradually although not entirely. It will NOT lighten but will provide the same or different tone of the same darkness or lightness. 
Demi-permanent color can be used to cover gray or tone down unwanted shades and will last up to 8-10 weeks.
SEMI-PERMANENT – Will wash out almost entirely after 30 shampoos. It will cover minimal gray by simply depositing pigment. Works great for glazing or to add subtle tone. Semi-permanent contains no peroxide so it also will not lighten hair. Great for shine and conditioning.
HIGHLIGHTS – Done with a cap or foils. Caps are good for short or fine hair and are less time-consuming than foils. Foils are used for longer hair and use varying colors to add contrast and texture. This can be done with color or bleach depending on your desired shades. We can also achieve many different results by using dark colors (or lowlights) to camouflage gray in a natural, less obvious way. Maintenance here varies on the shade and how fine or “chunky” the highlights are.
Whatever color service you get, you should protect your investment by always using professional products to maintain your fabulous glowing mane!
Along with our other fine home haircare products, we’re happy to announce that Hylton Hundt is now one of only a select few salons in the country carrying UNITE™ Eurotherapy Professional Salon System products.
If you have more questions about what kind of color is right for your hair, come in for a free color consultation–just give us a call and we’ll set up an appointment for you.
– Bonnie Hundt
Hylton Hundt Salon
Route 44 East
Millerton, NY
518-789-9390
Email: hyltonhundtsalon@gmail.com
