The Hair Color Code for Spring 2014

With the new season comes an exciting development on the hair color front. This Spring marks the welcome return of icy platinum locks, alongside cool brunettes and ashtoned blondes. With ombré firmly out the door, it’s high time you took heed of the new color rules. The only remaining question: which color are you brave enough to sport?

The Look Ice Cold Platinum The Show Diane Von Furstenberg Spring 2014 RTW The Rundown Popularized by trendsetters like Marilyn Monroe, Madonna, Gwen Stefani, and Rita Ora, whiter than white blonde is back on the beauty radar. The stark silvery finish takes this cult Hollywood hair color into futuristic territory.

Ice Cold Platinum

(Above) Ice white wigs sported at Chanel Spring 2014 RTW (Below) Poker-straight with a glass like finish backstage at Donna Karan Spring 2014 RTW

Ice Cold Platinum

(Above) Scandinavian blonde lengths backstage at Emilio Pucci Spring 2014 RTW (Below) Choppy bobs with dark roots backstage at Marc Jacobs Spring 2014 RTW

Ice Cold Platinum

Things to Consider UPKEEP: this trend requires regular salon visits to keep dark roots at bay. HAIR LENGTH: bleach can be harmful to the hair so keep your hair trim in order to avoid frazzled ends. TAKE YOUR TIME: to achieve this hair color takes patience—up to four salon visits or several hours in the chair, especially for natural brunettes. A series of color lifting, bleaching, and then toning is vital to get the perfect ice queen crop. TOP TIP: don’t wash your hair for at least a couple of days prior to bleaching, as this will help to protect your scalp from feeling like its burning from the strength of the bleach.

The Look Cool-Toned Brunette The Show Calvin Klein Spring 2014 RTW The Rundown These are punchy, dark chocolate tresses at their best. No highlights, up lighting, or ombré techniques here; this is clean and sleek color, a million miles away from beachy tresses. Pair with a blunt cut and some shine spray and you’re good to go.

Cool-Toned Brunette

(Above) Glossy and loose backstage at Versace Spring 2014 RTW (Below) Straight and seriously shiny backstage at Donna Karan Spring 2014 RTW

Cool-Toned Brunette

(Above) Short and sharp backstage at Mary Katrantzou Spring 2014 RTW (Below) Healthy locks and a cool complexion backstage at Diane Von Furstenberg Spring 2014 RTW

Cool-Toned Brunette

Things to Consider HAIR CUT: this dark raven shade will add the punch to a precision haircut. Opt for one length and a blunt cut. SKIN TONE: cool shades complement cool skin tones but this color can look particularly exquisite with olive complexions. MAKE UP: with darker strands you may need to amp things up on the makeup front. A flash of bronzer and warm metallic eye shadow is a foolproof combination. TREATMENT: opt for a glossing treatment, which helps to restore and nourish the hair while coating it with translucent color. Your strands will be fortified and the cuticles sealed shut, creating a wall of hair that shines like glass.

The Look Rose Gold Radiance The Show Gucci Spring 2014 RTW The Rundown This is hair color with the warmth of a sunset bouncing off the strands. An impossibly glossy hue with the warmest undertones. When worn with a wave, it has a dazzling, almost metallic-like shine.

Rose Gold Radiance

(Above) An all-over peachy gold backstage at Gucci Spring 2014 RTW (Below) Coppery tousled lengths backstage at Calvin Klein Spring 2014 RTW

Rose Gold Radiance

(Above) Long bohemian lengths with a hint of warmth working from the tip upwards, backstage at Calvin Klein Spring 2014 RTW (Below) Erin Wasson with her signature warm strands backstage at Alexander Wang Spring 2014 RTW

Rose Gold Radiance

Things to Consider SKINTONE: those with a pale complexion ought to go for a more frosty pink, while yellow-toned complexions can take a full-on rose gold color. LEVEL OF QUIRKINESS: with Nicole Richie sporting lavender locks and Katy Perry going minty green, this rosy peach can elevate you into rock star territory. This hue will certainly capture your colleagues attention—and if done well, it will be for all the right reasons. MAKE UP: with highly pigmented hair, keep to a warm color palette for the rest of your visage. Peach-dusted cheeks and warm metallic eyelids are a good combination. And for a little extra va-va-voom, a bold red lipstick works well at night.

The Look Bronde The Show Balmain Spring 2014 RTW The Rundown Not quite blonde yet lighter than a true brunette, the bronde is the latest pantone sported by many a model. Flattering for both warm and cool skin tones, this is a more natural looking hair color.

Bronde

(Above) The softest undone dark blonde backstage at Emilio Pucci Spring 2014 RTW (Below) Delicate up-lit locks backstage at Alexander Wang Spring 2014 RTW

Bronde

(Above) Subtle honey strands backstage at Balmain Spring 2014 RTW (Below) Karlie Kloss and her crème caramel crop backstage at Donna Karan Spring 2014 RTW

Things to Consider TIME TO ACHIEVE: you need to have a consultation to see which color of bronde is best for your skin tone. Your eyebrow color might be something to discuss with your colorist. Dark hair may have to be pre-lightened before coloring, then a series of hand-placed highlights can give a multi-dimensional feel to the look. TECHNIQUE: balayage is a coloring technique originating from France, which sees color applied by hand rather than by section with individual foils. It enables the colorist to pinpoint the strands to enhance in order to give a natural, sun-kissed finish to the hair. UPKEEP: with no solid line of color, as your hair grows, the effect will only become more natural. Darker at the roots to subtly lifted ends means you won’t have to visit your salon every six weeks. Interested in learning more about this particular look? Read our full guide to getting the Bronde look.

The Look Ash Talk The Show Burberry Prorsum Spring 2014 RTW The Rundown With silver/grey hair making a comeback, the trend has trickled down to a really ashy dark blonde. Hair is being toned to give a cool finish that gives a rock-and-roll vibe to long locks.

Ash Talk

(Above) An ashy tone to a cool blonde gives a whimsical feel to fine hair backstage at Christopher Kane Spring 2014 RTW (Below) A cool complexion and bold set of brows are the best accompaniment to the trend, backstage at Burberry Prorsum Spring 2014 RTW

Ash Talk

(Above) An ashy finish can be achieved on brown hair, as seen backstage at Burberry Prorsum Spring 2014 RTW (Below) A cool tone gives the hair a multidimensional shine and works brilliantly with the new straighter lengths, as seen backstage at Ralph Lauren Spring 2014 RTW

Ash Talk

Things to Consider TONE: remember that this is not a hair color per se—it’s more of a tone. Therefore, it doesn’t matter whether your hair is light or dark to begin with; an ashy toner will help you to achieve this all-over smoky feel. SKIN QUALITY: if you are prone to any hint of redness or rosacea, this is not a hair color option for you. Any visible redness will only be magnified against the soft silvery strands. Only creamy complexions need apply. MAKE UP: a punch of color works beautifully with an ashy hair color. Stock up on bright lipsticks and nail varnish and always have a mascara wand at hand to stop you from looking washed out, as this look can cause that effect for pallid skin tones.