The Ultimate Guide To Color Correction
We’ve all been there- your client comes into your salon with hair that can only be described as a disaster—unattractive and over-processed from repeated, improper color applications. Understandably, she is FREAKING OUT!
This will require an intensive correction process, involving multiple tools from your hair color and haircare arsenal. Thankfully, Redken Brand Ambassador and Color Correction Specialist Cassandra McGlaughlin is here to offer expertise on how to execute a flawless color correction appointment, from the initial client consultation and color application, to take-home product and maintenance.
Cassandra McGlaughlin
As a renowned color correction expert and social media influencer, Cassandra McGlaughlin is known throughout the industry as an innovative educator with a salon-reality approach to color. Read on to discover Cassandra’s tips for building a thriving color correction business at your salon and learn more about the fundamentals you’ll need to ensure that you have an excellent experience with each of your color correction guests. With these tips, you can handle any color SOS like a pro!
Master The Building Blocks Of Color Correction
The color correction process starts long before you pull out the product. Make sure to follow through each of these steps properly to ensure success!
1. Initial Assessment
Take time to identify the exact issue with your client’s current haircolor to more effectively plan out your next steps. Determine if your client’s hair is too warm, too cool, too dark and/or too light.
2. Level Set With Your Client
Explain what can be done during this appointment given the time you have together and the condition of your client’s hair. It’s important to come to a shared reality with your client about what’s possible and manage your client’s expectations.
3. Determine The Severity
Assess your client’s haircolor and determine if the color correction is mild, moderate or severe. This will help you understand if the color correction will require one or multiple appointments.
4. Identify A Course Of Action For The Appointment
Will you need to decolorize, fill, and/or color? Identifying the steps for your color correction can help you stay organized and remain on schedule, which is essential when you have back to back clients!
5. Apply Pre-Treatments
Applying pre-treatment products prior to your color correction service provides a foundation and ensures that the hair’s integrity is protected.
6. Apply Haircolor
Determine your best course of action for color application. Remember that treatments can also be used during haircolor application.
7. Apply Post Treatments
Post-Treatment products are essential to a color correction service as they further help ensure the health and strength of your client’s hair.
7. Establish A Maintenance Plan
Talk to your client about how she should maintain her haircolor between now and her next salon visit. Be sure to walk her through any specific product recommendations, regimens and tips.
8. Record Your Work
Be sure to record the steps taken during your guest's appointment. Did you use specific formulas? Were there any specific challenges that required special techniques or a certain approach? By making note of these details, you'll continue to fine-tune your skills and know the right course of action the next time your guest visits the salon.
9. Share Your Work On Social Media
Post your work on social media to market yourself as a color correction expert. Feature before and after photos on your profile to build client confidence. Utilize your bio section and color correction hashtags to spread the word about your expertise!
Cassandra's Must Have Tools for Color Correction
Shades EQ Gloss: The healthiest way to tone! Acidic demi-permanent formula restores hair’s pH, closes the cuticle for unmatched shine, tones unwanted warmth and adds depth where needed.
Color Gels Lacquers: Liquid permanent color completely saturates to lift dark bases and create even canvases while controlling warmth.
Color Correction Dilemma #1: Working With A High Contrast Canvas
As a color correction specialist, you'll see many clients with a high contrast canvas. This is one of the most common color correction situations seen in the salon. With high contrast clients, you'll see severely grown-out color with high contrast between roots and ends.
Watch the video below for in-depth color correction education with Cassandra McGlaughlin. In this tutorial, Cassandra shares techniques and tips for working with a high contrast canvas.Color Correction Dilemma #2: Managing Botched Highlights
Another common color correction dilemma is of course botched highlights. With this client, you'll often see multiple, uneven sections of lightening with splotches throughout the hair.
What do you do when your client comes in with botched highlights? In the tutorial below, Cassandra will show you how to tackle this common color correction dilemma!
Facebook Live Demo
Did you miss Cassandra's LIVE color correction demo on SalonCentric? Watch the full demo below for even more expert tips and tricks from Cassandra!
