Featuring:
Joico Brand Storyteller, Olivia Thompson
Joico Artistic Educator and Brand Content Creator, Mai Hernandez
They say that failure is a form of learning; and two of our most talented, successful pros will attest to that theory. So get ready for some honest conversation about hair-color fails…because our stars are about to share a couple of (early-in-their-career) “oops” moments that helped make them the incredible, confident artists they are today.
Their raw-and-real hindsight advice will help you navigate the blunders….
Olivia’s story: an orange-y box-dye sitch
“When I was just getting started in the industry, I was still learning how to properly do a consultation. Needless to say, I didn’t ask my client about her hair-color history. She was a level 4 – and, apparently, had years of box dye on her hair. Our end goal was a combo of brown and level-8 caramel hair.
I started the lightening process (I luckily used Joico Blonde Life and 10 volume to start – it has 9+ levels of lift and, at that time, I need that gentle power); but I couldn’t get her past “blorange” (mostly orange) level 6.”
♡ The big fix…
“I didn’t panic, but I knew that after one hour of that 10 volume sitting on her hair, it wouldn’t be enough to push past that orange. So I explained the situation to the client, and told her I would rather her have healthy dimensional brunette hair than broken and brassy hair. Fortunately, she agreed: We removed the lightener and immediately did a Joico K-PAK treatment to restore the health of any lightened ends. Luckily, no hair was compromised!! Goal MET in my eyes! I then grabbed my Joico LumiShine 6NA and left it on a full 20 minutes. We then trimmed and blow-dried…and she was THRILLED with the results. Because I care about her and took my time, to this day I have this client!!”
♡ Lesson learned: Always ask the client about her hair-color history.
♡ Savior product: K-PAK Reconstructor Deep-Penetrating Treatment — An award-winning five-minute hair hero that rebuilds and strengthens stressed strands with Keratin technology.
Mai’s story: her foils were smoking
“I had a client who has a natural level 2, and wanted some lived-in highlights. She had virgin hair — nothing really stood out from our consultation. I started applying my foils at the front with a lower-volume developer (I was using Blonde Life and 10 volume because she didn’t want to be blonde; she just wanted some dimension). By the time I placed my last foil on top of the crown of the head, I was at 15 volume.
I turned around to take my bowls and tools to the back. Five minutes later I returned, and the last two-to-three foils I did at the top of the crown of the head were smoking! My heart sunk as I quickly walked up to inspect them…and when I touched them, they were swollen, with a light greenish liquid dripping out. To my surprise, when I opened the foils, the hair was at a level 10 and had started to almost melt. I’D NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE THAT BEFORE!! I couldn’t believe it! I now know that it’s a reaction that can happen when you try to lighten with a build-up of minerals in the hair — commonly from hard water or drugstore products.”
♡ The big fix…
“I rinsed the hair right away. Then I was able to tone her– and, obviously, told her that her hair had a chemical reaction during the lightening process. I ended up giving this client a beautiful haircut with some layers; and all turned out okay. Thinking about it in hindsight, I was so terrified when it happened, but it taught me some valuable lessons.”
♡ Lessons learned: Always ask the client what shampoo and products they’re using at home; clarify the hair before lightening; and NEVER walk away for too long from a client who is processing with lightener.
♡ Savior product: K-PAK Clarifying Shampoo – Removes and detoxes hair from product residue, excess oil, and impurities; like chlorine and minerals from hard water.
