Are your hair growth products working?

When you invest time and money into a product line that promotes hair growth you typically have to just sit back and wait to see if there are any results. Are these things working? The pills, the shampoos, the serums, the thickeners. All you have to go by are the testimonials that are on the websites of the products themselves.

Fusion studios is offering a detailed scalp analysis appointment to determine if the time and money that you are investing into these products are actually working. What would this appointment include?

The appointments are set up as a pair. The initial appointment would include a detailed intake of the current topical products and or supplements that you are taking. In the treatment room a detailed scalp analysis is conducted. This analysis includes a inspection of every inch of your scalp, section by section, talking you through any and all features that we believe to be of importance. This would include analysis and location of moles, angiomas, scalp conditions, and density measurements. In a few specific areas of concern we will take a microscopic exam of the hair follicles and the hair coming of them. These images allow us to accurately measure and determine the effectiveness of the products in use. The analysis process is deeply relaxing and enjoyable.

After the scalp analysis a separate service of scalp micro needling and topical treatment to the scalp are available if requested. The micro needling service is relaxing, not painful. The micro needles do not puncture or bruise the skin. The process stimulates circulation. The scalp treatment is finished with head and neck lymphatic drainage.

The follow up scalp analysis appointment is included in the cost of the initial appointment. During this appointment we will again perform a therapeutic and detailed scalp analysis. Imaging of the previously measured scalp and follicles will again be charted.

Afterwards there will be a side by side comparison of the measurements and imaging taken during both appointments These will be used to make further recommendations about the effectiveness versus the cost of the current program that you are on.

The cost for the pair of scalp analysis appointments is $250. Additional scalp treatment services, including micro needling are $100-150.

Products related to scalp care, growth and exfoliation will be available for purchase at Fusion Studios. All products are very affordable, generally being around $20 per item.

Book an appointment today by contacting 208.841.1090

Hand Tied Weft

I have learned a few new tricks and now I can confidently say that I love installing hand tied weft extensions. I can make them invisible by installing one weft below and one above. I can blend them seamlessly by custom coloring. I can match the bead to the density and color of your hair and I can install quickly and accurately which will keep your hair feeling perfect for longer. I have been taking online classes over the last 12 months. I became certified in another brand and have dedicated myself to online learning every month over the last year. There are new options; new threads, new textures, new density, new installation techniques. Everything has gotten so much better.

Thank you to all of my current clients who allow me to experiment on your hair while learning what works best over time. If it weren’t for my amazing clients I wouldn’t know what I know. I can learn online as much as I want but actually practicing these techniques on real hair with different density issues is how I really learn.

I have included a few examples of my current work. Enjoy!

Hand tied weft

Hand tied weft installation

Hand tied weft

Machine tied weft, invisible installation

Machine tied weft

New website

I am so happy to say that my new website is 99% completed. I have been working my my web designer and content creator for almost a year now and I am very happy with the results.

My new website offers clients a way to explore all varieties of the hair extensions that I offer. It also offers clients the opportunity to book and appointment directly through the site. My biography will give them a better sense of who I am and how I have gained my experience in hair extensions.

So please check it out and tell me what you think. There are a few photos that will be changed, and I am sure a few other changes that I haven’t yet anticipated. That’s why I need your feedback.

Below is a link to my site. Take a peek.

www.fusionstylist.com

Keune

I just completed a Keune introductory color class. I learned a lot about their permanent, semi-permanent and blonding line. I have been doing research over the last year on a variety of color lines, debating which line I should switch to and Keune checks all the boxes. Keune is a salon exclusive company, meaning that they only sell to professionals this is very important to me! Keune provides ample education opportunities both online and in person. Keune formulates all their products with the greatest of care not only for the health of the hair, and the health of the stylist, but also for the look and longevity of the color. Keune offers incredible grey coverage whether you want a translucent look or more opaque.

The options that Keune offers to blondes really blew me away as well. They have cream bleaches, clay based bleaches and powdered bleaches, each of them have distinct advantages. No more one size fits all color removal. Keune offers so many options!

Another important factor for me is the ability to order online. I am not the kind of stylist who goes to a supply store to purchase 2 tubes of this and 3 tubes of that. I want the entire line at my fingertips and I want a constant supply of it. I like to place large online orders using a carefully crafted list. Also, staying out of the supply stores saves me money on random impulse buys.

A big thank you to the educator today, Tyree Ward for taking the time to teach about Keune. I was very grateful to be in the midst of a class of stylists today to listen to their questions and hear their personal solutions. Now I need to find out more about that intro kit…

How much do hair extensions cost?

This is the first step into hair extensions is establishing a budget to have them installed and maintained. The information I am providing is strictly for my business and it varies month to month depending on the hair supplier, texture, length and color this will give you a basic idea from which you can decide if this process will be affordable for you.

These are the options that you need to sort through before arriving at a price: 

1. Length: How long do you want the hair extensions to be? The longer it is, the more it costs.

2. Texture: What texture is your natural hair? Straight, wavy, curly, in-between? The texture of the extensions can enhance the natural texture of your hair but it needs to closely match it. 

3. Density: How much natural hair do you have? Is it fine, medium or thick? We want to match and enhance the natural density of your hair. If you are just missing density in a certain spot we can address that spot. Or if you need density added all over that can be achieved.

4. Color: Hair extensions are colored to last longer and resist fading. If the color is ordered correctly it will create a seamless transition between the natural hair and extension hair.  

5. Method of installation: Hand tied weft, Volume weft, fusion, tape in, beaded. Or a combination of any of these methods.

6. Maintenance: Each method varies in the amount of time between appointments. No matter the method I charge $100 per hour for maintenance.

All of these prices include the hair, the installation, and an extension brush.

Please contact me at 208-841-1090 to arrange a private, complementary consultation. I would be happy to answer any questions you may have. 

Beaded Hair Extensions

I admit that I have been slow to convert. I have been fighting the bead craze. I can't fight it anymore. Beaded extensions have come a long way. They have further to go of course. The pre-tipped hair seems to still be wispy and wimpy at the ends. My clients feel that 3-4 strands of the beaded hair equals 1 of the fusion extensions. 

I am still searching for the ideal pre-tipped hair for beaded extensions. Does anyone have any suggestions? 

Why am I suddenly sold on the beaded extensions? I attended the International Beauty Show in Las Vegas a couple of weeks ago. I was there specifically to look at extensions and talk with professionals about extension installation and removal. About one third of the convention was extensions. Of the 60 or so booths which were selling extensions I only came upon 1 that had fusion (glue) extensions available. The rest were tape-in, beaded, clip in or halo extensions. 

After returning from Las Vegas I ordered some hair and beads from a company that I have worked with many times and trust. I asked a trusting client if I could experiment on her hair with the beads. I installed them very quickly, about 5 minutes for a full back of head row. My client left the salon feeling like she had a lot less had ,but was willing to give it a try. 

One week later the client returned with a report for me. Bead verdict, positive, glowing in fact, except for one problem. She felt like she had no hair. Particularly when it was wet. So I removed the beads, 2 full rows out in less than 5 minutes! Oh my God! It was a miracle!!! After I removed them I petted my clients hair and said, there you go, those are all out now. 

"Are you kidding me?" said my shocked client "You find some more of that hair!"

So now I am on a mission to find the best, thickest, fullest pre-tipped strands I can find. 

Balayage

Balayage is booming at Blís Salon! We are switching clients from foils to hand painted highlights daily. 

What is the advantage? A beautiful pallet of colors, fantastic full grey coverage, bold visible highlights without the maintenance.

What is the process? Rather than selecting the portions of hair to be highlighted in a rigid, static manner, the hair is selected based on the movement and natural rhythm of the hair. Large pieces of hair are picked up and painted. This allows for a truly unique approach to each head of hair. 

This look can be as natural or bold as desired. Its perfect for someone who wants to experiment with highlights but doesn't want to deal with the grow out. 

Wedding Hair

​'Tis wedding season again. Since styling hair often seems out of reach for most women on their own I compiled a short list of step by step how to's. You can either practice these looks on yourself, show them to a friend and enlist their help in achieving the look, or show them to the professional stylist who will be doing your hair. If there are any more tutorials you would like please let me know and I will do my best to find them.

Things to consider when choosing a style:​

What will the weather be like? If it's going to be too hot you won't want your all of your hair down.

What neckline does my dress have? Perhaps a up-do would best complement your lovely collarbone

Will I be dancing so hard that my hair will fall out of place? Hopefully. Best tip: Create a small ponytail in the middle of an up-do and anchor all bobby pins into the base of the ponytail. It will hold!​

How good do I want to look? Completely smashing, of course. But not more beautiful than the bride. In fact steer clear of bridal styles to avoid looking like an attention whore. Also don't look like a whore. That's an image that never impresses the hosts.​

I'm getting off track...

If you have very thick or very fine hair keep in mind that the style will look different on you. Thick hair, choose a somewhat sleeker style to successfully pin back a large amount of hair, or wear your hair down, even half down. Thin hair, choose a looser style where we can create volume with large pieces.​

If you see any styles you like, just click on the picture and it will link you to the step by step instructions for the style. ​

​Lauren Conrad's Beauty Department is the video below. I really like her videos. They are to the point, beautifully filmed and always reliable. There are a lot of them. Be sure to check a few out for hair styling tips.

Boutique Salons

There are specialty salons popping up all across the country. These salons are catering to specific needs that their clients may have and also highlighting the specific talents that a stylist or a team of stylists cares about the most. Unfortunately none of these boutique salons exist in Boise, ID yet, but I am sure it won't be long. ​

Blow-out Bar

This type of salon specializes in a finished look. They specialize obviously in the blow-out which is a blow dry style that leaves your hair very voluminous, shiny and sexy for a couple days or one hard night! Some Blow-out Bar Boutiques are also offering extensions, up-dos, conditioning treatments, or skin care services. 

The convenience offered is a quick style, easy to obtain appointments most days of the week and trendy amenities, such as iPads or iPods at each station and ​espresso. Sounds fun! Check out this Blow Dry Bar in Scottsdale, AZ called Primp and Blow 

Color Bar ​

This is a salon specializing only in color. Many color clients feel the same way about what they want in their color. They want it cheap, they want it fast, they want it perfect and they want it to last. Certain salons are now catering specifically to the color market. They want to offer technically advanced haircolor done quickly. What is there not to love about beautiful haircolor that is affordable and uncomplicated?​

By offering only color these boutique color bars are able to speed up the process of an appointment which translates to a lower bill for the client. For complete ease of access clients may not even have to book an appointment, just drift in when the mood (or the gray) strikes them. ​

Here's an example of a color only salon in Toronto, Canada called Color Lab 12.

Braids, Buns and Pony's

These salons offer a new menu of affordable services specifically for a finished look. So what is on the menu? Typically you will find about 20-30 different braid, bun and ponytail options, including trendier ​options like the sock bun or the messy bun. Since these looks can usually be achieved in 15-20 minutes and require little product the price will be low. Stylist also offer tips on how to re-create a simpler version of this for an at home attempt or tools to take home to re-create the look (i.e. the sock in the sock bun). Products are going to be a key element of styling any of these looks so be prepared to shell out more $ on retail than on the actual style itself. 

Here's an example of a Braid, Bun and Pony Style Bar called Lukaro ​in Beverly Hills, CA

So which one would you be the most tempted to try? ​

Trash it or Treasure it?

I've recently read about a new kind of girls get together called a Trash it or Treasure it party. I've known that they existed for clothing but I had never heard of one with a beauty theme.​ You can read more about it at Sunnie Brook Beauty Blog. There are some important guidelines listed to let attendees know how to tell if the products you're interested in bringing could be expired.

I would totally take part in this party! However, I would only be interested in products that you can individually dram out i.e. not something that you have to dip into the jar for. This would exclude makeup that is pressed into a compact (blush, powder). I would also have to exclude any eye makeup because I just think that is gross.​ I would be inclined to rule out nail polish too, although I am told that the formaldehyde in it kills any bacteria or fungus I just wouldn't want to take the chance.

It would be perfect for trying out shampoo, conditioner, lotion (face or body), hair styling products, beauty treatments (face masks), self-tanners, bronzers, face wash, makeup brush cleaners, makeup brushes...the list is long. 

Because who hasn't a purchased beauty product that they have instantly regretted or immediately disliked? I know it isn't just me.​

​Kevin.Murphy

Also, let's exclude toothpaste and dental floss. You know somebody would try to bring that. ​

Fake Bake

If there is one product that I absolutely must have to get me through spring and summer its Fake Bake​. I was introduced to this product last spring and I have gone through a few bottles since then. This is why it is better than any other self tanner out there.

• ​It comes with gloves and a chamois mitt for a flawless, streak free, spotless application.
• It is darker when you put it on then when you rinse it off, which prevents over application.​
• Smells like a tropical vacation
• Beautiful color, not orangey like other self tanners that I have tried
• No distinct line of demarkation between where the tan is applied and where it ends, so you don't have to worry about covering your shoulders with the product and not being able to reach your back.​
• One bottle will last you for months, even with consistent application

This is what I have found to be the best method for application:​

• Shave the day or two before you plan to apply (it can be mildly irritating to recently shaved skin)
• If you have lotion on your legs, rinse off and scrub or exfoliate your skin
• Once you are dry, apply gloves (to both hands) and mitt
• Shake bottle well, spray about 8 times directly onto the mitt and smooth onto your legs. I like to start at the bottom and work my way up.
• Keep spraying the mitt and applying to body as needed. I do a super quick light application on my feet and around my ankles. Bend and unbend your knees and heels as you apply to avoid creases.​
• For your upper body I recommend doing a super quick and light application (meaning I don't spray any new tanner on the mitt, just use residual from end of last section) around my armpits. You don't want the tanner in your armpits, it will all sweat off and it's gross, and smells weird with sweat. Bend and unbend your elbows as applying but again do a very light application over your elbows (it really like to stick here)​
• By the time you are done applying you will be dry, it's quick.​
• Remove gloves, wash hands thoroughly.​
• Use the residual tanner left on the mitt to apply to wrists and the tops of your hands after you have the gloves off. ​
• Grab a cotton ball or cotton pad and get it damp by wetting it and wringing it out. Very lightly go over your elbows, ankles and wrists with the damp cotton ball. This will remove excess without removing all of it
• Lounge around for about 10 minutes in a robe, very loose fitting clothing, or underwear.

If you have applied the original Fake Bake then you are going to leave this on overnight or all day. I prefer to do it at night. Rinse off (no soap or shower gel) in the morning and enjoy your new glow!​

If you have applied the 60 minute Fake Bake then you will leave it on for 1 hour for a light tan, 2 hours for a medium tan or 3 hours for a deep tan then you will rinse off. Just rinse with warm water, no soap or shower gel.

Other Fake Bake products that I love and have tried are the Fake Bake aerosol tan, but this can be a bit messy and the Fake Bake Flawless Face. The flawless face is great for disguising brown spots on the face. I apply all around the darker areas of my face and it makes the darker spots appear not so dark. Of course remember to wash your hands after any application

If you are interested in purchasing any of the Fake Bake products you can contact me at 208-841-1090 and I will be happy to provide it for you.

Hair color during pregnancy

To color or not to color during pregnancy? My first bit of advice to Mom's to be is if you are uncomfortable with this procedure then you should probably not do it. My second bit of advice is highlights or lowlights. With highlights and/or lowlights we can change the color of your hair, cover grays, bring you back to your natural color...so many options. To apply any of these options I use foil. Each piece of colored hair is contained within a thin sheet of foil which keeps it off of the scalp. Since your hair is not a living organ the application of color within the foils does not enter your bloodstream. There is another risk; the fumes that are released during the processing of the color can be smelled at the shampoo bowl momentarily. Other stylists working within the salon could be preforming treatments such as a perm or straightening treatment which also release fumes. 

However I have performed many color applications on myself and my clients during pregnancy and I have never seen any adverse side effects. I have also never heard any complaints from clients during or after their pregnancy. I would never suggest that a client who hasn't been receiving color consistently start a new routine. Go with your instinct and you will never feel bad about it. 

What to do the day of your first extension appointment.

Just to cover the basics for my newbies here is what you should be doing before you come into your first extension appointment.

• Scratch your scalp, rub it, run a comb across it, enjoy the feeling because after today you will have a different experience when you stick your hands in there. Because of the extension attachment process you will want to protect the integrity of the bonds which means that you will not be combing your hair from scalp to ends, more like from mid-shaft to ends.
• Wash your hair really well. If you have a clarifying shampoo then use that, it will help to remove all of the debris left from styling products and environmental pollutants. Either air dry or blow dry, the preference is all yours.
• Take stock of your current shampoo, conditioner and styling products. You may have to change a few of them. For example you will need a very moisturizing shampoo and conditioner since your hair extensions will not be drawing oil from your scalp they will rely on products to provide moisture. Of course I will have recommendations for you in all categories.
• Wear something that will make you feel like the new awesome self that you are going to walk out of the salon as. You will feel different even if we are only adding a few extensions to your sides.
• Decide on your maintenance budget. Ideally you will want to come back to the salon for a removal and re-installation every 6-10 weeks. You need to decide on what is affordable and manageable for your chosen type of extensions and pocketbook. You will need to pre-book your next appointment upon leaving so it's best to have a time frame in mind. 
• Make a list of questions or concerns that may not have been covered in the consultation. Although texture, color, length, cost and maintenance must have been previously discussed there might be some styling or routine care questions you have. Write them down so you won't forget.

5 phrases we want to hear

When a client sits in my chair, new or accustomed to me there are a few key phrases that I am looking for. 

• "I brought a picture". Hallelujah! I know clients probably think that this is annoying but we speak different languages when it comes to color and cut. What one client describes to me a volume is really a complete straightening treatment. If she didn't have the picture I would have assumed the opposite. Same with Blondes and Brunettes, there are so many shades and a picture is worth a thousand words.

• "I love my previous stylist". I've learned over the years that you do not want a customer who has just been scorned by a previous cut/color experience. Either they are just unhappy people to begin with or they are not very good at articulating their true desires (maybe they should bring a picture). There are obviously some exceptions to this rule, but haters are going to hate.

• "I love to experiment with my cut/color". This is so great because it leaves a little wiggle room for play. This phrase does not mean that you want to put purple in your hair or cut it all off. It simply means that you know you will look smashing no matter what subtle changes are made to your style. Not experimenting with your hair is like wearing the same outfit everyday, reliable but boring. 

• "What do you recommend"? To me this phrase conveys great trust in the confidence and professionalism of the stylist. I am constantly updating my education credentials and try to stay on top of current wearable trends so I can take you in the right direction. 

• "I recommended my friend to you". This is the kindest statement of all. To know that you have been recommending my services is the best compliment of all. To me it means that not only do you enjoy your style and obviously are receiving compliments on it. It also means that you enjoy the experience of my salon and want others to have that too.

So put your trust in your stylist, experiment a little, just a tiny bit, if not with color or with cut than perhaps style would be a better jumping off point for you. There are infinite combinations to try. As Vidal Sassoon said "If you don't look good, we don't look good".

Brazilian Blowout

Curious as to what this treatment can do for you?

It can reduce your styling time dramatically. By smoothing the cuticle with a treatment it eliminates or drastically reduces your flat iron time in the morning.

It will reduce frizz. Wether your hair is curly or straight we all experience a bit of frizz that is disappointing. The keratin treatment will put the frizz on hold.

Re-texture your curly hair. It will not eliminate your curls, it will smooth and transform them. Depending on the results you desire I have a few different strength options to choose from.

Make you feel like a star! When you blow dry your hair and get to stop there without further styling or fussing with your locks you will feel like you have received a Hollywood blow-out for weeks on end.

Brazilian Blowout ZERO 

Brazilian Blowout Original Acai

I am running a special on the treatment through November. Let's book your appointment today. Just think of all the time you will save over the holidays.

Going Blonde

Even though it is fall the blonde trend will not be going away. Blonde makes us feel good. It makes us feel young. It makes us feel tan. It makes us feel 10 years younger. Can everyone be blonde? No, but everyone can have some blonde added to their style. Here are some things to consider before you arrive at your next color appointment.

• Your natural hair color: Were you blonde as a child? Perhaps your hair has gradually grown darker. Depending on how far away your hair color is now from the blonde you want will determine how much processing your hair needs to achieve the new you.
• The condition of your hair now: Blonde doesn't have to be achieved with a bleach. We can create a palette of different blondes in your hair using high lift colors. They are less damaging and usually more natural looking
• Has your hair been previously colored?: Depending on the artificial color that is in your hair we can determine how much lighter we will be able to achieve in 1 salon visit. Realistically you should plan on only being able to lift your hair 1-2 shades lighter per visit to avoid damage to your hair.
• Maintenance: Blondes may have more fun, but they usually spend more time in the salon as well. The look of re-growth is not something most people desire. Plan on keeping your blonde refreshed at least every 6-8 weeks
• Trends: Highlights and all over color are not the only options for blondes. If you are dying to have some blonde in your hair but you have naturally dark roots we should discuss Ombre. This option will allow your regrowth to look beautiful and natural while still having blonde tips. This trend is a wonderful way for everyone to experience blonde without trying to make it look natural.

LUSH Cosmetics

I stumbled upon LUSH Cosmetics when I was in Seattle recently. The exterior of the store called to me "come in, come buy something" so when I stepped in I was already excited. They have piles of fresh handmade soaps, creamy face wash bars, shampoo bars and all sorts of other goodies. The staff was very friendly and upon learning that it was my fist time in the store they gave me a quick run down of they products that they loved the most, although it seemed rather hard for them to choose. Another perk of the company is that almost everything is Vegetarian and quite a few products are Vegan. I can't wait to gift them to my friends for Christmas.

I was drawn to the facial products because I tend to have too many shower items already, but now I want a great deal more, o.k. I want everything. I am already planning my return to the store when I am back in February because I can't wait to get my hands on some of the fresh face masks that aren't sold online. I have actually had dreams about shopping here again, that's how pleasant it was. When I woke up I felt like a home-sick kid longing for the comforts of their familiar territory. So I felt the next best thing to fulfill that craving would be to place a on-line order. Here are a few of the items on my long list.

Big fragrant blocks of colorful soap. All Soaps are vegetarian. Most are vegan too. Try this one SEXY PEEL a combination of organic orange and lime juices. 

CURLY WURLY is packed full of creamed coconut and coconut oil for healthy hair and scalp. It's also loaded with fresh eggs and hand mashed avocado butter to give moisture back to the hair

BIG is a va-va-volumizing sea salt shampoo. Using a seaweed infusion and citrus juices for incredible shine and sea salt to de-grease hair and remove dead skin cells.

MA BAR Is a fresh handmade bubble bar for your bath or shower. This one is a scrumptious chocolate caramel scent with a lump of brown sugar in the middle.

DREAM CREAM is nothing short of a miracle product. This cream has been making skin care dreams come true for years now. It is a combination of lavender, chamomile, and rose absolute in a soothing oat milk base. You can use it all over your body and face. This is LUSH's number one best selling product of all time!!

Fresh Handmade Face Masks: These masks are so scrumptious and fresh that they are only sold in the stores. They are stored in a mini refrigerator at each location and I was so sad to learn they couldn't be shipped because I would have purchased at least 4-5 more of them when on location. So if you ever do make it into a store, our closest locations are Salt Lake City, Portland, and Seattle, stock up. My favorite is SACRED TRUTH which is a brightening, restorative mask. It's so hard to choose between the 9 that they offer. Why not purchase all of them?

Tell me which products you would choose?

Sombre

Sombre is going to be the hottest hair trend this fall/winter. What is it? To explain I will have to start with Ombre. Ombre is a french word meaning graduation. In my world (the salon) it means a a base that is at least 3-4 levels darker than the ends. To most people it means I can have visible roots, long ones and bright pretty ends. It reduces your color maintenance, because "your roots" are visible and beautiful when you leave your appointment. If your natural color is lighter than your chosen base color, or you have grey hair this means that you can have every other appointment at the salon be a root touch up and the following appointment be a Ombre procedure. It's fun, it's beautiful, it's trendy but it's easy to carry off. You don't have to be 16 or have really long thick hair, or lots of money to spend on your hair.

Sombre takes the traditional process of Ombre and makes it a little more subtle, or subdued hence the S-Ombre. Kim Vo calls it the softer side of Ombre.

Why will this be so popular this season? Summer is over and obviously our hair is getting less sun so since we all want people to think our hair is just naturally this stunning and beautiful (yeah right) we want to steer towards a little bit of a darker sun-kissed look.

I was lucky enough to receive personal training from Kim Vo last night during an exclusive Webinar hosted by Behindthechair.com The class taught us how to achieve this beautiful effect in only 30 minutes application time, 10-15 minutes of processing and the rest is up to the customer (trim? style?).

Let's book you an appointment today and see how beautiful this would look in your hair. It can be done with lowlights too and also Red tones so we can really personalize it to your liking.

Kevin.Murphy White Color Bug

I am eagerly waiting for my share of the Kevin.Murphy White Color Bug. It should be arriving in the stores next week! If you would like me to reserve one for you, let me know ASAP. I will only be able to get a few and they will be gone within days.

Here is what you can use it for:

• Use as a base layer on dark hair, this will make the purple, pink or orange color bug brighter.
• Use as a base layer on lighter color hair. It will make any other color on top look very vivid
• Create platinum highlights on any color hair with no chemical damage.
• Use on blonde root regrowth to disguise those roots and extend time between appointments.
• Use as a dry shampoo in any color hair.

Here is the best application technique for pops of color:

• Use a pomade as a base, it will hold the color longer and give the powder a substance to adhere to making the color brighter and more noticeable.
• Section your hair, somewhat isolating the pieces that you want to color. You can do just the tips, or ends of a larger section of your hair, or individual long strands.
• Take your favorite pomade, mine is Kevin Murphy Sticky.Business, grab a half dime sized amount, place it in your palm and rub your palms together. Rub them like your are applying lotion to just your palms, keep rubbing until the pomade is no longer white, but is clear in appearance.
• Apply the pomade to your determined  sections by smoothing downward in the direction of the cuticle and sort of smearing the paste in like lotion for your hair.
• Take the cap off of the color bug and place the colored chalk piece against your section, using your fingers apply pressure to the hair using the color bug as the backing. This will get a nice thick coating of chalk on the hair. Repeat until desired depth of color is achieved.
• If you are going for a second color on top I would reapply the pomade to your hair and then repeat the application process, but don't make your hair look greasy with too much pomade.
• Keep your hands off it for the rest of the evening and I would shy away from light colored shirts so you don't get residual color on them.