What is the Japanese art of 'kintsugi'
What's the story
Kintsugi, the Japanese art of mending broken pottery with gold, is the inspiration behind a new hair coloring trend.
This technique involves blending hair colors with golden hues to accentuate and celebrate imperfections or transitions in hair color.
It's a beautiful way to transform the natural aging process or past hair coloring choices into a work of art.
Basics
Understanding the basics of Kintsugi coloring
Kintsugi hair color blending isn't as simple as slapping on some gold dye.
It involves a talented colorist who can analyze your natural hair color, any previous dye jobs, and the general health of your hair.
The aim is to create a look where golden highlights serve as seamless bridges between different shades in your hair, just like the gold lacquer does in mending the pottery.
Shade selection
Choosing the right shade of gold
The trick to nailing this trend is choosing the right shade of gold for your particular base color(s).
A light blonde might look great with a champagne gold, whereas darker brunettes would look stunning with deeper amber tones.
Your stylist should ideally suggest a shade that not only suits your skin tone but also your base hair color.
Maintenance
Maintenance tips for kintsugi hair
Keeping your kintsugi-inspired hair looking its best requires a bit of TLC. You want to make sure those golden tones stay vibrant and don't fade into a brassy or greenish hue.
Opt for sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners formulated for colored hair to help maintain these gorgeous tones.
Avoid heat styling and chlorine exposure to protect both your base colors and golden highlights.
Inspiration
Where to find inspiration for your look
If you're thinking about trying this beautiful coloring technique, it's important to find some inspiration first.
Social media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest are your best friends here. Search for hashtags associated with kintsugi or golden balayage techniques.
Having pictures to show your stylist will help them get a clear idea of what you're looking for with your kintsugi-inspired look.
Professionalism
Professional care is essential
Getting that perfect blend of base colors and golden highlights is a bit of an art form.
While you might be tempted to DIY, heading to the salon guarantees a custom evaluation and top-notch products that won't fry your locks.
Sure, it might cost a little more, but trust us: the extra shine and staying power are worth it for that flawless kintsugi effect.