Of course you’ve heard about platinum–but what about Ecaille? These are the two hot hair color trends to be on the lookout for in 2015.
Ecaille is the new ombre.
Ecaille is a French word that means tortoiseshell and is also referred to as “The Tortoiseshell Technique” It was created by colorant specialist Jo Hansford, right after London Fashion Week, and fellow Senior Colorist Jaclyn Smith says: “Ecaille is a healthy and glossy update for ombre fans of those who felt it was too stark for their style. Ecaille gives hair a soft, multi-tonal look without any harsh lines to compliment your natural tones.” For example- golden highlights paired with darker, rich caramel tones. celebrity colorist and Clairol Color Director James Corbett told Instyle magazine “It’s warm browns, honeys, and ambers just like a tortoiseshell comb. Blondes are more golden, with a few “babylights” worked into these tones to create the sublet dimension.”
Ecaille can leave your hair looking radiant and sun kissed. It helps warm up and add dimension to the hair while enhancing your natural appearance by softening your facial features. This look compliments all hair colors and skin tones. A lot of celebrities such as Blake Lively, Sarah Jessica Parker and Jessica Alba are rocking this new color trend.
How to Ask for the Ecaille Look
This trend is more popular in Europe and is still relatively new here in the states. You want to find a salon that is already familiar with the look. Bring pictures too so your colorist knows exactly what you are looking for. Ask for various tones, roots with lighter ends. But keep in mind if you go too light with your hair, it will just look like and ombre. Also, make sure there is no noticeable separation between the light and dark pieces or any harsh contrast. If you don’t clarify it will just look like highlights.
To achieve the look, have your colorist focus on a few bolder, face-framing pieces in the front, complemented by softer, lighter painted pieces all around.
A major difference between ombre and Ecaille is that Ecaille is much more subtle and natural looking. Ombre is very prominent in two different tones where Ecaille appears more natural and healthier.
Platinum blonde hair will not only make a statement, it will change your entire look.
Another big hair color trend that probably can’t be any further from Ecaille is platinum! Men and women alike are lightening their locks (Hi Justin Bieber, Pete Wentz and Adam Levine”> Platinum hair is currently one of the top hair searches on YouTube! The key to keeping the platinum bright and on trend is to stay cool toned like Gwen Stefani.
This color is not for the meek or the shy.
This color is also not advisable to try if your hair is already severely damaged. Going platinum will damage your hair, sadly there is no way around it. Luckily, with the new technology of Olaplex, thousands of hair stylists are achieving blonder and brighter hair with minimal damage, but damage will still be there. It is STRONGLY suggested to go to the salon if you want platinum hair, trying it at home can lead to disaster.
There are several things to consider when going platinum: It is expensive and it is high maintenance. Root touch ups are practically required every four weeks, so keep that in mind before taking the plunge. This can be time consuming and the dollars can add up quickly.
If you do go platinum you will want to deep condition every time you wash because going platinum really does take a toll and dry out your hair. You want to lay off hot tools more than ever with platinum hair because the hair can become so very fragile. You also will want to invest in a purple shampoo and/or conditioner to help fight brassiness- your hair can turn yellow really quickly if not properly taken care of.
I am not trying to scare anyone away from going platinum. I personally find platinum hair to be GORGEOUS. My hair would be platinum if it was healthier and I wasn’t prone to so much breakage. Dare I say, it is my favorite hair color out there. I just want you to know exactly what you are getting into before diving in.
