celebrity colorist
brian perry
Going bold? “Platinum-coiffed Pink sports a fashion-forward haircolor that shouts originality,” explains Perry.
Feeling subtle? “Heidi Klum’s borderline-brunette shade is more reserved, but very put-together,” comments Perry.
Brian Perry is an international color artist and celebrity hairstylist who’s created hot looks for major celebrities. In fact, his first major client was supermodel Kimora Lee! “She recommended me to others and the list just grew and grew,” explains the hair pro, who owns B. Perry International Salon in Los Angeles, CA, a beauty hot spot frequented by his top celebrity clients, which include Taraji P. Henson, Nadja Bjorlin and Abigail Spencer. Here, Perry shares his expert knowledge for achieving your best haircolor…
“As a general rule of thumb, less is always better when you’re starting out,” affirms Perry. “You never want to go more than three or four shades lighter than your natural color. A drastic change leaves hair prone to breakage and shedding, so keep your tresses in top condition by gradually lightening or darkening your haircolor.”
When you schedule a color appointment, Perry recommends getting a haircut the same day. “Always marry haircolor with a haircut,” he says. “Maintaining your cut with timely trims will help keep your haircolor shiny and smooth as opposed to dull and frazzled. Also, if you’re currently blow-drying your hair about seven days a week, you will want to cut down to about four days a week. Applying a leave-in treatment will also help maintain the vibrancy of your haircolor.”
Finally, Perry recommends seeing a color pro for the big switch. “Any look can be done on any person when done in moderation and proportions that are customized for each individual,” he observes. “A good colorist will make recommendations based specifically on your needs, and one of the best things you can do is research your colorist by checking their credentials, background and referrals.”
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Hi,
I’m 44 years old with very dense, naturally curly shoulder length hair. I have hazel green eyes and light skin with warm undertones.I have an oval/slightly long face shape. My natural hair color is about a level 6, dirty blonde shade but was a strawberry blonde when I was a child. My current hair color is about a level 8 medium coppery blonde, however it seems darker than a level 8 and the color seems dull and flat. I want to totally update and modernize my look . I would be so grateful if someone could recommend some flattering styles and hair colors that would best compliment my skin tone and face shape/hair texture to achieve a fresher, more youthful appearance. Any suggestions would be most appreciated.
Thanks,
Kim
It’s very hard to recommend color, etc., Kim–without seeing you. Best bet is to pickup a copy of our current issue (look thru and select several nice ideas) and visit your local beauty pro. Let us know how it works out!
i had black hair i bleached it and it got really damaged then i ended up with medium brown hair i want to go for a ash blonde but im not sure if the ash blonde would go with me im white skin brown eyes my natural hair color is brown
Checking pros!
Hi Lizet!
Black hair that has been aggressively lightened and damaged will NOT take further lightening…or much color change…before it breaks off.
If the hair is currently at a light brown shade, dark ash blonde strands introduced into this base would be the easiest way to go. I would recommend a series of deep
conditioning treatments (Try MINARDI PRE-WASH THERAPY FOR COLOR-TREATED HAIR). Then, ask for soft blonded highlights placed throughout the crown
and face framing areas of your hair. Then, ask your colorist to tone you with an acidic demi-permanent liquid shade like BETH MINARDI SIGNATURE. Be careful
and treat this hair with tender, loving care.
All the best!
I have a highlight brown hair and brown eyes. Last year I dyed my hair color, but is there anywhere else that I can consult my hair colorist? Thanks very much.
You should try a good colorist in your area Alicia; ask around for recommendations!
I’m a 47 year old Caucasian lady with green eyes (the same color of BC jade, a medium jade green)my hair baby fine and bone straight, will not hold curl, color right now is a dark to med strawberry blond with blonde highlights and dark blonde roots, I have always had a lot of red and ash in my natural hair color and my roots have always been darker then the rest of my hair, my skin tone is a mixture, in winter I’m a fair to med olive color and in summer I can tan very well,in my younger days when i dyed my hair black, people would mistaken me for native American, or if my hair was blonde they thought i was from California, I tan very well and don’t burn easy, I
I’m so sorry this was so long, but I’m desperate:(
also have redness in my T-zone area, and have inherited dark circle around my eyes. I’ve been told I have yellow and pink undertones in my skin (of course not from a professional)just random people, all I know I’m confused, I miss my days I could wear blue black hair or cherry black, but guess I’m to old for that? I need the perfect hair color for me and the right hairstyle, my face shape is long/oblong with a very long neck, long torso, short legs, height is 5 2″, I’m 152 lbs(30 lbs over weight) and do for a renewal, I miss when I was stylish and loved my look. Can someone please help me , (I live in Mission BC Canada) I’ve been to so many hair stylist and end up with horrible results, I don’t know what to do or where to go where someone know what you know and my hair is grown out
and looks horrible . Can you please help me:( or can you advise me where to go and get the help my hair needs
sighed: lost her way:)
We’ll check some of our pros.
Hi Donna!
Typically when a woman used to have strawberry hair, she will look great by going a little deeper and making that redhead commitment. Something like Marcia Cross. An Oblong facial shape is best complimented with a heavier bang section, length to the shoulders or shorter, and layers for volume. Stay away from highlights on the top of the head or in the bang area.
hi!
at the moment, my naturally thick, dark brown hair has been bleached and is currently a teal/green color with a little over an inch in regrowth. i take care of my hair pretty well with color safe shampoo/conditioner and a deep conditioner once a week. my question within all of this is how safe would it be to rebleach it and dye it a completely different color? any feedback i can get is greatly appreciated!
Hi Angie:
This sounds like you need more of personal consultation with your haircolor pro so they can really look at your hair and determine what can be done.
Thank you for writing!
Hello there!
I have very pale fair skin with caramel eyes. I was wondering what hue is best for these circumstances? I would love to hear your suggestions!
Hi Carey!
Go for a warm or medium brown. Tell your colorist somewhere between Level 6 – 8. Accent with some toffee or caramel highlights to achieve a truly rich feel. This will draw out your beautiful eyes and complement your skin tone. If you prefer something more vibrant, choose copper or gold to make your color really pop. Stay away from cool tones, like neutral or violet. These will make you feel more washed out.
Good luck!
I have medium hair length.I was wondering if my dark brown hair woild look good in black hair dye? i’d love to hear your comments on me dyeing my hair black or not.
Hi Victoria! Whether or not your hair would look good in a black shade is really dependent on two things: your eye color and your skin tone. Your best bet is to head to your salon and ask a color pro, who will be able to tell you how dark you can go and have it still look spectacular.
Hi, im a natual brunnette and i want to change my hair up by dying it. I want to change it for the beginning of a new school year, i want to go for a red velvet type of hair color but i dont know if it would look right on me. Any suggestions ?
Hi Ashley! Ask your salon pro for advice–most colorists go through intensive training and are happy to share their knowledge with clients! If you’re curious about a shade before you get to the salon, perhaps you can try a wig, or clip-in color extensions around your face to get a feel for the hue.
I have naturally light brown hair with golden undertones, greenish blue eyes, and semi light skin (with pinkish undertones) . I am eager to try a new shade of hair color but not quite sure what I want to do. I want to go a little amber brownish possibly or blonde, I would like though to keep my hair light. What would you recommend. By the way my hair is quite thick, to mid back , and somewhat wavy I don’t know if the style of hair affects color.Do you think a yellow blonde like Zoe Boyle( Lavinia Swire in Downton Abby) I love that color.
Hi Sophie! It definitely sounds like you might be able to do some shade of blonde, based on your description. Check with a professional colorist, who will be able to provide you with samples of blondes he or she thinks would work for your hair and look gorgeous on you.
Hi, im naturally dark blonde and i dyed my hair a medium brown. now that the color is fading what color should i go for? i want something completey different and it must look good with my cool skin and makes my blue eyes stand out.
Thanks!
Hi Sydnie,
We have a great suggestion for you! In the August issue of Sophisticate’s Hairstyle Guide, there’s a special mini-magazine called Sophisticate’s Hair Makeovers. There are plenty of haircolor options on display, and we have all the cut, color and style information for a brand-new look…just for you!
Hi ! I have died my hair numerous times looking for the right color and cant find it! I have auburn hair , past shoulder length, that is very untamable. how do i find the right color ?
Hi Chelsey,
For starters, take a look at the current issue of Sophisticate’s Hairstyle Guide (the one with Julianne Hough on the cover!) and take a look at all the great shades featured for some inspiration. As for your perfect haircolor, consider a few factors: skin tone, budget and preference. Know that certain shades will complement your skin tone and other hues may require more maintenance depending on how fast they fade. Set up a consultation with your hairstylist, who’ll help you come up with the best haircolor for you!
Hi I have dark blonde hair and died it blonde several months back. I am in the process of just getting my natural color back. But I want to cut my hair, will it lookk to weird and should I just dye it back to the natural color?
Hi Alicia,
Check in with your hairstylist and set up a consultation to talk about the haircolor you want to achieve. Excessive coloring may cause some damage, so it’s important to visit a salon professional, who may me able to help you get back your natural shade while maintaining the healthy of your hair. Good luck!
I have natural blonde hair and I dyed it a medium brown. I was wondering how I can get my hair back to my natural blonde hair color.
Hi Brittany,
We recommend seeing a salon professional to help you get to the blonde shade you want. To keep your hair healthy, the lightening process is gradual and a professional colorist will have the skill and know-how to lighten your lengths!
Hey! So my hairs natural color is a chocolate brown. I dyed it a dark cherry cola back in september and now its faded to a copperish color. For prom I want to go pretty light with my hair this time, maybe a caramel but I’m not quite sure.Help!
Hi Brittany,
Seek a professional for assistance. Lightening your hair can take time, especially when going from a dark hue to a lighter shade, and you may need to have a couple color sessions before achieving the specific shade you want to wear. For haircolor inspiration, check out the June/July issue of Sophisticate’s, which is packed with great haircolors!
my natural haircolor is dark brown to black. the problem is the gray hair. i have the stripe that goes down the middle part. what color would u recommend to cover this up? would it be best to stay with the darker shades? thank you
Hi Brenda,
Because haircolor does ultimately fade with time, a lighter tress shade helps to mask grays. Dark hues have a stark contrast to gray hair, while blonde tones blend a little better. Consult your mane pro about the best options for coverage. Once the two of you find a solution it will be easier for you to find an at-home kit (at your local beauty supply store) to maintain your shade!
I have dark golden blonde hair. I really want to dye my hair like Lauren Alaina’s. What color should I do for the underneath and the bangs? I have light skin, and i didnt wanna go too dark. tips?
Hi, Colleen! When Lauren Alaina was on Idol, her dark “shadow” underneath the blonde was a huge topic of discussion. Keep in mind, once you go that dark it’s a process to lift your haircolor to a lighter shade. Consult with your hairstylist to get an idea of the shades that would be best for you and don’t forget to ask about the process it would take to change back!
I love love Emma Stone’s copper/auburn hair shade. I too have the same porcelain skin tone. I’m a golden blonde, but would love to try a hair hue close to hers. Can a professional do that without turning my hair orange or looking too dark against my skin tone?
Hi, Monica! It’s a great idea to consult a salon pro for haircolor. Set up a consultation to talk about the best hue for your skin tone and ask questions about the pro’s experience with haircolor. Some salons have colorists who strictly work with haircolor (rather than cutting and styling) and spend a lot of time training to color hair!