celebrity colorist
joel warren
Looking for a mane muse? “I love Taylor Swift’s blonde haircolor,” shares Warren. “I’d love to give her highlights.”
Can’t decide on a haircolor? Look to this A-list actress for inspiration. “Jessica Alba is always changing her hair from one color to another,” says Warren.
Joel Warren is a master colorist who has catered to a slew of A-list celebrities. As one half of the hair industry’s most legendary duo (the other half being master stylist Edward Tricomi), Warren has long been influencing hair fashion. Together the duo is responsible for the Warren-Tricomi Haircare line and top salons in New York, Los Angeles and Miami Beach. Here, Warren shares his thoughts on how to achieve your hottest haircolor yet!
Warren’s haircolor choices have been inspired by nature and the ethereal colors found within. “The shades are unique and in haircolor, they are going to stand out a little bit,” says Warren, who notes floral-inspired shades boast splices of bold color. “There are some purples, some pinks and some greens. The look isn’t going to be for everybody, but it can work for the woman who wants to try something different to make her hair a little bit more interesting and have her own identity.”
“With things in the economy going on, I think everyone is feeling a little blah,” says Warren. “It’s one thing feeling blah, but it’s another thing to look blah. Now it’s time to feel great and focus on yourself since you can’t really do much about everything else [in the world]. You spend more time taking care of your self and your haircolor is a great way to express that.”
“Normally, everyone is trying to keep costs down, but when you keep the cost down you are eliminating things,” explains Warren. “For example, better ingredients cost more, so it’s rare to find a product that costs a lot but does not have great ingredients.” Warren’s haircolor philosophy also transcends mere cost. “Your overall appearance needs to be balanced,” he says. “You have to take your body size, body shape, face shape and how you dress into consideration.”
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i have pale skin, and i mean very pale, i’ve been told i’d make an awesome vampire. I have hazel eyes with flecks of gold, green pretty much every color, i’m thinking about going red like ashlee simpson/lindsay lohan red but i don’t know if i can wear it, so what do you think?
Okay, I’m sorry if this sounds a little confusing, but here goes! I think I would like to go blonde (again) but I can never seem to find the right shade for me! I think I am a warm but Im not too sure, my eyebrows are a funky ash (like in natural light I can see green!) but my hair looks more like a dishwater blond with a little bit of red… Whenever I color my hair brown, regardless of the base, it always pulls red at the roots… I hope some of that made sense, thank you and I love your magazine!
Hi, Liz!
Don’t fight Mother Nature. If your natural coloring is cool, go for that shade. Pale, cool highlights are perfect for “dishwater” blondes. If you’re still unsure of what shade to use, refer back to pictures of yourself as a child. Mother Nature always gets it right.
I love the color of Leona Lewis’ hair in the latest issue of your magazine! I have dark brown hair and a light tan skin tone and dark brown eyes and Ive been wanting to do something completely different w/my hair besides hi lighting it. From just lookin at the picture her hair looks like it might’ve been dark brown before she colored it but im not sure. I would just like to know what exactly I’d have to do to get that kind of coloring and if that color would be suitable for me..oh and what color it is so I can maybe explain to my stylist what I’m actually wanting. Thanks so much
Jamie:
Leona does look lovely and thank you for purchasing our magazine!
We’re checking our experts and will be back in a bit!
Thank you for replying so promptly to my email Ms. Kreuger-I can’t wait to hear back from you about my question on Leona Lewis’ hair color. I’m really excited to try a whole new hair color so hope I hear from you and your experts soon : )
Hi, Jamie!
I agree—Leona does have beautiful hair. She probably has 2-3 different lighter colors woven through her naturally dark hair. A general rule for making it believable is to stay within four levels of your natural color and alternate a cool and a warm tone. She probably has a cool/icy toner applied for high gloss. The right toner will tie it all together. Here are three options based on your skin tone…
1. If your skin tone appears more of a yellow/gold base, you can utilize warmer, richer tones. (Avoid creating anything too ashy.)
2. If your skin dominates more orange, you could target a cooler tone like Leona’s.
3. The third option works for a cool/blue skin tone. Then go with that alternation of cool and warm highlights making sure your lights don’t dominate yellow. Keep the lighter one more neutral to icy. Best of luck to you!
Thank you so much for getting back to me Suzie I appreciate it so much! : ) This will really help me explain to my stylist what I’m lookin’ for and she’ll know how to help me pick the right colors for my skin tone so I can try out this exciting new pretty hair color/style : ) Thanks Again
I have black hair and im wanting to spice it up a little bit, but still keep some of my black in there. I have fair skin so i dont know what would look right. So what would be some good highlght colors?
Maitlyn:
We’re checking our experts and will have an answer for you soon…keep checking!
Maitlyn:
We’re checking o and will have an answer for you soon…keep checking!
Hi, Maitlyn!
Super dark hair like yours would look fabulous with some deep chocolate and dark caramel pieces added in. The pieces would brighten your overall look, but keep your base woven throughout. Keeping the pieces smaller will allow you to have a soft regrowth. Taking them chunkier is a bit higher maintenance in the salon.
I’m Native American with dark brown hair. I love the color red and want to incorporate it into my hair. I love Scarlett Johansson’s color for the Iron Man 2 movie. I am also considering red highlights, maybe a fire engine red tone. I don’t know which way to go or what tone to use. Usually auburn or bright auburn colors don’t last or show on my hair. I want to make a change to my boring hair color. Any suggestions?
Hello again! Where is a good place (online too) to get semi-permanent hair color at?
Check Sally Beauty stores or their Web site.
Put more proud redheads in your magazine.I know its hard to find since most want to it seems to be blonde.But for the few of us it would be nice to see some and maybe once in awhile a cover of one.You can include dye job ones to because Ashlee Simpson her hair was pretty.She looked good as a redhead.
Hi Jennifer:
Thanks for giving us your input on redhead–we noted your request on another page as well.
We love redheads, too, and will continue to keep including this fabulous haircolor in future issues of Sophisticate’s Hairstyle Guide!
Natural redhead,still is never been dyed.Love my haircolor,it reminds me of the many family members that have it or had it.Plus being in the category of very few natural redheads is nice.Hearing people say they love your haircolor and want it is nice.The place I go to for cuts,the lady there asked if she could have some of my hair for her students to practice on since its never been dyed.Plus she loves the color,says she won’t dye it.It was a little stange having someone ask if they can keep your hair for classes to practice on.
In the picture with Ashlee Simpson, what color is her hair and how do I get that style?
Thanks!
Hi Jess!
You should definitely pick up a copy of Sophisticate’s Hairstyle Guide magazine. We give you step-by-step instructions for how to style lots of gorgeous looks, and include tips from the stylists themselves. Check out the Red section on this Web site, where we answered your other question about how to style a look–you can have this type of information at your fingertips with each issue of Sophisticate’s!
I LOVE sophisticate’s. It helps a lot when i want something new and different, especially since i change my style and color a lot. I have sort of a heart shaped face w/ lighter medium skin tones and blue eyes. My hair right now is pretty long and a kind of a brown blonde color. Every ones says I look great w/ dark hair and i agree. But my question is how dark should I go and should I get high/low lights also? I’m also tired of my long locks since they’ve kinda decided to stop growing so again my question is how short of a cut should I get? Please help me. Thanks!
Kelsie:
Thank you for the nice note! We’re checking and will be back…
Hello Kelsie:
Thanks for reading Sophisticates. I agree that it’s THE place to turn for all your beauty needs and questions. I love having the magazine in the salon and it helps clients see different cut & color trends and styles.
Having a heart shaped face means it is wider at the top, and more narrow at the bottom (the shape of an upside down triangle). I suggest keeping length so you can compliment the narrow features near the chin. If you cut the hair too short, it can accentuate narrow features. I don’t always believe you have to follow the face-shape rules, but I do think they can be helpful in determining cut & color services that can help us look our best.
If you are concerned about it looking too one-dimensional, ask for dimensional color applications that help add movement, bounce and shine. Darker colors can look beautiful on medium skin tones and make the eyes really stand out. Just remember though, having darker color is a commitment so if you want highlights later keep that in mind when choosing your color. The good news is that it’s color, and it can always be changed. Just take care of your hair, use color protecting shampoos and conditioners as well as styling products.
Hello Sophisticate’s!
Let me start off by saying that I love your magazine. I buy them even if I’m not currently considering a haircut or color! Y’all are doing a fantastic job.
Okay, so I’m planning on dying my hair soon but I’m not sure what color. I have pale skin with both pink and yellow-y undertones. My eyes are green and my hair is naturally a medium brown. I’ve had red, blonde, and brown hair but have yet to find the perfect shade. I’m open to anything and your help would be very appreciated!
Hi Dee:
Thanks for the kind letter! We’ll check our experts and be back in a few days. Hope November is going well for you!
Bonnie: Your welcome and I hope your December goes well for you!
After asking my friend her opinion, I’m editing my first message. My skin doesn’t really have any yellow undertones, only pink. I think it’ll affect your color choice for me so I thought I should change it!
Hi Dee:
Sounds like dimensional color is the PERFECT choice for you. With fair skin and green eyes, warm tones are definitely an option. Depending on your natural hair color and level (how light or dark it is), I might recommend a nice warm color overall, with deeper “under-lights.” Underlights are similar to highlights but you weave darker tones underneath so they pop through the surface. I also call these “Color Peek-a-Boos,” just a splash of color underneath to add depth and dimension.
With dimensional color you can have the best of both worlds. You can have one, two or even three colors you like all in one color application. Dimensional color gives more life, shine and movement to hair, and can give better than natural looking results. Enjoy, and have fun with color in the salon.
Thank you for your help! I will definitely talk to my stylist about this.
Hi,
I naturally have a dark dirty blonde hair color but recently have been using Color Spa Temp hair color to darken it. I use a very dark brunette color and it turned out stunning, it made my eyes POP. I love the dark colors on my as opposed to lighter. I have light skin, not very pale but light and blue eyes. What would you suggest me using so my lighter roots are not so noticeable when my hair starts growing back in? A lighter brown color maybe?
Holly:
We’ll check with our experts and be back shortly!
Hi Holly:
You should go to a salon for a no-lift demi-permanent retouch. OR, you can use what you enjoyed using at home, but you MUST restrict the application to the ROOTS ONLY! Good luck!
Dear Sophisticates,
I have a problem finding what haircolor would bring out my eyes. I am naturally strawberry blonde with a fair to medium skin tone that has red in it,with hazel to light green eyes.
Currently my hair is highlighted golden blonde.My natural haircolor has turned a medium reddish brown. What dark haircolor would bring out the green in my eyes? When selecting haircolor should I stick with cooler or warmer tones? I want some lowlights for fall/winter,but I don`t know what color I should go for. Also,whatsthe lightest and darkest I can take my hair? Any suggestions?
Justine:
We’re checking with our experts and will have an answer next week!
Hi Justine:
If you were my client, I would lowlight the hair with a light auburn tone in one bowl, and with a rich strawberry/golden tone in the other. This interplay of tone against what you currently have will TRULY rev up your eye color and bring out all that luscious, warm beauty! I hope this helps. ENJOY!
Hey Sophisticates,
Just wanted to say that your mag is exactly where I go when I want to find a fresh, new look for my tresses. However, right now I’m at a dead end–well, actually several. I need to figure the best cut and color for my skin tone, eye color, and face shape.
I have a heart-faced with a warm, beige skin tone. I tan easily in the summer, but I just as easily lose it in the winter. My eyes are a medium blue. My hair is naturally curly with a medium thickness, and it is a dark blonde/light brown color. I was blonde as a kid, but it has become darker as I’ve become older. It is currently very long, about 4-5 inches below my shoulders. I enjoy wearing it long and wavy with a trimmed swoop bang across my forehead and a side part.
I’m thinking about trying some blonde lowlights to give my curls some dimension and depth. I was a bright bleach blonde in high school, and I don’t want to travel that route again. Any suggestions for highlights or lowlights that might be appropriate for my hair situation?
Thanks!
EDIT: “I have a heart-shaped face.” I teach 6th grade language arts, and I should have proofread! Thanks!
BeccaT:
Hi Becca!
We’re checking with our expert panel and should have an answer posted in a few days.
Thank you for your support of Sophisticate’s–we appreciate it!
Hi Becca!
Sounds like you have a great situation—your hair type, skin tone, and face shape lend themselves to many awesome possibilities! Let’s do shape first.
A true heart shaped face allow for 2 things:
1. No need for a bang to minimize the forehead.
2. A center part usually looks fantastic with heart shapes.
So with that said, and your wave pattern, you have tons of options. Why not try shorter for winter? Turtlenecks are hot right now and shorter lengths look so perfect with them! Try going to the top of the shoulders with some liquid layers. Something like Jennifer Nettles would be fantastic wavy or straight! You could wear the fringe centered, swept, or back. Very versatile. And it’s still long enough for that great messy updo!
hey me again just asking what color would look good too
Hi Susan:
That would actually be an ideal look for you! It could be easily achieved with a full dimensional highlight and a brightener. The blonde would really bring out your eyes and compliment your complexion as well. The dimension would keep it as low maintenance as possible. In the salon, we would also recommend a Kerastase Aqua Oleum Treatment to preserve the integrity of your hair and keep it soft and healthy. There is nothing more beautiful than an all-American blonde with blue-green eyes and freckles.
Darby, Diana, Athena and Susan!
Will check with our experts and be back in a few days!
Thank you for visting our Web site and supporting our publication.
Dear Sophisticated,
I hace overgrwon hig lights and lowlights and i love change so my hair right now is naturally light brown/dark blonde with blonde highlights and auburn low lights. Its about an inch below my chin and i have to put it in a pony/bun for dance and i can pin up layers. I have an oval face and was thinking a cut like caridee english or selena gomez i like caridee’s alot but not the color because i think it would look weird on me and i don’t think i can(because of too much die if i get high lights and stuff to) but if u rcomend it i can ask and if i don’t get highlights/lowlights i’ll be fine. I like layers just not to many and my hair is fine and medium thickness. I have blue/green eyes more blue and fair skin slightly tanned. Please and Thank you.
Darby
Hi Darby:
I would recommend a long bob with medium layers. This is a great cut for your hair type and is also quite versatile. The trick in keeping the ability of pulling your hair back is cutting the layers from short to long in the crown, working forward toward the front. Keep the shortest layers in the crown and graduated in the back. This will maintain length in the front and sides, but also gives the cut great movement.
Hi, I currently have dark blond hair I am fair skinned with blue eyes. I recently 2 weeks ago received a very bad cut that can be best described as shaved on the sides, back and my bangs left long and to the side like Kate from john&kate. My hair is naturally thick and wavy.I am letting it grow out for a total of 4weeks.After that I am going to have it colored.Either highlights, allover blonde, or somekind of red highlights or lowlights. Which of those would you sugguest I get. Thank you for any advice
Diana
Hi Diana:
and in between the foil placement a nice rich auburn (level 6). This would be beautiful with your skin tone and eye color. To maintain you could do a partial placement on shorter hair.
An all over blonde may be more maintenance. I would suggest a beautiful amber blonde (level
I am currently a dark blonde level 6. I had highlights done 5 months ago in a (wheat color) and am looking to have color done again. My stylist did thin strands last time. My hair is short with side swept bangs. I am fair with blue eyes.I am looking to do something a little more dramatic but not at the price of the health of my hair. Do you have any suggestions? Also I want to have the color to either highlight the shape of my haircut or frame the shape of my hair cut.Thank you,
athena
Hi Athena:
Placement is the key for a more dramatic effect. Working with the shape to highlight your haircut is also important. With the length, I would place your foils in diagonal sections, working back to front. This will spill over the surface of a shorter cut to enhance the style. The formula would be with two color combinations, one a nine level cool tone and alternate with a warm high lift color, this will keep the integrity of the hair. The end result will have enough drama and very dimensional appearance.