You might have some skills with cosmetic contouring, but did you know that the same principles can be also applied to your hair? In fact, using the same rules as traditional contouring (dark colours make an area look smaller, light shades open up and widen space) your hair can serve to flatter you more than ever before says Conna-Rae from Sixth Sense Hair Salon Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham.
We already talked here about how contouring is going to be big for 2017, but you can never have too much of a good thing – so we’ve decided to elaborate and let you know what to expect when you jump in the chair. Remember, this doesn’t mean that your current hair colour isn’t already amazing, only that there is a way to keep doing what we are do, with a little cherry on top!
Who is it for?
Hair contouring might be trending on Instagram, but that doesn’t mean it’s just for the kids. On the contrary, this trend serves to flatter all hair types by creating a hair strobbing effect that works to flatter your best features – no thanks needed!
First up, know your face shape (don’t worry – we’ll help!)
Forget about donning a colour simply because you like it, contoured hair is all about what serves to flatter – and that flattering process begins by first taking stock of what you have. The first stage in this totally bespoke service is defining your own face shape and setting goals for your contour. To make sure your contoured hair serves to emphases your visage to perfection, here is a breakdown of what to aspire to per face shape.
Heart face
If you have a heart-shaped face, you are in the company of Reese Witherspoon (which can never be a bad thing!).
Mission: To soften the face and make it appear more oval
Process: Lighter sections around ears and jawline, with fine highlights and depth right at the root.
Oval face
If you are blessed with an oval face, then you are lucky enough to count Jessica Alba in your girl squad.
If you have an oval face, you are completely blessed because all contouring suits you. Have a chat with us to see exactly what direction you can take.
Round face
Who wouldn’t want to share their round face shape with the amazing Drew Barrymore?
Mission: to create more of a point at the bottom of the face
Process: Lighter tones should be scattered around the hairline, with darker tones under the ears and the ends of the hair that fall around the face.
Long face
You won’t have a long face when you realise your visage has a lot in common with SJP!
Mission: To shorten the face length, whilst slimming it
Process: Opt for deeper tones towards the root, which draw the eye upwards.
Square face
Sandra Bullock is the poster girl for square faces, if you share her face shape you are certainly in great company!
Mission: To soften angular features
Process: Multi-tonal layers of highlights and lowlights can be applied to all corners of the face to break up angles and hard features.
Hair painting
If you are au-fait with hair colouring, you might be familiar with hair foils or caps – so, prepare to come out of your comfort zone! Unlike other colouring techniques, contouring relies on freehand painting to create seamless transitions and joins in colours. The result is super subtle, which also makes regrowth close to invisible. You’re welcome!
Love the 6S Team xoxo