BY JUSTINE HORNICK

As a hair obsessionist, it is my public duty to pass on common knowledge of the beauty pros. Today’s fad-fact may come as a shock to some of those who are in two-tone love with the trend that took the world by storm: Ombré is out.

Yes, I said it. Gone is the look of inches of deep root color with overly light ends. I know that this subject splits the population pretty evenly. Hipsters started doing the DIY version of ombré at home years ago, while fashionistas have paid the big bucks to mirror the hair of a Victoria’s Secret model. On the other hand, I’ve also listened to lots of women ask, “Why would you want to look like you haven’t had your hair colored in six months?”

Let’s take a peek at the last few years of repeat ombré representatives.
 

So where does the trend evolve to from here? Luckily, we’re on the cusp of a much-needed summer—meaning, we’re all ready for a little more brightness. Try the age-old technique of Balayage, or hand-painting, to create highlights that start closer to the scalp. Balayage is a French verb that means “to sweep.” Lightening products are used for this highlighting service sans foil. The lightener is painted freehand onto the hair to create a soft illusive highlight. No stripes or odd lines here! This painting technique is fantastic for creating the “I just spent a week at the beach” type of hair.

This week I worked with Ashley Kilcher, owner of the newest North Loop boutique, Roe Wolfe. Ashley is a fashion and beauty maven, always looking toward the horizon of trend. It was only natural that her hair be as fabulous as she. I created a deep sorrel-brown base color with painted highlights of rosewood and amber. Her look still has a gorgeous melting color effect with a lot less ombré!
 

Gorgeous, no?

BY JUSTINE HORNICK

(hair: Kathryn Hornick, model: Christy Johnson, MUA: Julie Swenson, photo: Kelsey Lee Photography)

Hair trends for summer are no exception; after all, hair color is a versatile way to lift your spirits and express your style. Hair hues ranging from brights to pastels have been all over fashion magazines and runways for the last couple of seasons—so what’s new about it now?I am obsessed with color. I want it everywhere, now that the weather is nice and everyone seems to be in sunshiny-happy moods.  The tulips have sprouted and I’m finding my hair color work and myself inspired by flowers and that fresh, renewed feeling!

Every trend starts with an Haute Couture look, or the “runway” version, most likely not very wearable. Then comes the Ready-to-Wear or as I like to call it, the “sidewalk” version. The way to wear these pops of color for spring will be in a less punky, “Manic Panic” I-didn’t-do-this-at-home type of way! I drew inspiration from the image at right by Kathryn Hornick, which was her entry into an international competition, Trend Vision.

The ready-to-wear version that I created borrowed the idea of the domino effect of colors, but I transformed it into a melted pastel application, meaning colors that blend from one into the next. The color palette of periwinkle, rose, and lilac make it an easy shift from blonde for a light and springy style. Finding pastels that work with your skin tone is very important. If you have blue eyes and fair skin, this combo works great. If you’re more olive toned, lean more toward saturated blues, vibrant oranges, and fuchsia.
 

If it all still seems scary, try just adding a few pieces, like this color I created. Think about adding a pop of color just through the fringe or have it placed asymmetrically!
 

BY JUSTINE HORNICK

One: Sweat every day. Get out there and workout!I have to admit it. I have had a major attitude problem lately and I think I’ve figured out why. As a member of the rough and tough Midwesterner clan, it is just not fair to be subjected to six whole months of winter! I’ve had enough, so I decided to implement a few little tricks to coax in spring, sun, and happiness. It’s something we can all do and let me tell you… it’s working!

Two: Retire the black wardrobe; bright colors will make you smile!

Three: Use MINA Organics locally made products!

Well the first two are probably no surprise, but a nice reminder is usually necessary. The third is a magical discovery I was lucky enough to have made this season. Mina Organics is an awesome local company who is using argan and macadamia-nut oils to create skin care, hair care, and gradual tanning products. (It really is best not to look like we’ve been suffering through months of freezing cold.) Moisturized bronzed skin and shiny static-free hair is only a pump away!

For a healthy glowing tan without the orange hue, lines or spots, try the 3-in-1 Sunless & Bronzing Moisturizer. After just two uses I noticed a gorgeous sun-kissed sheen to my previously dry and less-than-luxurious skin. I love the dual chamber that separates the bronzer and argan oil from the moisturizer, allowing me to mix the two for an even application.

I am all about convenience lately, with a busy travel and gym regimen, so I was ecstatic when I found MINA’s Leave-In Spray Treatment. I take it in the shower with me and spray it on my mid-lengths and ends of my hair for weightless moisture, shine, and anti-frizz. It also helps to protect against split ends and heat damage. I even catch my boyfriend using it to detangle his curls. I’d say we have a winner!

Bonus: These MINA Organics products are color safe and both sulfate and paraben free. Find them on Amazon.

Happy rejuvination!

BY JUSTINE HORNICK

Believe it or not, but summer will soon be upon us! The true indicator that warm weather is on the horizon is the desire from so many of my clients to try something new. The most frequent inquiries from my impatient beauties sound something like this: “What are this year’s trends?” Along with, “Can we lighten my hair, and try something new?” Absolutely. Of course. I couldn’t agree more!

I’m happy to report that I had the opportunity to work backstage for Wella Professionals at America’s Beauty Show in Chicago last weekend, where we brought to life the hottest trends for the season. ABS happens to be the largest beauty trade show in the country, and I am so excited to share some of Wella Professionals’ favorite looks for the year! (Above: the debut of Illumina Color, the greatest hair color innovation in over 20 years!)

Now is a great time for change, and I am so excited to see fresh bright colors everywhere. Wella, as a professional hair color, care, and styling line, has so much to offer. Let’s start with our interpretation of the trend Decibel, a return to 70’s glam punk, with bright, brash colors, and eclectic style:

The trend Echo is a return to artistic sensitivity, a more dark intuitive style that speaks from the heart. Here we have combined two colors, copper and titanium to create a  simple juxtaposition on textured hair:

Fusion is a trend that is embodied by the woman who takes a journey into the future. She is strong and of Asian descent with an “East meets West” influence:

The stylist’s favorite for the year is the trend Allegra, which brings an opulence to imperial folklore. Clad with braids, waves, and texture, this is a trend that long-haired beauties can embrace for more than just that special event:

Color services are available at a root Salon or a Wella Salon near you.

Photo Credit: Pete Nguyen/ Attachment Media