In Hair Salons We Trust: Sassoon Salon

With the spring season finally here and summer right around the corner, I realized it was time to shed my long locks for a more low-maintenance style. This past weekend, I experienced my first Vidal Sassoon Salon haircut and color and I couldn’t be happier with my new look.

I first met with Sassoon’s color director, Jade DelProposto-Thornton, who consulted with me regarding my hair color. After an extremely dark auburn season, I was ready to lighten up. She mentioned the idea of going an orangey-red (like Julianne Moore) but I wasn’t ready for that big of a change (but I’m definitely thinking about trying that next!). Many foils later, Jade gave me some pretty natural caramel highlights and an uber relaxing deep-conditioning treatment before I was whisked away to the chair of creative director, Allison Lyle.

Allison assessed my current length and cut (read: split ends a plenty and extremely long bangs) and recommended going a few inches shorter. Her cut was incredibly precise—no awkward lengths. Following my cut, she used a pump of Kerastase Oleo-Complexe (an serum that nourishes and protects color-treated hair) before blow drying my new ‘do, while giving me some quick tips and tricks for styling using a paddle brush. She then straightened my hair with a flat iron before refining and trimming for touch-ups. Most precise cut. Ever.

Check out some snapshots of my new look and some HAIR-mazing advice from Allison and Jade on their favorite spring look, color trends and tips for fighting the god-awful humidity us Washingtonians always have to deal with each summer.

What’s your favorite spring hair trend?
Allison: “The long bob is a refreshing new trend at the moment. I love how practically anyone can wear it by varying the length and shape.”

What color trends are you eyeing this season?
Jade: “My favorites for this season are neutral browns and cool caramels, such as the brunette model in the Sassoon Spring summer 2013 collection, Iconic. These tones are a stylish contrast to the bright blondes that tend to epitomize summer hair and will transition beautifully from the winter.”

What hairstyles work best for summer that are low-maintenance?
Allison: “Buns, topknots and braids are simple summer styles. Use a beach/texture spray like Davines Sea Salt Primer ($26) to create a loose, soft look on layered hair.”

The heat and humidity in DC can be a travesty for tresses! What tips and product recommendations do you have for managing hair for extreme heat waves?
Allison: “To fight the heat, I recommend working with (not against!) your natural texture. If you have wave or curl in your hair, embrace it during the summer months forthis easy, flattering look: apply a quarter-size amount of Moroccan Oil Curl Defining Cream ($33.60) to damp hair, twist the hair in one -inch sections all over the head and diffuse or air dry. Don’t touch the hair while drying to keep frizz to a minimum.”

Jade: “An in-salon treatment (starting at $42) also combats frizz and can be customized for a client’s specific hair type. If more moisture is needed or the hair needs to be strengthened after a few days in the sun, we can apply a treatment that targets all those concerns.”

Allison: “For straight hair, Kerastase offers an excellent line to repel humidity and maintain sleekness– Kerastase Bain Oleo-Relax Shampoo ($38), Masque ($31) and Serum ($40). Apply sparingly to keep volume and body.”

I couldn’t be happier with my long bob and it’s the perfect low-maintenance summer style. I’d love to hear what you think of my new look! Thinking of going shorter this season? Head to Sassoon Salon at Tysons Galleria and tell them I sent you! Right now they are offering a special Mother’s Day gift card. For every $100 gift card purchase, receive a $20 bonus voucher to gift or keep for yourself!

Sassoon Salon at Tysons Galleria, 1855G International Blvd., McLean; 703-448-9884; sassoon.com

Photos taken by Divya Ooi