Over the years, Filipinas have become more open to the idea of coloring their hair.
In fact, this year’s most picked hue is “ash blonde” or the cool tones that give smokey and silvery effects.
That's according to Mehdi Moussaoui, the French creative director of La Provence Modern Salon and Beauty Café in Bonifacio Global City’s Central Square.
He further said during his interview with PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) on August 3, “Filipinas, their hair can never be boring. So easy to change their look.
“In three and a half years I’ve been here in the Philippines, I saw their choices changed.
“Before, they would tell me, ‘I want something close to brown or black color. Not too different.’
“Now, they like to experiment more.”
But still, changing one’s hair color is not an overnight decision.
“It’s like a commitment. You don’t say I want it and you get it and that’s it. The job doesn’t end after you leave La Provence,” said Mehdi.
Mehdi with actress Maricar de Mesa
MAJOR CONSIDERATION
If you're considering to color your hair, know first that it entails maintenance.
Mehdi remarked, “Every two weeks, [we] retouch the roots. Then four to six weeks, you get a hair treatment to make sure color stays the same and hair is not damaged.
“When we do hair color, we just do 50 percent of the job.
“Because at home, if you use the wrong shampoo, the wrong treatment, the color will fade. Or the hair will be damaged.
“That’s why, I tell client right away, ‘If you cannot come every four weeks, better to don’t do it.’”
WHICH COLOR?
Given that brands these days have more variety for every shade, there’s bound to be a particular color that will suit your skin tone best.
"We have some clients, they show a picture, and we follow it," said the guy who has also done the hair of Jinkee Pacquiao, Michela Cazzola, to name a few.
But here's his important reminder: "The outcome is not the same for all. Meaning, how a celebrity looked in this kind of blonde might not look the same on you.
"You don’t have the same skin tone. It’s all different.
"Here, the texture of the hair and skin tone, it’s all different."
What if the client chooses a color that won’t look good on her?
The 40-year-old hairstylist, "Me? I will tell her in a nice way, 'It will not fit but I have more options for you.'
"But if she really wants that, we will do it."
When you’re not certain about your choice of color, you have to tell your colorist.
In the case of Mehdi who has been in the business for 30 years, “I like to choose for them.
“And I don’t want a pattern every month.
“Each time they visit, for me, they are new clients.
“I never say, we do the same. Because that makes everyone bored, it’s not creative if you’re going to stick the same color for the whole year.”
COLOR + CONTOUR
Why is it that a lot of women dye their hair despite the intricacies of it?
Mehdi replied, "That's because color is no longer just about making that big change. It now can do contouring and help frame the face.
"You put highlights on certain areas, and you can make the jaw line or double chin less [pronounced].
"It’s a different level of hair styling, and it’s fascinating."
Next week, he is set to travel to Istanbul, Turkey.
"But even on vacation, I will have one day there to see the flagship of hair company Wella, and learn the new techniques and technology," he ended with a smile.