I recently talked about the reverse ombre and why it’s a bad idea. But there is another way to do it that looks good and isn’t so much maintenance.

Instead of painting the highlights on to gradually go from light roots to dark ends, you can do your highlights on top like normal, and do a single process underneath. By going a few shades darker underneath, you are actually creating a very natural look. Naturally the sun wouldn’t lighten that hair, because it’s not ever reaching it. If you have layers, even long layers, the darker underneath part will peek through the lighter parts, making a similar “reverse ombre” effect. There is actually very minimal damage with color like this, because you don’t have to do highlights underneath, and that saves your ends from a lot of grief! I had my hair like this for several years. I would do a 7N or 8N underneath, and do highlights on top every few months to keep it bright.

Here are a few pictures!

You guys, I don’t know why I just don’t enjoy J-Simps’ company. Her hair is a good example of what I’m talking about though.

Gwyneth Paltrow’s is my favorite!

Nicole always has great hair. Not because she has naturally great hair, but because she has a great stylist.

Way back in beauty school, we called this look The Shadowbox. We did a more severe look like Christina Aguilera though. Back in 2002, I loved the platinum blonde with red or black underneath. You couldn’t pay me to do it now. Ha.

Would you try this look?

Q by Claire: ***I have totally thin hair but I don’t want my hair shorter than ponytail length. Which cut is best for me? Also, I live in Australia. DBJ.

A by Reagan: Not to get all mushy on your Australian a’, but my heart really goes out to people with super duper thin hair. It is hard to feel beautiful when you aren’t happy with your hair. I have some really good tips for you though, Claire! So get pumped!

Tip number one-Get a trim often. Really thin hair tends to lose it’s shape much faster than thick hair. Keeping your ends trimmed up will make it look fuller.

Tip number two-Blunt cuts are best. Don’t let anyone use a razor or texturizing sheers on you. Avoid point cutting too. You want your ends blunt so that it doesn’t look stringy.

Tip number three-Avoid too many layers. It will make the length thinner. You can have long layers if you insist, but nothing shorter than an inch or two above the length.

Tip number four-Bangs (fringe) are awesome. I really try to talk my super thinnies out of lots of layers, like I was saying in tip three, so a straight, square cut with bangs makes for a nice style. Bangs prevent your cut from looking boring, and gives you a beautiful shape. There are many lengths and ways to wear bangs, so find something that you like with your face shape. A round face looks better with sweepy bangs.

Tip number five-Clip in extensions. You could also go for more permanent extensions, but those are very expensive and have to be redone every few months. I have clients who clip in a couple of rows when they go out, and it creates so much fullness. Remember, you can get extensions the same length as your hair if you don’t want your hair longer. Just a few rows will make a big difference. Give it a try!

Here are a few pictures of the ideal thinny hair cut.

Nicol Richie has extremely thin hair. This haircut is perfect for her. She has extensions all over the place for thickness, even in her bangs! I can tell, cause it’s my job to tell.

Agyness Deyn has a very similar cut, but shorter and with a heavier fringe. This look will be best between her length, and just an inch or two past your shoulders. You don’t have to have super short hair just because it’s thin!

***I wrote my own question for Claire, just to get to the point. Don’t be offended, Claire. I want you to be my friend, and one day I’m going to make it down to Australia.

ps, I give up with the pictures. no matter how I try, they never center properly. Boo.

Q by Emily: Can I dye my hair while pregnant? How dangerous is it? I’ve heard varying opinions and am interested to hear yours.

A by Reagan: Emily, I think you’re right to question this. There are many opinions out there and it’s hard to know where to side. In fact, I had a client who I thought was going to get into a screaming match with a pregnant woman who was touching up her highlights about a year ago. That was a the closest I ever came to having a heart attack at work. (and the closest I ever came to divorcing a client)

Here is my answer. I think it’s safe to color your hair while you’re pregnant. The truth is, haircolor used to be made with harmful ingredients, like lead. Lead, can you believe it? No wonder there is still so much confusion. I really don’t blame people for being afraid, or even for choosing not to color their pregnant strands. But really, you’ll be fine.

If you’re still too scared, but don’t want to stop coloring, here are a few tips to help you out.

~Avoid on the scalp processes. Anything with foils wont be touching the scalp, and so if you are worried about something seeping into your blood stream or pores, this is the way to go.
~Avoid coloring in the first trimester. Most pregnant women are sensitive to smells. Having color done might bother your snout. Get plenty of fresh air.

I know of some colorists who will not take pregnant clients, which I think is likely for legal precautions, so keep that in mind if you are turned away.  And as always, talk to your Dr. if you are having doubts. What is your opinion?

*This episode of “hair answers” is strictly HDOF’s opinion. Although I’ve done some research myself, and spoken with several colorists about the issue, I am not a scientist or a doctor and should not be used as a main source for health/pregnancy advice. Please don’t sue me is what I’m getting at.