Update your look with hair color "dimension"

Hair color should never look flat, dull or lackluster. But a full head of highlights aren't the only way to add depth and dimension to your color -- and lighter isn't always the way to go.

Mary Knaus, a professional stylist at Root's Salon in St. Petersburg, says "Dimensional hair works for just about everyone, as long as selected colors match up with the client's skin tone (either cool or warm shades). Many women who want to go blonde often tend to wash out a pale or light skin tone by choosing a solid color. Dimensional color adds contrast and depth to compliment modern sculpted or loose shapes."

"Depth can also give the illusion of thicker hair and or can minimize thick, heavy hair and give a sleeker effect," she adds.

Ask your stylist how much contrast will work for you. Options Include:

• Partial or Face-Framing Highlights to add a brightening, slimming, thickening or even a face-widening illusion, depending on where they are placed.
• Balayage Highlights which are hand-painted onto select strands to add flickers of light, or even a hint of movement that enhances hair’s natural texture.
• Woven, Sliced or Skimmed Highlights, to give the exact effect that’s right for you.
• Lowlights, to be used alone to create depth or to pair with any highlight type for the maximum in dimension.

Mary also said, "Trendy, dimensional color can be easily maintained with 6 to 8 week visits to your hairstylist and by using a good color-safe shampoo." So it's no more maintenance than a one-process color.

Looking for an expert in the Tampa Bay area? Try Mary Knaus at Root's Salon, 6299 Central Avenue in St. Petersburg. She can be reached directly at (727)614-2017, or email her at mknaus@tampabay.rr.com.