Sara Jessica Parker loves her beautiful Balayage highlights. Photo: dollhouseempire.com

If you want to add beautiful, naturally bright highlights to your hair, the increasingly popular balayage highlight technique is the perfect way to get that eye-catching, enviously sexy style. With celebrities like Drew Barrymore and Jessica Biel showing off their own balayage highlights, the technique quickly became a specialty service offered only to a select clientele…until now.

Balayage literally translates to mean “sweeping.” The balayage highlighting technique creates superior results because the colorist is able to sweep on each highlight and control placement of the color. The colorists at Azur West achieve balayage highlights by taking a small section of hair, sweeping color onto the top and then using a paddle to apply more color to the bottom of each section. The innovative balayage technique gives total control of the color placement to the colorist, while also allowing them to create the beautifully natural and unique highlights you always wanted.

The benefit of balayage highlights goes far beyond giving the colorist more control over color placement. Balayage highlights also create a more natural, multidimensional looking color. Azur West colorists are able to sweep more color onto areas where the sun naturally hits your hair the most, while sweeping less color in areas to make the growth appear more gradual and natural. When highlights are done using the foil technique, you only achieve one solid color from root to tip. Balayage highlights give rich and beautiful tones to your hair, resulting in a better color from root to tip.

Jessica Biel has beautiful and natural Balayage highlights. photo: meggywood.com

Balayage highlights also offer the added benefit of longer lasting results. Colorists at Azur West expertly utilize the balayage technique to apply highlights, so when your hair begins to grow out at the roots, it is much less obvious. This means you can wait longer before returning to have your balayage highlights touched up. The balayage technique is also perfect for gray hair, as it allows the colorist to single out only the gray strands of hair without having to apply overall color. Let one of the expert colorists at Azur West show you how balayage highlights can transform your hair.

While you might think that dryness and damage are just the inevitable effects of professional hair color, Azur West offers a new color innovation that changes everything. The professional stylists at Azur West proudly introduce their L’Oréal INOA Color Bar. The name INOA stands for Innovation No Ammonia. INOA gives you beautiful, rich color, without wreaking havoc on your precious locks. Here are the top five reasons you’ll fall in love with INOA.

• INOA is odorless: One of the most prominent disadvantages to other types of professional hair color is the strong chemical odor. If you are an experienced color client, you have no doubt experienced the strong fumes coming from hair color. Don’t forget that these fumes can affect more than your sense of smell. They have also been known to cause stinging, irritated and watery eyes. INOA color makes those chemical fumes a thing of the past, as it is odorless.

• INOA contains no ammonia: Ammonia is the ingredient found in hair color that causes major damage to your hair and scalp. The alkaline agent is added to hair color in order to lift your hair and distribute color. It also left your hair strands swollen, dry and breaking on the ends. Ammonia is responsible for causing your scalp to become red and itchy as well. INOA hair color is so innovative that it uses a totally different color delivery system, saving your hair from the terrible and frizzy results other color systems are known for.

• ODS Technology: INOA uses a new breakthrough technology known as the oil delivery system (ODS) to distribute color perfectly. If you want the best for your hair, INOA is your hair color. Compared to other permanent colors, INOA provides up to 2x more lipid protection to every strand of your hair. The result is a bold, shiny and lustrous texture that leaves your hair feeling like silk.

• Better results: The professionals at Azur West are able to offer you color that is better matched to the color swatches, avoiding any surprises with the final result. In addition to better color consistency, your hair will be improved with each application of INOA. In the past, your hair became more damaged with every coloring process. INOA takes your hair to new levels of health while providing superior scalp comfort.

• Celebrity stylists use INOA: Hollywood’s leading ladies have to look good at all times, but especially in front of the camera. Celebrity stylists must bring the newest and most innovative color to their clients in order to make sure their hair is looks flawless. Ted Gibson, stylist to the stars and owner of Ted Gibson Salons and Jason Backe, Master Colorist, Ted Gibson Salon, New York and Washington switched to INOA and fell in love. “I’m really excited about being part of the latest revolutionary hair color technology in the world,” says Gibson. “My clients have been thrilled with INOA – the color process and the amazing results!”

Ted Gibson demonstrates INOA, the new hair color line from L'Oreal Professionnel.(Photo: ModernSalon.com)

INOA by L’Oréal has taken hair color to a completely new level. Finally, you can have amazingly beautiful color without being forced to sacrifice the health and bounce of your hair. Let one of the professional stylists at Azur West show you how good your hair can be with the INOA Color Bar.

Are you having one of those days where you just need to get away? If things like fighting traffic or taking care of a family seem to be adding too much stress, it’s time to let Azur West introduce you to the Shu Uemura Art of Hair Sanctuary Salon. Azur West is one of only three salons in the nation offering the ultimate Shu Uemura pampering experience. Styled after the elegance of Japanese tea ceremonies, each treatment performed within The Sanctuary is specifically designed to meet the needs of your hair, while also transporting your worries far away.

Ask for the “Sanctuary Experience” when scheduling any hair or color service and you are immediately transported to a private treatment room like no other. The soundproof room is filled with music specially designed by Shu Uemura to gently puts your mind and body at ease. There is a plush chair and washbowl for hair and scalp treatments, plus a stylist’s chair for haircuts and styling. Instead of serving tea in The Sanctuary, you can sip on a glass of champagne or try the salon’s signature cucumber-infused vodka. Azur West uses precious Absolu oils during each ceremony, giving you more volume or moisture when you need it, along with utilizing an invigorating Shiatsu massage to relieve pressure points on your scalp. When you enter The Sanctuary, you’ll leave your stress behind.

Your Choice of Ceremonies

• Purifying Ceremony: This unique clarifying 15-minute treatment cleanses and purifies your scalp, while also moisturizing and revitalizing your hair. In addition, you can choose from two different scalp oils for your ceremony. FUYU is infused with eucalyptus for an invigorating effect, while NATSU contains pure essence of jasmine for a soothing and calming effect. You get to pick the sensation based on your mood.

• Hair Care Ceremony: This heavenly 30-minute treatment for hair combines a special moisturizing Depsea base with a prescribe combination of precious Absolu oils. Your professional Azur West stylist will recommend the perfect Depsea base for your hair type, using Light for fine hair types and Enriched for thicker hair, along with the best essential Absolu oils for your hair type. Your stylist will help you choose from one of six unique blends including Full Shimmer to boost shine and radiance, Moisture Velvet to nourish dry hair, Silk Bloom to restore damaged hair, Muroto Volume to volumize fine hair, Prime Plenish to revitalize hair that has weakened over time or Shusu Sleek to provide a modern, sleek look with excellent humidity defense..

• Complete Ceremony: This 45-minute service combines both the Purifying and Hair Care Ceremonies, plus gives you an extended scalp, neck, shoulder, arms and hand massage, creating the ultimate experience within The Sanctuary.

We just launched a sweepstakes where one lucky person will win a Free full Makeover along with 10 prize baskets for their friends, family and colleagues. Some of the prizes may include Shu Uemura goodness. Click Here to Enter

We are in L-O-V-E with Shu Uemura’s latest product. It’s called “Volume Maker” and it’s the first precision hair powder brush that gives instant root lift, texture and body. It also helps to refresh any blow-dry for long lasting hairstyles. Since it is an invisible powder, it works on all hair colors.

Stop by the salon and let us demonstrate it for you! We know you will want one, and you’ll be the envy of all your friends.

Volume Maker by Shu Uemura Art of Hair

It comes out as a clear powder with no scent. It’s a sleekly packaged product in a very easy-to-use canister. The red and black design is ultra-cool, and it is the perfect size for your purse! The product gives your hair instant volume, just like its name suggests.

The product is also a fantastic dry shampoo; it works wonders on second (and even third!) day hair, absorbing oil on the scalp while making it feel cleaner.

Check out this YouTube video that show the strength of the product:

COLOR, COLOR, COLOR! At Azur West, we LOVE all shades of hair color, and our stylists love to research and stay on top of the trends each season to provide our clients beautiful, modern looks. We are especially excited about the multi-dimensional reds, icy pearl blondes and daring “chalking” and pastel colors that we expect to be all the rage as we go into the Fall and holiday seasons. We know one of these trends will be just right for you!

These trends can be produced at our salon using the recently reformulated and upgraded INOA hair color line by L’Oreal Professionnel. The team of stylists and scientists that have worked together to develop this color line are truly innovative, with 22 patents specific to this hair color we use at Azur West. Colors are vibrant, intense and of unrivalled purity. And, because it combines a hair treatment with the color through an oil-based delivery system, our clients achieve 6 weeks of intense hydration and nutrition, leaving hair softer and shinier than before the color service and with reinforced white hair coverage.

So what colors will be all the rage this season? Take a Look:

Multi-dimensinonal reds better compliment your skin tone

Reds

Reds are always stunning, but we have seen a move away from the rich ruby reds of last season and more into multidimensional reds that fit with a variety of skin tones, such as this one on Emma Stone. Multidimensional is just a fancy way of saying that your stylist will use a variety of tones appropriate for you to add depth, texture and a sexy darker edge.

Blondes

Ash Blondes have a more youthful look

In Houston, we know our blondes! There seems to be two big trends in blondes this season. Ash blondes are definitely in for Fall. The natural, multidimensional, non-fussy, natural blonde is a must-have this season. Using the popular Balayage highlighting technique, you look like you spent the summer at the beach. Gone are the “stripes” and obvious highlights. Many clients want the natural blonde they had when they were younger, and this is just the technique to achieve that. A fine example of such is that sported here on Julianne Hough.  We think it is Gorgeous!!

Icy pearl blondes offer a sharp, strong look

For the more daring and fashion-forward, icy pearl blondes are also in. A unique cross between beige and slate, these blonde hues combine the milky luster of pearls with the frosty, violet finish of stainless steel.  The resulting cool beige hair color tones are sophisticated, iridescent and futuristic.

Chalking and “Candy Coated” Trends

Add a little pigment to your icy blondes for a daring, modern look

Want to make a stronger statement? This might be the look for you. Cutting edge celebs like Kelly Osborne are generating fascination with their pastel hues.  While not everyone is willing or able to embrace Kelly’s recent foray into periwinkle and lilac hair color, you can explore blonde tones that have been lightly kissed with pastel tones of peach, mint, carnation and lilac.  Think creamier versions of Easter egg favorites.

Hair Chalking is a daring, bold and fun look

Another option?  Pastel accent hair extensions can be placed to achieve the popular “Chalking” look that many celebrities are wearing. Or, go all the way with candy-coated, dip-dyed ends. Our stylists at Azur West can help you pick what is best for your hair type and lifestyle.

Gothic Romance

Romance is the trend for strong, modern hair color

Romance is in, with a trend toward dark, sexy, Gothic-inspired shapes and color. The looks are all over the runways and in pop culture. Use layers of deep browns, rich reds and bright copper to achieve an individualized style that begs for attention and compliments!

Azur West is known for beautiful hair color, cuts and styles. Did you know we  also have three talented eyebrow artists on staff?  All angles of the face are determined by your most important facial feature: the brows.  For just $25 per visit, you can have your brows waxed, plucked and trimmed into gorgeous shape.  It’s a quick and easy way to lift your eyes, and even narrow (or widen) your face. It’s like getting a facelift without the facelift!  For both men and women, don’t forget to groom your most important facial feature. Ask for Cesar, Katie or Vickie during your next appointment for a great new look!

Here’s an easy test to determine how badly your hair is damaged: Take a strand and place it in a glass of water. The sooner it sinks, the less protein it has, meaning that the hair is more dehydrated and at risk of breakage.

Come by Azur West, and we’ll hook you up with the very best solution to rebuild your hair to be silky, shiny and healthy! From using advanced color technology to avoid damage to shoring up the cuticle of your hair fibers by injecting moisture, shine and silkiness through in-salon treatments and take-home products, we can fix most any problem. Our stylists are specialists in identifying and solving problems.