With all those bright fabrics demanding their look-at-me fashion moment this spring; it stands to reason screaming neon highlights would be the of-the-moment hair trend. But actually, the opposite is true, explains Roberto Lugo, creative artistic director at the Serenity Spa & Salon in Greenwich. “You need something to cool off all that fashion heat,” says Roberto. So Lugo is suggesting his color clients consider pastel hues for anchoring contrast to the season’s amped up, ultra loud apparel trends.
For blondes, he suggests hues reminiscent of Hollywood starlets such as Marilyn Monroe and Kim Novak. For brunettes, he’s suggesting less saturated tones with touches of glimmer, gloss and some blue notes added to the base. “Don’t be afraid of the word blue,” he cautions. (A little bit tones down the orange reflections in hair color which are more garish with bright apparel.)
If you take your fashion cues from designer trends, Spring 2012’s designers’ runway hair was casually glamorous: Tousled, beachy waves as well as interesting (but deconstructed) twists on ponytails and updos channeled a certain laidback elegance —perfect for the Gold Coast lifestyle.
Roberto has seen the trend echoed in client requests: “After five years of people wanting super straight hair, we’re beginning to go from people asking for Keratin treatments to perms. I think it’s exciting. It adds a little more movement and interest to the hair.”
Here are some of the best places we know to go for updated hair that’s shear genius:
Darien
Best known for its sublime spa offerings, insiders know that renowned New York City stylist Kenneth Tepper makes regular visits here to provide his clients with his precision cuts and his always expert advice.
Fairfield
The team at H keeps a laser-focus on current trends and delivers them in an expert fashion in their Post Road studio, located in a bright, upbeat space adjacent to The Shack restaurant.
Twice ranked among the nation’s top 200 salons, The Total l Look has locations in Southport and on Black Rock Turnpike that boast a total of nine board-certified master colorists. Its team is so skilled in cutting-edge trends the salons also have a teaching academy on the premises.
Mari, The Studio
After begging a friend to cough up the name of her colorist, she led us to Mari Sherman who’s small, intimate Post Road studio will appeal to clients who want expertly styled hair without the hustle and bustle of some bigger salons.
Greenwich
Christopher Noland and his talented team (which includes makeup artists and a massage therapist as well as colorists and stylists) are frequently called on for editorial work and are well-known for translating current trends into gorgeous, wearable hair. It’s the perfect place to update your spring style.
While this Best of the Gold Coast spa is well-known for its amazing massages and facials, it’s also building a reputation as a cutting-edge hair studio with the addition of Roberto Lugo as its creative artistic director. Roberto is the former owner of a popular Manhattan salon and has done editorial work for major magazines and fashion houses.
It’s hard to go wrong with anyone on the team at this top-shelf salon, where many of its stylists are experienced doing runway and editorial work. If you want a real treat, try to book in with founders Edward Tricomi (cuts) or Joel Warren (color) when they’re in the house. The results won’t disappoint.
New Canaan
The Robert Cuda name often rolls in the hair credits for some local news anchors. The focus on excellent cuts and color at this veteran full-service salon is the reason why people who need to look their modern best seek out its experts.
Stamford
Noble Salon
Noble has assembled some of the best stylists in the area to join its team and they are total pros at interpreting current trends in cut and color.
Westport
Ultima Thule
Attention to detail and creativity are what sets the bar high at this salon, where the experienced team is devoted to continuing education, masterful color and identifying trendsetting looks that flatter their loyal clients.
Founded by a legendary stylist who had an extensive background in film, television and editorial work; Garcia’s family and stylists carry on his legacy in a Post Road space that recently had a sophisticated facelift. Their color and cuts are equally impressive.