Lisa has been a coloration expert at HairLoft at Stephansplatz for over 10 years. She has performed thousands of colorations – from subtle balayage to complete transformations. She knows exactly what matters when it comes to the perfect hair color. We met her for an interview and asked her some of the questions our customers in the 1st district ask most frequently.
Hello Lisa! What is the most common mistake with colorations?
Lisa: "Oh, there are so many! But the biggest mistake is definitely the wrong color choice. Many customers come with a picture from Pinterest or Instagram and want exactly THIS color tone. But every color looks different on every hair. What looks great on Jennifer Lopez doesn't have to work the same way for you.
Skin tone, natural hair undertone, hair structure – all of that plays a role. That's why we take so much time for the consultation here on Singerstraße. We analyze your type and find the perfect shade that suits YOU, not a picture on the internet."
What should you pay attention to when choosing a color?
Lisa: "First, I look at the skin undertone. Cool or warm? Those with a warm undertone look good with golden, caramel tones. With a cool undertone, ashy, platinum-colored nuances are more flattering. This isn't a hard rule, but a good starting point.
Then comes the question: How much care effort is the customer willing to put in? A platinum blonde balayage looks fantastic, but it needs regular toning, special products, and a lot of attention. Those who have less time are better served with a balayage close to the roots – it grows out gently and still looks good after 3 months. This is especially practical for our business customers here in Vienna who can't come to the salon every few weeks."
What is the difference between balayage and classic highlights?
Lisa: "Balayage is a freehand technique. I literally paint the color onto the hair, usually from the ear up or even lower. The result is super natural, sun-kissed. It looks like you've spent the whole summer at the beach – which unfortunately isn't always possible in Vienna!
Classic highlights are wrapped in foils and usually go from the roots to the ends. This is more precise but also more maintenance-intensive – you see the roots faster. Balayage is trendier and easier to maintain. Highlights are more classic and provide more coverage. Both have their place, depending on what the customer wants."
How long does a coloration last?
Lisa: "That depends heavily on the technique. A global color – coloring the entire hair – needs to be refreshed every 4-6 weeks, depending on how fast the hair grows. A balayage can last 8-12 weeks, sometimes even longer, since it doesn't start at the roots.
But: Toning is important! Blonde tones change, can turn yellowish or greenish. A silver or purple shampoo helps, but every 6-8 weeks you should come to Hair Salon 1010 Vienna for professional toning. With red tones, it's the most difficult – red fades the fastest. Here, I recommend a refresh every 3-4 weeks."
What do you advise customers with coloration for home care?
Lisa: "First: sulfate-free shampoo! Sulfates are cleaning agents that also wash out the color. It's like washing with dish soap – it cleans intensively, but it's harsh. Second: lukewarm water! Hot water opens the hair cuticles and the color fades faster.
Third: UV protection! The sun is a big color killer. In summer, definitely wear a hat or use UV protection products, especially when strolling through Vienna's city center. And fourth: regular intensive masks. Colored hair is more porous and needs more moisture. Once a week a good hair mask – that makes the difference between dull and radiant hair."
What is important at a coloration appointment?
Lisa: "Bring reference pictures, but be open to alternatives. What looks good in the picture doesn't have to work the same way for you. Be honest about your hair history. If you colored your hair black 3 months ago and now want platinum blonde – that's not always possible. The more we know, the better we can plan.
And: bring time! A good coloration takes time. A balayage can take a good 3-4 hours. This is not a process that should be rushed. Oh yes, and don't wash your hair 24-48 hours before the appointment. The natural oil protects the scalp. These are small things that make a big difference."
Are there colors you don't recommend?
Lisa: "I don't say 'that doesn't work,' but I advise honestly. Black is very difficult – getting it out without destroying the hair is almost impossible. Those who aren't sure should rather choose dark brown. Very light pastel tones on dark hair are elaborate and damaging. The hair needs to be lightened multiple times, which is very stressful.
And DIY box colors... well, they're like a lottery. Sometimes it goes well, but often it ends in an expensive salon visit to correct it. With colorations, the professional is simply indispensable. We see this here on Singerstraße again and again – customers come with DIY disasters, and we have to invest weeks or months to get the hair healthy again."
What is your favorite project?
Lisa: "Oh, transformations! When someone comes and says 'I want to change,' and we develop a complete new color together. I especially love balayage transformations – transforming dark hair into a sunny, dimensional blonde. It's like art.
But corrections are also exciting. When someone comes with a DIY disaster and we can save it – that's very satisfying! But what fulfills me most is when customers shine after the appointment and say 'I feel so good!' That's what I do this for. That's why I enjoy going to work every morning."
One last tip for our readers?
Lisa: "Invest in good care products! The best coloration is useless if you then use a 2-euro shampoo. Your hair is an investment – treat it that way! And: regular salon visits. Not just for the color, but also for end care. Healthy ends are the basis for every beautiful coloration.
Just come to us at HairLoft at Stephansplatz – I look forward to finding your perfect color together with you! We'll be happy to advise you and find the look that suits you."
Thank you for the interview, Lisa!
Would you also like to discover your perfect hair color with Lisa? Book a consultation appointment
Hair Loft – Your Coloration Experts in Vienna 1010
