Wake up the sleepy last days of summer with three bold color moves: “Amped Acid,” vivid colors far removed from earth-tones, made wearable; “Bronde” which fuses deep brunette sophistication with the glam of blonde; and “Sundowner,” Chan’s newest, softest take on blonde-to-dark ombre effects.

“Amped Acid” takes hair into the world of vivid, frankly synthetic colors. I wanted to show that there is a whole other world of color which is normally invisible to us. For example, a rock may look like a rock to the human eye, in sunlight: gray, tan, maybe elements of black and white. But under an ultraviolet bulb, it may glow cherry-red, purple, fuchsia-pink, or the turquoise-teal of a peacock feather. This saturated palette, once the exclusive domain of indie record store employees, has been perfected for a refined, wearable version of color-shock.
 
“Bronde” is a deliciously dark take on blonde first made popular by supermodel Giselle Bundchen. With a medium to dark base, boomerang-shaped blonde slices are scattered strategically around the eyes, cheekbones and neckline to add a bit of drama to what might otherwise be a basic brown. Placement is key, and the effect is more abstract than one which merely mimics nature. For instance, Chan does not place blonde highlights on the top of the head or parting, where in real life sunlight would fall and lighten locks. “Bronde” is an elegant, witty reimagining of how a worldly brunette might experience a last flicker of lingering summer as the seasons shift to darker days ahead.
 
 
“Sundowner,” a fresher take on last season’s sombre variation of the ombre standard, erases the harsh delineations and high contrast typically associated with ombre. This new, subtler effect is intended to suggest the lengthening of shadows as the summer days get shorter and evening falls earlier and earlier. Lowlights are tumbled in underlayers and roots, while the top notes of the hair still glow with warm solar chords.
 
New Technology
One of the inspirations for these new ways of viewing color: the announcement in mid-August of the world’s fastest camera, developed by two major Japanese universities. This new camera uses an optical shutter which enables it to shoot images consecutively in less than one trillionth of a second. Mechanical or electronic shutters perform at one-billionth of a second, by contrast. I am very interested in the way that optical technology is changing, and how this affects our approach to something as personal as hair color.
 
About the Expert
Nelson Chan is recognized as one of the industry’s most innovative yet tasteful stylists on the West Coast. Chan redefined the sleek, vertical style with his “Beverly Hills Straight” technique and treatments, and recently opened his Color Touch Up Bar, where clients may receive a quick-fix on emerging grow-out prior to their next full coloring appointment—perfect for important face-time between salon visits. With a diverse group of clients who range from modern busy executives, hurried socialites, time-deprived industry regulars, stay-at-home moms, to celebrities who expect “camera ready“ results in a minimum of time, the Nelson j Salon also offers a diverse range of color, cut, conditioning, straightening, massage, and manicure/pedicure services. It is located at 350 N. Bedford Drive in Beverly Hills.

More info: www.nelsonjsalon.com