S16 Blog

Have you ever wondered why some hair color looks flat and one-dimensional, while other color seems to dance with shimmer and shine? The secret lies in dimensional coloring – a sophisticated technique that transforms hair 

Have you ever wondered why some hair color looks flat and one-dimensional, while other color seems to dance with shimmer and shine? The secret lies in dimensional coloring – a sophisticated technique that transforms hair from ordinary to extraordinary.

Guests at Studio 16 know our team for having spent years perfecting the art of dimensional color across every shade of the spectrum. But today let’s pull back the curtain to share what makes dimensional coloring so special and why an experienced colorist can transform not just your hair, but your entire look. 

What Exactly Is Dimensional Hair Color?

Human hair is naturally “heterogenous” (a single, consistent color). Dimensional hair color is the strategic placement of multiple tones throughout your hair to create depth, movement, and natural-looking variation. Unlike single-process color that applies one shade all over, dimensional techniques use highlights, lowlights, balayage , and color melting to mimic how light naturally hits and reflects off hair.

Think of it as the difference between a flat painting and a masterpiece with shadows, highlights, and texture – both might depict the same subject, but one has life and movement while the other falls flat.

The Science Behind Beautiful Dimension Color

Color is one of those areas where science plays such a big role in the beauty industry. Many of you are already used to seeing the huge variety colors displayed on our “color bar”, which is really a great representation of the physics behind dimensional color (surpise! You thought I was going to say the “the chemistry”...).

Color’s “three dimensions” in physics are known as “hue”, “value” and “chroma” (see chart below). The Munsell Color System was developed in 1913 - and believe it or not – was first adopted by none other than the US Dept of Agriculture in the 1930’s for soil research! Yet it still endures as the standard across MANY industries now and is the basis for how the beauty industry labels colors consistently.

That’s enough science for now – what AVEDA and others do is turn that science into something the rest of us can easily understand and relate to!

Creating stunning dimensional colors isn't just about your stylist’s artistic vision – it requires your stylist to be able to master a knowledge of:

• Color Theory: Understanding how different tones interact, which combinations create harmony, and how to avoid muddy or brassy results.
• Hair Structure: Knowing how your hair's porosity, texture, and natural pigment will affect color uptake and longevity.
• Placement Strategy: Recognizing facial structure, skin tone, and lifestyle to determine optimal color placement for the most flattering result.
• Chemical Expertise: Mastering the timing, ratios, and techniques needed to achieve desired results while maintaining hair health.

Mastering Dimensional Color Across Every Shade

The Art of Dimensional Blonding

Achieving a beautiful blonde requires more than just lightening hair. A blonding specialist understands:

• Proper lifting techniques that minimize damage while achieving the necessary lightness
• Toning mastery to eliminate unwanted yellow or orange tones
• Strategic placement that creates natural-looking sun-kissed effects
• Maintenance planning to keep your blonde looking fresh between appointments

Whether you're dreaming of beachy California highlights, sophisticated platinum, or warm honey tones, the key is working with colorists who understand the complexities of lightening hair safely and beautifully. 

Brunette Dimension: Rich, Sophisticated, Stunning 

Brunette hair offers incredible opportunities for dimensional color that many people overlook. Your specialist should excel at:

• Creating depth with strategic lowlights in complementary tones
• Adding warmth with caramel, honey, or golden highlights
• Cooling effects with ash or chocolate lowlights for sophisticated contrast
• Color melting techniques that blend multiple brown tones seamlessly

The result? Brunette hair that's anything but boring – rich, multifaceted color that catches light beautifully and adds instant sophistication to your look.

Redhead Artistry: Vibrant, Complex, Unforgettable

Red hair presents unique challenges that require specialized expertise:

• Understanding red pigment behavior and how it fades over time
• Creating complementary dimension without competing tones
• Balancing warmth and coolness for the most flattering result
• Maintenance strategies to keep red hair vibrant and beautiful

Whether enhancing natural red tones or creating a stunning copper, our red hair specialists know how to make this challenging color family absolutely stunning.

What’s Behind Your Stylist’s Expertise

Dimensional coloring might look effortless, but achieving professional results requires:

• Years of Training: Understanding color theory, chemical interactions, and advanced application techniques takes extensive education and practice.
• Quality Products: Professional-grade color lines offer superior pigments, gentler formulations, and more predictable results than retail products.
• Customization Skills: Every client's hair is unique, requiring personalized formulation and technique adjustment.
• Corrective Knowledge: When things don't go as planned, experienced colorists know how to safely correct and adjust.
• Ongoing Education: Hair color technology and trends constantly evolve, requiring continuous learning and skill development.
  

The Dimensional Color Experience: What to Expect

When you choose professional dimensional coloring, you're investing in:

• Thorough Consultation: We analyze your hair history, lifestyle, and goals to create a customized color plan.
• Strand Testing: When needed, we test formulations to ensure perfect results.
• Precise Application: Strategic placement and timing for optimal color development.
• Professional Finishing: Proper toning and treatments to seal in color and add shine.
• Maintenance Planning: Clear guidance on home care and future appointment scheduling.

Caring for Your Dimensional Color

To keep your dimensional color looking salon-fresh:

• Use sulfate-free shampoo to prevent color fading
• Deep condition regularly to maintain hair health and shine
• Protect from heat with thermal protectant products
• Schedule regular glosses to refresh tone and add shine
• Plan touch-ups based on your specific color and growth pattern

Perfect Color Starts With A Perfect Stylist Match

Dimensional coloring transforms not just your hair, but your entire look and confidence. When done by skilled professionals who understand the artistry and science behind beautiful color, the results speak for themselves.

At Studio 16, our guests know that the magic happens when you're paired with the right colorist – someone who truly understands your vision, lifestyle, and hair goals. Take the MYA quiz and discover which of our dimensional color specialists is your ideal match. Whether you connect with our blonding expert, brunette master, or redhead artist, you'll be paired with someone who shares your aesthetic and understands exactly how to bring your color dreams to life.

Ready to meet your color soulmate? Take the MYA quiz today here then schedule your personalized consultation. Let's create something beautiful together with the perfect stylist for you: