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Credit: Courtesy of Aveda
In this post-Instagram, post-Kardashian world, contouring is well and truly part of the beauty vernacular. The technique of using darker and lighter shades of make-up to sculpt and reshape the face has swiftly swept its way from strictly professionals-only, to the everyday beauty bag at lightning speed.
Now, there’s a new canvas for contouring – your hair. At the forefront of this new mane movement is Aveda, with their new ‘eclipting’ technique set to be a game changer in the salon. Borrowing from its cosmetics contouring counterpart, ‘eclipting’ also uses lighter and darker shades of hair colour to highlight certain areas of the face. We spoke to Ian Michael Black, Aveda Global Artistic Director, Hair Colour, who created the next-level technique, to demystify this latest face-framing craze.
Credit: Courtesy of Aveda
How ‘eclipting’ works
Though similar to contouring, ‘eclipting’ takes the concept of customisation up a notch, with Aveda colourists placing colour to shadow the eyes, lips nose and cheeks, while bringing light to the best features. First things first, the colourist will asses your face shape. “At Aveda we look at the whole person when determining the best colour and style for the individual; and face features are key considerations when it comes to hair colour,” explains Black, saying generally hair around the face is kept darker to create a frame, and then lighter fine foils are woven on to create a seamless blend of colour.
“With the ‘eclipting’ technique, we’re using hair colour to create subtle shading placed under a fringe, and at times around the face to gently contour the guest’s natural and distinct beauty,” Ian says. “The result is customised hair colour that serves a purpose of emphasising and celebrating the guest’s beautiful facial features.”
Credit: Courtesy of Aveda
Who does ‘eclipting’ suit?
Because ‘eclipting’ is completely customised, the technique can be tweaked to suit every face shape, hair colour and haircut. Meaning you can stealthy soften the appearance of a square jaw, highlight to make your cheeks pop or brighten your eyes via various natural hues. Or, you can dial-up the colour wheel for something a total shade transformation, think: bold shades like moody blues-greens, neon pinks, sherbet oranges or fun cherry reds.
Is ‘eclipting’ ok for my hair?
You could actually leave an ‘eclipting’ appointment with shinier, healthier hair than when you arrived. How? Aveda’s Full Spectrum Hair Color is spiked with sunflower, castor and jojoba plant oils, infusing your hair with shine and nourishment every time you sit in the salon chair.
One more thing, you’re only as good as your shampoo
Ok that’s a bit dramatic, but you can seriously boost or hinder your new colour’s potential with what you use at home. Aveda’s plant-infused Color Conserve collection of shampoos and conditioners have been specifically designed to work with the in-salon Full Spectrum range, and will keep your ‘eclipting’ vibrant and healthy until your next appointment.
Aveda, color conserve kit, $176.95. SHOP NOW
