Kaz Amor | Warren Tricomi LA

words_dena rochelle

I was born blonde and didn’t start highlighting my hair until college. Flash forward over a decade later and I’ve been dark, reddish (not by choice) and even let my natural color grow out (which ended up to be a very blah, dark blondish hue). Then I had some highlights put in but soon got bored and wanted a big change. So, I turned to Kaz Amor, L’Oreal Professionnel Portfolio Artist and West Coast partner of Warren-Tricomi Los Angeles. I went in for my consult thinking I wanted to go platinum blonde, a la Gwen Stefani. But Kaz’s excellent advice steered me toward going almost platinum but not quite… as far as we could go without making me look like a Playboy bunny wannabe. He used color, not bleach, to maintain the health of my hair, and the first process was a long one. But it was so worth it! I am loving the color, despite the fact that it’s high maintenance—maybe that’s just because I don’t mind seeing Kaz every 4-5 weeks!

I asked Kaz to offer some advice to anyone thinking about doing a color change, and here’s what he had to say:

Dena ~ What are you top tips for making drastic color changes?

Kaz ~ “People don’t realize that when you do a big color change you have to think about how it will affect your wardrobe, your makeup and your lifestyle. It’s important to consider these factors when drastically changing the color of your hair. When you go in for your consultation be clear about these points so you can make the right decision about what color to go for. Also understand what needs to change about makeup and wardrobe to make it all work. Talk to a makeup artist about what you need to update your look and a wardrobe expert about colors that work with the new hair color.

“It’s also super important to understand the kind of condition your hair is in and if it can it take the chemical process, so I urge clients to address this with their colorist. If you go lighter your hair will be more compromised than if you are going red or darker. It’s hard to remove red from hair so be sure you want to make that commitment. It can take up to a year to go light again—but going dark is not a problem.”

Dena ~ Are there things you can do ahead of time to prep your hair for the color?

Kaz ~ “Use good quality shampoo and conditioner like L’Oreal Professionnel Expert Force Vector—a new line that reinforces anti-breakage and protects hair from chemical processes. L’Oreal also makes pre-color treatments that you can use up to three weeks prior to your service. This will strengthen the hair and help it get ready for the change. I always tell my clients to take vitamins, like Hair Force, that are specifically designed for strengthening hair—these can be found at your local health food store.”

Dena ~ What do you recommend for maintaining color? Any tips on types of products to use + avoid?

Kaz ~ “This is very important. You have to find a shampoo and conditioner that will prevent the color from fading. L’Oreal Professionnel has a color guard system called Vitamino Color that protects and controls the hair fiber while preserving the shine of colored hair. Stay away from chlorine when you can, as this will strip the color. If you swim just make sure you rinse as soon as possible. Dry shampoo is also a savior for color-treated hair so you don’t have to wash as much.”

Kaz also recommended that I use Blonde 365 purple toning shampoo by B. The Product, which makes a huge difference in maintaining my color. And on my other washing days I use the L’Oreal Professionnel Expert Liss Ultime Shampoo. I’m also a big fan of the L’Oreal Professionnel Expert Liss Ultime Hair Masque.