Just when things seem to be getting so complicated, along comes an idea that just might change everything.  The design team at Gary Manuel Salon has decided to take life a little less seriously for its Spring/Summer 2004 Hair Collection.  “Lighten Up” is all about let’s go blonde, let’s go shorter and most importantly let’s have fun.

“Our design team wanted to create a look that would make a woman feel good and lighthearted.  Americans have been weighed down the last few years and we really wanted to create a look that was fun and exciting,” said Gary Howse co-owner and Creative Director of Gary Manuel Salon.   “‘Lighten Up’ is inspired by the hair color as well as being a play on words,” explained Howse.

While every new warm season brings about the talk of lighter hair, Gary Manuel is showing VERY light hair, hair that is almost colorless.  These blondes come in hues ranging from subtle butter to golden blonde to an icy “violet” tone.  For  dramatic effect, Gary Manuel applied Easter egg shades to the eyes such as  blue and lavender, “as color leaves the hair we moved it onto the eye to balance the look,” explained Howse.

While these translucent hues are our focus this season, short close-to-the-head shapes also come into play. Our shorter styles hug the nape and swoop across the forehead while the more mid-length options kiss the shoulders with chunky layers that lay flat or gently flick out randomly. 

The Gary Manuel Salon design team used hair color to create texture and dimension with a unique combination of blonde-on-blond colors, rather than in the styling or cutting techniques.  The looks rely on color to trick the eye into seeing beautiful texture.  “While darker natural colors will have to be double processed, we have developed advanced techniques of single process “blonding” involving base colors and foil tone-on-tone applications that give dramatic results in far less time,” explained senior stylist Lisa Power.

Blondes have always been a part of our pop culture.  From Marilyn Monroe to Madonna to Barbie to Pamela Anderson to Jessica Simpson.  When we want to feel good we think BLONDE – blondes have more fun!

Hair Design and Color: Gary Howse and Lisa Powers
Make-Up and Photography: Marc Von Borstal

Gary Manuel Salon is Seattle’s leading full service hair salon located in the heart of downtown’s Bell Town district.  For more information please log on to: http://www.garymanuel.com