Loathe or Love: Color Stamping

Texture and color are huge factors in your hair color, but do you ever really think about pattern? Color stamping, the latest technique to hit the hair-color industry, refuses the confines of vertical hair color. Inspired by textures and patterns found in graphic and textile design, hairstylist Brig Van Osten uses everyday kitchen gadgets to create whimsical patterns that cut across the grain.

Brig decided to go wild in this particular design and used Pravana Chromasilk Vivids colors in Yellow, Green, Violet, and Wild Orchid. She chose spherical objects to apply the design, and first drafted the concept and color palette on paper. She then dipped each circular applicator into one color on her palette, then carefully pressed it onto the hair, making sure the model was completely still. After 10 seconds, she quickly removed the applicator to get a clean line. After she finished applying all four colors, she let the design process for 20 minutes. When the color was ready, she rinsed the model's hair with cold water and conditioned it.

Unusual color placement isn't an entirely new concept in hair (remember the stenciled wigs at Betsey Johnson last spring?). You don't have to look like you're a circus sideshow act to adopt the technique, and the geometric possibilities are endless. And with Halloween around the corner, you can amp up your costume even more with temporary color formulas! Would you ever try this decorative and graphic approach to hair color? Voice your opinions below.