what actually makes hair look expensive... it's not what most people think.

When people say someone has “expensive hair,” they usually aren’t talking about how light it is, how trendy it looks, or how often they’re in the salon.

They’re responding to something quieter than that.

Expensive-looking hair is about intention, balance, and finish. And once you know what to look for, you’ll never unsee it.

1. shiny hair is non-negotiable

Shiny hair reads healthy. Healthy hair reads expensive.

You can have the most perfectly placed highlights in the world, but if the hair looks dry, dull, or fried, the luxury factor disappears immediately. Remember if it ain't healthy it ain't cute.

What actually creates shine:

• Hair integrity (not over-processing)

• Proper formulation

• Conditioning and bond support

• Toning that enhances light, not muddies it

Shine isn’t an add-on. It’s the foundation.

2. placement matters more than lightness

Lighter hair does not equal better. In fact, overly light hair with no dimension often looks flat, harsh, or prematurely grown out. Expensive hair has strategic placement - light where it enhances, depth where it grounds.

This is why lived-in color photographs so well and ages so beautifully.

The goal isn’t maximum brightness. It’s maximum impact.

3. tone is everything for expensive looking hair

Tone is the difference between:

• Blonde vs buttery

• Brown vs rich

• Warm vs intentional

When tone is off, hair can look brassy, flat, or muddy even if it’s freshly done. When tone is right, hair looks elevated even weeks later.

This is where customization matters most. Expensive-looking hair is never one-size-fits-all.

4. the grow-out has a plan

This is a big one. Hair that looks expensive at week one but chaotic by week five wasn’t designed with longevity in mind. Luxury color considers:

• Natural depth

• Soft transitions

• Seamless blends

• How the color will evolve over time

The best hair doesn’t just look good today. It looks good between appointments too.

5. hair health over trends

Trends come and go. Hair health stays. Over-toning, over-lightening, and trend chasing might look good temporarily, but they usually cost more in the long run. Financially AND physically.

Expensive-looking hair prioritizes:

• Integrity

• Longevity

• Wearability

• Consistency

It’s less about what’s viral and more about what lasts.

so what's the common thread here?

Expensive hair isn’t loud. It doesn’t scream for attention. It doesn’t rely on constant maintenance. It doesn’t fall apart after a few weeks.

It’s thoughtful. It’s intentional. And it’s fully designed around you.

Luxury hair isn’t about doing the most. It’s about doing the right things on purpose.

If your hair feels polished, balanced, and effortless, people will notice. They just won’t always know why. And that’s kind of the point.

✨ Interested in color that looks elevated long after your appointment? Book Your Appointment. I can't wait to meet you!

-Brandi