Mastering the Art of Color: Our Techniques at Refresh Hair Studio

Welcome to the ultimate playground for hair color! At Refresh Hair Studio, we don't just "do hair color" – we are Custom Color Specialists. That means we're not tied to a single trick; we wield a full arsenal of techniques to craft the perfect shade, dimension, and vibe that's uniquely you. Forget one-size-fits-all. Your hair journey is as individual as your fingerprint, and often, achieving your dream hair means playing a little mix-and-match with our expert methods. Based on your starting point, your hair's history, and your ultimate goals, we'll design a bespoke plan, often utilizing more than one technique to hit that bullseye.

What Exactly is a Custom Color Specialist? (And Why Should You Care?)

As Custom Color Specialists, we go far beyond your standard color application. We're here to create personalized, unique color transformations tailored precisely to you. This isn't just about mixing a shade; it's about advanced training and expertise in color theory, intricate blending, and crafting custom hues that truly speak to your individual style, hair texture, and ultimate hair dreams.

We work closely with every single client to understand your unique vision, because there's no longer a "one color technique fits all" type of service. (In truth, there never really was!) We absolutely love getting to know you, understanding what you're truly hoping for, and then educating you on the realistic possibilities, maintenance, and follow-up required to keep your color looking its absolute best.

This includes advanced expertise in gray hair coverage, blending, and camouflaging that goes far beyond simple color formulation. We'll get to know you and your hair intimately to design the best possible customized plan for upkeep that perfectly syncs with your lifestyle.

During every service, you get 100% of our attention. We never, ever allow a client's hair to over-process. Our number one goal is always healthy hair and maintaining its integrity, which is why we exclusively choose some of the best products on the market. All of our color products boast unique formulations that speed up processing time, all while keeping your hair truly healthy.

We pride ourselves on transparency. Every client has a right to know exactly what is going into your hair! It's our job to fully understand what your hair is capable of, as well as educating you on the maintenance required to keep it fabulous. We can't emphasize enough how much we love what we do! Our commitment to continuing education is guaranteed; we absolutely love learning and sharing all the possibilities for the best outcome with our clients.

Our Color Technique Playbook:


  • Traditional Highlights & Lowlights (Foils):
    • What it is: The OG. Precision placement using foils to create uniform streaks of lighter (highlights) or darker (lowlights) hair.
    • Our take: Don’t call it a comeback, it’s been here for years! When you need that crisp, consistent pop or a serious dose of dimension from root to tip, foils are our trusty steed. Classic for a reason, honey.
  • Balayage:
    • What it is: Hand‑painted, sweeping motions create soft, natural‑looking highlights that are usually lighter at the ends and softer at the roots.
    • Our take: Think sun‑kissed, effortless, and “I woke up like this” vibes. If you’re chasing that perfectly lived‑in, low‑maintenance glow, balayage is your bestie. No harsh lines allowed.
  • Foilayage:
    • What it is: A sassy mashup of balayage and foils. We hand‑paint sections, then wrap them in foils for extra lift and brightness.
    • Our take: When balayage isn’t quite enough oomph, but you still want that soft blend, foilayage steps in. It’s like balayage’s more ambitious cousin who still knows how to chill.
  • Babylights:
    • What it is: Super fine, delicate highlights woven throughout the hair, mimicking the subtle, natural highlights seen on children’s hair.
    • Our take: For that “is it natural or is it magic?” look. If you want a whisper of brightness and a seamless blend that virtually disappears into your natural color, babylights are your secret weapon. Subtle, but she slays.
  • Airtouch:
    • What it is: Using a blow dryer to push shorter hairs out of the way before coloring, creating incredibly soft, diffused blends and a super gentle grow‑out.
    • Our take: This technique is basically witchcraft. It creates the most seamless, air‑brushed blend you’ve ever seen, making regrowth practically invisible. If you’re obsessed with a soft grow‑out, this is your jam.
  • Global Color / All‑Over Color:
    • What it is: Applying a single color from roots to ends for a uniform, rich hue.
    • Our take: Sometimes, you just need to commit. For maximum impact, covering grays completely, or achieving a bold new shade, a full‑on color transformation is the answer. Go big or go home!
  • Root Touch‑Up:
    • What it is: Applying color only to the new growth at the roots to match the existing color.
    • Our take: The unsung hero of maintenance. Because nobody wants a tell‑tale line screaming “I haven’t seen my stylist in ages!” Keep it fresh, keep it flawless.
  • Gloss / Toner:
    • What it is: A demi‑permanent color application that adds shine, refreshes faded tones, neutralizes unwanted brassiness, or enhances existing color without major commitment.
    • Our take: The ultimate hair pick‑me‑up. Think of it as a filter for your hair—boosting shine, perfecting your tone, and making your color pop without the full commitment. Instant gratification, darling.

Your Hair, Our Expertise, Limitless Possibilities

At Refresh Hair Studio, we rarely stick to just one trick. Your hair’s unique canvas often calls for a custom blend of these techniques to achieve the perfect depth, dimension, and longevity. We’ll chat, strategize, and then execute a plan that’s as unique as you are.

Ready to discover your perfect color story?

Go ahead and book an in‑salon consultation and detox appointment! All of our consultations include a detox treatment, which will prep your hair for the best color transformation and allow us to truly examine its condition to discuss a personalized plan moving forward.

Alternatively, if you’re ready to book your custom color service directly, when you schedule your appointment, you’ll be asked to send over current, unedited photos of your hair in natural lighting (if possible), any inspiration photos you might have, along with a brief description of your goals. This essential step allows us to get a clear idea of your starting point and where we might be headed, ensuring we’ve booked the correct service and the right amount of time for your unique transformation.

We can’t wait to meet you!

Cancellation Policy


Appointment Courtesy and Our Cancellation Policy at Refresh Hair Studio

At Refresh Hair Studio, we strive to provide you with the best possible experience, from booking your appointment to the moment you walk out the door looking and feeling your best. To ensure a smooth schedule for both our stylists and valued clients, we kindly ask you to review our appointment courtesy policy.

Respecting Your Time and Ours:

We understand that life can be unpredictable, and sometimes appointments need to be rescheduled. We kindly request that you provide us with at least 48 hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment. This allows us to adjust our schedule accordingly and offer the time slot to another client.

Cancellation Policy:

  • Cancellations with 48 hours' notice or more: We appreciate your courtesy and will happily reschedule your appointment at your convenience. There is no charge for cancellations within this timeframe.
  • Cancellations with less than 48 hours' notice: In the event of a late cancellation (within 48 hours of your appointment), a cancellation fee of 50% of the booked service price will be applied.
  • No-shows: Clients who miss their scheduled appointment entirely (no-shows) will be charged a cancellation fee of 50% of the booked service price.

Why a Cancellation Policy?

Our cancellation policy allows us to maintain a smooth operation and ensure stylists are utilized efficiently. It also helps us minimize lost revenue due to late cancellations and no-shows.

We Value Your Understanding:

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation with our cancellation policy. By respecting our time and providing timely notice, you help us continue to offer the highest quality service to all our clients.

How to Cancel or Reschedule:

To cancel or reschedule your appointment, please reply to your confirmation email. The sooner you notify us, the easier it is for us to accommodate your request.

Looking Forward to Seeing You!

We appreciate your business and look forward to your next visit to Refresh Hair Studio Chicago!