Update Your Color and Maintenance Tips from MNKYTHMP
I hadn’t had my hair professionally colored in nearly a year so I thought I’d go big or go home right before my 30th birthday (oy it’s coming soon!).
Last week I stopped by MNKYTHMP (pronounced sort of like ‘monkey thump’) in Union Square, the only Redken Elite salon in San Francisco. MNKYTHMP‘s doors have been open for about a year now hosting a melting pot of stylists and colorists from all around San Francisco so I was excited to experience a new salon to sass up my color.
A little history: every so often when I break up with my current colorist to go with a new one, I usually tell him or her that I’m open to any color or style and let them go to town. But my experience with Carissa from MNKYTHMP was very different.
Yes, I told her I was pretty laid back and was not picky with my hair but she surprised me by asking lots of questions about my regular styling routine and what colors in clothes and jewelry I like to wear. This helped her determine what to do to my hair to make it gorgeous while keeping maintenance easy for me.
She definitely made me feel like my look was tailored specifically for me.
After a few minutes of discussing, we decided on deep violet red chunks using a block coloring technique and then warmed up my base color making it a couple of shades lighter. Here’s my before photo!
While Carissa was mixing my color – MNKYTHMP uses Redken colors exclusively – I walked around the huge salon and snapped some photos. Talk about spacious! What makes MNKYTHMP unique is that they’re a hair salon as well as a spa, so you can spend the entire afternoon pampering if you want to.
Once my color was applied and processed, we went back to the shampoo station to wash it out and apply my Redken Chemistry shots.
Depending on what your hair needs, Redken has six “shots” that you can cocktail together to suit your hair’s needs:
Color Extend (or Protect) Shot for color-treated hair
Soft Shot for dry/brittle hair
Strength (or Extreme) Shot for distressed hair
Anti-Frizz Shot for very dry/unruly hair
Dandruff Control Shot for dry/flaky scalp
Real Control Shot for dense, dry, sensitized hair
Since I had just colored my hair, I got the Color Extend shot and Carissa suggested a Strength shot to help my fine hair stay strong. If you’re interested in the Chemistry system, just ask your salon if they carry it. You can help maintain your lovely locks for $25 US.
If you’re looking for more tips on how to maintain your hair color, Carissa shares her product recommendations with Daily Cookie readers.
Thanks to Carissa, I have fun and sassy hair to flaunt during my birthday weekend in Lake Tahoe next weekend – can’t wait!
If you’re looking for an updated look, book a color appointment with MNKYTHMP at 415 Stockton Street, 4th Floor in San Francisco or call (415) 788-6659.
On January 23rd, 2009 Elaine said:
Lilan, the color is gorgeous on you. It is indeed fun and sassy.
I guess you’ve heard this before but I just have to say you could easily pass for 20.
On January 24th, 2009 Lilan said:
Hi Elaine,
I may look like I’m in my 20s but I’m definitely glad I’m not 20 any more
How’s your weekend going? I watching a replay of America’s Best Dance Crew on TV right now – have you seen it?
On January 25th, 2009 Karen B said:
That looks so amazing on you! Really really flattering…
On January 25th, 2009 Lilan said:
Aww thanks so much, Karen B!
On January 26th, 2009 Marisol said:
The cut & color looks great. Reading this post is a sign. I have been wanting to do something for my hair but don’t know who to go to. Can I ask how much do they charge?
On January 27th, 2009 Lilan said:
Hi Marisol,
I have to admit, the prices are a little steep, but then again I got the whole nine yards
If you’re looking to save a little bit, ask if you can do highlights that will complement your base color so you don’t have to do that step.
They have some pricing on their site, but I’d definitely check them out for a consult before you commit.
http://mnkythmp.com/services/index.html
If I recall correctly, they might be having January specials right now for a percentage off, but I can’t remember what the actual offer is.
Let me know what you decide! You can always email me too