HAIR, COLOR EXPERTS FORECAST SUMMER TRENDS
Strut Down the Boardwalk with Luxurious, Rich Color and Versatile Styles

Vienna, VA, February, 2005 – Hair and color experts from ColorWorks and Hair Cuttery today announced their summer trends forecasts, predicting a movement towards the European mentality of luxury and individuality. And while the days grow longer and the sun comes out to play, color will dazzle in its reflection, with lighter, softer shades.

Tracy Guthrie, artistic leader for ColorWorks, sees American women adopting a very European mentality. With a few strategically-chosen and very high quality accessories, the trendy yet midsized approach melts in the sun, replaced by chic, luxurious wardrobe staples. “This summer, we will focus on hair that combines quality, beauty, luxury and strong versatility that seamlessly takes the modern woman from the boardroom to the ball park to the theatre.” Guthrie envisions the following trends for the upcoming season:

• Kick the celebrity impersonations to the curb. Color becomes all about the person wearing it. You won’t recognize it as a “trend” (think Friends), but rather as an individual “flavor.”

• Hues range from very soft to very strong:
  • Deep brunettes in charcoal, coffee bean and “Hershey’s Special Dark”
  • Pastel blondes with incredibly soft contrast
  • Reds imitating nature
• Be it layered choppy or long, prepare for hair to move this season. Feathery, wispy ends make way to more substantial edges that curve, wiggle, float and bend.

Shannon King, international artistic leader for Hair Cuttery, indicates that women will have more confidence and less urgency to impress. “Whether it’s waves, body, slightly straight or crazy curl, it’s all good,” he says. His top looks for summer:

• Designs will be less aggressive, with simple yet luxurious finishing.
• Blondes take center stage during summer, as color becomes gradually lighter. Buttercup, caramel and honey highlights will peek through layers of pearly blonde and muted beige tones to enhance the cut’s natural movement and texture.
• For mouthwatering pops of color, ask for soft juicy violets, blush pinks, creamy peaches and classic strawberry hues.
• Men will find themselves exploring variations of the skater/surfer looks, with clippers, razors and shears working together to create these easy-going styles. Subtle hair color and gloss will keep the boys of summer looking prime.

Hair Cuttery is the nation’s largest, privately-held chain of full-service, value-priced hair salons operating exclusively on a no-appointment basis. With more than 775 salons on the East Coast, in the Midwest and in the United Kingdom, Hair Cuttery is known for bringing communities a full variety of affordable hair care services, including cuts, color, waxing and permanent waving as well as a full line of professional hair care products. Hair Cuttery is a division of Ratner Companies, based in Vienna, VA.

ColorWorks, a haircolor specialty salon, has six locations in Maryland and Virginia. ColorWorks provides expert hair color services from some of the industry’s most talented hair color professionals. Each location’s educational programs are headed by ColorWorks colorists who’ve been certified by the American Board of Certified Haircolorists. ColorWorks is a division of Ratner Companies, based in Vienna, VA.