AKM STUDIO HAIR JOURNAL

The Art of the Shadow Root   Hair and Photography - Angela McCormick Shadow Roots in Modern Hair Coloring A shadow root is the kind of nuance that doesn’t call attention to itself, but quietly elevates everything around it—like the subtle taper of a tailored jacket or the perfect fade in vintage denim. This color technique softens the contrast between your highlights and base color by gently darkening the roots and blending them into the lighter tones below. It mimics the way hair lightens naturally over time—creating a look that feels both organic and modern. What is a Shadow Root?   A shadow root is an add-on service to any highlight or balayage appointment that subtly darkens the new highlights closest to the root and blends them into the lighter tones through the mid-lengths and ends. Not only does this mimic the natural way highlights emerge from the hair, it also makes maintaining dimensional color easier. By softening the space between your highlights and b...

Lived-In Hair for Men: Effortless, Tailored, and Timeless   Hair and Photography - Angela McCormick   The lived-in hair trend has swept through Los Angeles and beyond, offering a natural, touchable texture, unforced and not overly precise. It’s refined but relaxed, polished yet organic—the kind of hair that feels natural but expertly shaped. This lived-in aesthetic isn’t exclusive to women’s hair—it’s a look that men want too. A common frustration I hear from many of my first-time male clients is that they rarely like a fresh cut. As it grows out, it may get better—but it’s never quite right. The balance is off: cuts either grow out poorly or feel too structured from the start. They want something that instantly feels settled in with a grow out that gets better over time.  And yet, many barbershops and salons still don’t nail this preference—here’s why: Why Many Men’s Cuts Miss the Mark The Salon Cut – Often centered around larger transformations, lik...

  The Best Hair Days Start Sunday     Hair and Photography Angela McCormick   Sundays are no longer just for errands and last-minute to-dos—they’re the perfect day for hair-care. Instead of squeezing in a rushed appointment between work, dealing with traffic and midweek stress, a Sunday hair appointment turns your visit into a relaxing, intentional experience.  AKM STUDIO offers exclusive Sunday appointments for people who want to actually enjoy   their salon experience without it feeling like a weekday chore. For LA's Time-Conscious Professionals If your schedule is packed Monday through Friday, with demanding work hours, frequent travel, or other midweek obligations, Sunday is the perfect time for you. Great for professionals who can’t take time off work  The perfect way to prep for Monday meetings, networking events, or photoshoots  Ideal after a morning work out, spa session, or just a quiet cup of coffee ...