What underlights look like
Underlights are fashion colors placed beneath the top layer of hair so the color lives in the interior and reveals itself with movement, parting, or certain styles. At The LABoratory the approach is intentionally concealable: the color accents rather than replaces your overall shade, offering a hidden pop that reads subtle in everyday wear but shows when you want it to.
Because the pigment sits inside the hair mass, placement and sectioning matter. The creative technique by Ruby Devine focuses on how the interior color interacts with a finished cut and style, so clients choosing this service should expect a design conversation about visibility, contrast, and how their daily styling will influence the final look.
How we build the look
We begin with a consultation that balances your color goals with hair condition and lifestyle. The stylist maps interior panels or sections where color will live, considers contrast against your base, and discusses any lightening or color-correction that may be needed. Because the service includes a haircut and finished style, placement is chosen to complement the final shape and movement of your hair.
Maintenance and longevity depend on choices you make after leaving the salon: how often you wash, the products you use, and regional climate. Alexandria’s humid summers can accelerate fading, so we’ll discuss daily styling and refresh options. Note that May, June and October are especially busy for creative color transitions, so plan ahead for peak booking times.
What to expect at appointment
Expect a collaborative, creative session in Old Town Alexandria where your stylist confirms placement, color tone, and the haircut that best reveals and frames the underlights. The service includes a styled finish so you’ll leave with the cut and a visible example of how the hidden color reads once shaped and styled. Many clients bring inspiration photos to guide the conversation.
The LABoratory sits minutes from King Street Metro and I-395, so it’s an easy stop for commuters and local residents. We serve Arlington, Washington, Falls Church, Mount Vernon, Del Ray and Potomac Yard visitors. The salon’s welcoming vibe and experienced color team help manage transformations — including work on previously self-dyed hair — while keeping hair health and daily wearability in mind.
