Gloss Angeles: How to Pick Your Best Hair Color and The Truth About Warm Tones with Hollywood's Haircolorist Matt Rez

Released on March 3, 2025

Introduction

In this engaging episode of Gloss Angeles, co-hosts Kirbie Johnson and Sara Tan delve deep into the art of hair coloring with their esteemed guest, Matt Rez, a renowned Hollywood hair colorist. Matt brings his extensive experience working with celebrities to the conversation, shedding light on selecting the perfect hair color, understanding warm versus cool tones, and maintaining vibrant hair color amidst everyday challenges.

Meet Matt Rez: Hollywood's Go-To Hair Colorist

The episode kicks off with Kirbie and Sara introducing Matt Rez, highlighting his impressive clientele and accolades. Sara remarks, “[Matt Rez] received an award by InStyle, and Chrissy Teigen gave him the honors, which is so… I love her” ([00:53]). Matt shares a charming anecdote about bringing photos of celebrities like Chrissy Teigen to the salon to perfect his craft ([01:10]).

Celebrity Hair Inspirations and Personal Experiences

Sara enthusiastically lists some of Matt’s high-profile clients, including Addison Rae, Hailey Bieber, and Florence Pugh. She shares her personal connection with Hailey Bieber, stating, “I do feel that I am a twin flame with Hailey minus us cutting our hair at the same time” ([01:53]). Matt responds warmly, affirming Hailey’s place in his clientele ([01:54]).

Kirbie recounts her recent hair transformation with Matt, describing subtle highlights aimed at maintaining a natural look while adding dimension. She anticipates further lightening by summer, humorously stating, “Ooh. Come summer, you're gonna be a blondorexic, and you're gonna want to do more” ([02:26]).

Understanding Hair Porosity and Color Fading

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around hair porosity and its impact on color retention. Sara inquires, “Can you kind of explain what [hair porosity] means?” ([13:05]). Matt and Kirbie explain that high porosity hair absorbs and loses color more quickly, likening it to a sponge that soaks up moisture excessively ([13:24]).

Kirbie emphasizes the importance of reducing porosity to maintain vibrant hair color, noting, “If your hair is porous, it's going to continue to bleed out the color” ([12:19]). They discuss practical solutions, including using water filters to combat hard water effects and recommending specific products like Epray’s Healthy Hair shampoo and conditioner for preventing buildup without weighing the hair down ([16:00]).

Choosing the Right Hair Color: Balancing Warm and Cool Tones

The conversation shifts to selecting the best hair color based on individual features. Matt shares his top theory: “how light or dark you go depends on how light or dark your eyes are. And the tone of the color should be complementary to your skin tone” ([23:50]). Kirbie elaborates, advising not to exceed two levels lighter than one’s natural color and to incorporate highlights before considering a full color change ([24:12]).

They discuss the inevitability of hair reverting to warmer tones over time, with Kirbie explaining, “Hair will always, always revert warm” ([22:35]). Sara shares her personal journey from preferring cool blondes to embracing warmer tones that better complement her skin and eyes ([09:59]).

Maintaining Hair Color Between Salon Visits

Kirbie and Matt provide actionable tips for maintaining hair color at home, especially during economic downturns when frequent salon visits may be impractical. They discuss the efficacy of at-home glosses, recommending products like bond builders to seal the cuticle and prevent color fading ([29:07]).

Kirbie also touches on emerging products like L'Oreal's Color Sonic brush, debating its ease of use and potential for user error. She cautions that while such tools can be convenient, professional application ensures optimal results without damaging the hair ([44:20]).

Listener Questions and Expert Advice

The episode features a segment where Kirbie and Matt address listener-submitted questions:

1. Transitioning to a More Natural Blonde Look:

   • Listener Emily Clare Bear seeks advice on achieving a natural blonde with dimension without a full balayage. Kirbie suggests melting the roots and introducing lowlights within two levels of bleach to avoid a “meltdown” effect ([32:19]).

2. Preventative Bonding Treatments:

   • Gabrielle Keani asks if bonding treatments are necessary without existing damage. Matt and Kirbie affirm their benefits as both preventative and corrective measures against heat and chemical damage, recommending lightweight options to avoid buildup ([34:46]).

3. Effectiveness of Hard Water Treatments:

   • Katherine Barrow inquires about treatments like Malibu packets for hard water. Kirbie shares her professional experience, emphasizing the importance of subsequent treatments to seal the cuticle after using such products to prevent unwanted color changes ([37:31]).

4. Color-Safe Hair Care Products:

   • Matt asks about ingredients that make shampoos and conditioners safe for colored hair. Kirbie advises focusing on strengthening the hair with products free from sulfates and artificial sugars, recommending Epray for fine or porous hair ([42:20]).

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

As the episode wraps up, Kirbie reinforces the importance of choosing neutral tones for versatility and longevity, stating, “If you're not sure, go neutral” ([27:24]). Matt appreciates the nuanced approach, acknowledging that neutral tones offer flexibility under different lighting conditions ([28:34]).

Kirbie and Sara encourage listeners to embrace their natural features while experimenting with hair color, ensuring that any changes are gradual and maintain the health and integrity of the hair. They also highlight the significance of professional consultations to achieve personalized and sustainable hair color goals.

Conclusion

This episode of Gloss Angeles provides invaluable insights into the complexities of hair coloring, from understanding porosity to balancing warm and cool tones. Matt Rez’s expert advice, combined with Kirbie and Sara’s relatable anecdotes, offers listeners a comprehensive guide to achieving and maintaining their best hair color. Whether you’re a hair enthusiast or seeking professional guidance, this discussion equips you with the knowledge to make informed and personalized hair color choices.

Notable Quotes

• Sara Tan: “I do feel that I am a twin flame with Hailey minus us cutting our hair at the same time.” ([01:53])
• Kirbie Johnson: “Hair will always, always revert warm.” ([22:35])
• Matt Rez: “Your old or broken phone can let you down. But at Verizon, trade in any old phone...” ([00:00]—Note: This is part of an advertisement and skipped in content summary.)

Connect with Matt Rez

Follow Matt Rez on Instagram @mattrezhair and explore his expertise in creating stunning hair transformations. For more insights and beauty tips, stay tuned to Gloss Angeles every Tuesday and Friday.

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