Everyone has their dream hair colour – a shade they’ve swooned over for years but haven’t quite worked up the nerve to actually try yet. Whether you’re a brunette with big dreams to go blonde, or a redhead with plans to go platinum, experimenting with bold colour contrasts can be a serious job for even the most experienced of colourists, and there are a few important points to consider before you take the plunge. Most importantly – is that colour you’ve been pining over really achievable? We sat down with Siobhan Jones, Colour Ambassador at Headmasters salons to discuss how to pick your perfect shade. So before you go spending your well-earned cash on a drastic hair makeover, take a browse through our must-read guide first. Your hair will thank you for it.
By Rebecca Hoffnung
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1 It's all a matter of maintenance
The most important point to factor into a new hair colour is maintenance. Do you really have the time (and money) to keep your colour topped up? ‘Ask the question how often will you really visit your colourist in the future. If you’re looking to spread appointments, then opt for a shade that sits closer to your natural colour on the roots,’ explains Siobhan. ‘If you’re willing to come in more often you will have more options to choose from. It's not worth having a beautiful colour if you are sporting it with unwanted roots! Be sure to pick the best colour service to suit your lifestyle.’
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2 Will your new hair colour work for your cut?
A great colour is nothing without a great cut. Most of us wouldn’t think to take our haircut into account, but according to Siobhan, it’s so important that they complement each other. ‘Get your hair inspo sorted before you go into see your colourist and make sure the pictures you find are of cuts similair to the one you already have, or plan to get. This is important as different techniques allow the hair to move in different ways.’ Blunt, solid shapes work well with a more solid application on the blunt edges, and multi-tonal highlights work much better on textured hair that has more movement.
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3 It's all in your eyes
Eye colour has a vital part to play in helping you pull off your perfect hair colour. Who knew! ‘As a general rule, if you have lighter eyes you'll find it easier to go super light. If you have medium eyes stick to subtle tones of dark blonde or golden brown around your hairline to complement your skin tone. Those with dark brown or hazel eyes will find the ombre look most flattering – dark on top and lighter towards the ends,' explains Siobhan. If you're a dab hand with make-up then anything goes. Amping up your eye make-up and shifting the tones of your foundation will allow you to try a colour that technically shouldn't suit you. Kim Kardashian peroxide anyone?
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4 Dream hair colour doesn't always happen overnight
The magic doesn’t always happen overnight people! Some colours can take time to perfect so ask your colourist how long your goal colour will take to achieve realistically. ‘If you're looking for a big change or multi-tonal effects, sometimes it takes several appointments to get the best finish,’ explains Siobhan. Be patient, and accept that some hair colours take time. It’s better to wait, rather than try to hurry a drastic change in one salon visit. You’ll achieve better results over 2-3 sessions, and using too many products all at once will show in the condition of your hair. So hang in there – the end results will be well worth the wait. We promise.
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5 Work on the condition of your hair
‘Your hair is like a sponge,’ explains Siobhan, ‘the more damaged it gets the more holes will appear, meaning it's easier for colour to fade.’ Having the healthiest, strongest hair possible will prevent fading and enhance the tone as well. When hair is dry it doesn't reflect light which means your colour will look dull and one dimensional. ‘I recommend in-salon treatments like Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Wild Ginger treatment but if you can't make it to the salon I love Kerastase Therapists for weakened, heavily coloured hair. Kerastase Nutritive Masque is also great for hair that is dry and frizzy. Pro tip? For the best, shiniest results, work on the condition of your hair before your colour, not just after. You’ll see a massive difference!