By Kelly Lee McCarren
Being a blonde may be more fun but it’s also more expensive. There are the treatments, the root touch-ups, not to mention countless trims in the futile attempt to keep split ends at bay. A single trip to the hairdresser can cost most people a weeks rent, so non-blondes can only imagine what portion of our annual salaries go towards blonde maintenance and upkeep.
This is why DIY blonde is more popular than ever. We get the lowdown on all things DIY from Belinda Jeffrey, Celebrity Hairdresser and the Colour Specialist for Clairol Nice’n Easy…
RESCU: What would you say is the number one mistake women make when doing DIY blonde?
Belinda Jeffrey: This is a big mistake. For blonde colour you should always see a professional colourist. I could only suggest maintaining your roots, always staying within two shades of your colour to avoid brassiness.
RESCU: What are your top tips to getting it right at home?
Belinda Jeffrey: Always choose a shade close to your natural base shade only ever 2 shades lighter or darker. Always read instructions and go with the recommended processing time. Always apply a gel papaw or Vaseline around the hairline so you don’t end up with heavy line staining on the skin or just coloured look! Don’t use white bath towels if you want to avoid the staining.
RESCU: What are the guidelines to keep in mind when choosing the right shade to do at home?
Belinda Jeffrey: To stay at natural looking as possible, choose a shade close to your natural base shade, only ever 2 shades lighter or darker. Personally, I always think that the most flattering and youthful colour on a person is the colour they were as a child; this is usually the tone that is most suited for your skin tone and colouring.
RESCU: So what do we do if it goes terribly wrong?
Belinda Jeffrey: See a professional hairstylist, never try to colour correct at home.
RESCU: Can you share your expert tips for caring for blonde hair?
Belinda Jeffrey: Blondes need special attention with regular touch ups to build the perfect colour, to blend and look natural. Have regular salon treatments, my favourite would be a gloss treatment. If you are colouring at home, Clairol Nice’n Easy have a fantastic gloss treatment within their colour packs that really locks in the colour and adds shine to the hair. I also suggest a regular trim every three months so that the ends do not split and damage the hair and to keep the hair looking fresh and healthy.
RESCU: Which Aussie celebrities do blonde best and why?
Belinda Jeffrey: Australian celebrities such as Sarah Murdoch, Cate Blanchett, Jackie O, Naomi Watts, Rachel Taylor – for their skin tone, confidence, and variation in their blondes.
RESCU: Is there an ‘IT’ shade of blonde for this season?
Belinda Jeffrey: Sarah Murdoch’s current blonde – 1950’s creamy blonde – think Madmen series with movement, finger waves and fine highlights.
RESCU: What’s special about Mousse technology for at home colour?
Belinda Jeffrey: Foam is much easier to use than traditional home colours. This is because it behaves like a solid when at rest, so there is absolutely no dripping through your fingers and onto your forehead when applying. What’s so different about the Nice‘n Easy Colour Blend Foam is that it has an optimised polymer based foam formula for fast dye penetration and an outstanding colour result. You can really see the difference and I’m a huge fan.
Nice‘n Easy Colour Blend Foam (RRP $17.99) is available at selected pharmacies. For more information, please visit: www.clairol.com.au
L’Oreal Paris Sublime Mousse provides permanent, vibrant and natural looking hair colour, while also providing the perfect grey coverage. The weightless, aerated mousse is soft and gentle and lathers easily into the hair without mess, drips or fuss. RRP $17.95, available at selected pharmacies.
Rescu. Roadtest: We found this awesome product so much easier to mix and apply than regular hair dyes. We also rated that it didn’t heat up or create an itchy scalp like so many other blonde formulas tend to. The final result was a head full of vibrant, glossy blonde locks. [We trialed Pure Dark Blonde].
Kerastase Paris is known for haircare brilliance and the Reflection Masque Chroma Riche is a true ‘reflection’ of the brands innovative and oh-so fabulous formulas. A softening treatment masque for highlighted or sensitised, colour treated hair. The product nourishes the hair’s fibre while protecting hair colour from external aggressions and fading with UV filters and vitamin E. RRP $55, available at selected hair salons.
Another great option is the latest innovative treatment from L’Oreal; EverPure Moisture Masque is a luxe, creamy formula perfect for colour treated locks. The colour preserving mask, which is free from harsh sulfates and salts that can strip and dull your hair, restores and deeply nourishes hair, leaving it soft and shiny. RRP $12.95, available at pharmacies, department stores and variety stores.
Many of us are sometimes in too big of a rush to begin the lengthy process of washing our hair, which is why dry shampoos are just fabulous. We love the new formula from Batiste Nude as it is effective, gentle and full of absorbing properties. It eliminates all the excess oil from your roots, leaving your hair feeling clean and full of body. RRP $14.95, available from David Jones and Priceline.
Many blondes participate in daily hair washes to keep the obvious oiliness at bay, but non-damaging products are definitely needed. Pantene Pro-V Nature Fusion Shampoo and Conditioner keeps hair manageable, prevents frizz and maintains hair shine and fullness. It contains avocado oil, grapeseed extract and bamboo, which keeps the hair nourished and healthy. Oily roots be gone! RRP $4.89 (each), available at selected supermarkets, pharmacies and department stores.
For any blonde a weekly tone is mandatory to keep tacky, brassy tones away. Schwarzkopf Extra Care Blonde Toner gently neutralises and eliminates unwanted yellow gold tones in lightened or natural blonde hair. This product is the perfect addition for any blonde gals hair must-haves. Use weekly for gorgeous brass-free locks. RRP $6.29, available at supermarkets and Priceline.
