By Chloe Schneider
They say a change is as good as a holiday so could changing your hair come hand-in-hand with a relaxed glow, a clear head and a renewed sense of self? We think it’s not too far from possible.
The post-breakup dye job is the best example of this. Recently, Sophie Monk went from blonde to brunette after her break-up with John Daiz. Jessica Simpson did the same after numerous break-ups with John Mayer. Even Carrie in the Sex and the City tried on a brunette do after being left at the altar.
If newly single girls are changing their manes to get a man’s attention, maybe it’s the guys we should turn to for colour advice.
Match.com.au has recently taken a poll on Men’s preferences for women’s hair. Here’s what they discovered:
- Almost one in three (29.77 per cent) Aussie men on Match.com would prefer a partner with brown hair
- Around one in ten (11.03 per cent) are open to meeting a redhead
- 14.83 per cent want to date a blonde
- 14.21 per cent are looking for a dark blonde
We’re wondering how these statistics will change now that our PM is a redhead. Will Julia Gillard bring new life to the colour and spark a peak in sales of red hair colouring? Or will her stance lead to a slump in red shades?
It’s a bit early in the game to tell but if celebrity antics are anything to go by, it’s possible red hues are on the rise. Both Kristen Stewart and Ashley Greene have recently stepped out with red tones throughout their hair. Lily Cole has made her mark in the modelling world with naturally red locks and locally, Aussie girls Isla Fisher and Nicole Kidman have brought life to red hair.
With only two percent of the population having red hair, you’re sure to stand out and looking at these celebs, you’ll be in pretty good company too.
We caught up with Kristina Russell, Redken Artists and Colour Director for some advice on going red:
RESCU: What are the current trends for red hues?
Kristina Russell: Winter 2010 reds are earthy plums for dark clients. Auburns and spicy coppers for the more daring; and topaz or peach woven highlights to create warm sparkles for blondes.
RESCU: How can the less daring of us try a new red do without going overboard?
Kristina Russell: Red hair is a strong statement and is sure to get you noticed. Timid clients should try a semi-permanent first before committing to a permanent change. A creative solution could be to simply add a flash of red with a few foils through a fringe, or for long hair clients colouring the underneath (below crown) looks hot.
RESCU: How can we ensure red colour will look its best?
Kristina Russell: Red is the fastest of all hair colours to fade. It is vital to use colour specific products, and to avoid over-washing or sitting in the sun without a hat on. I recommend a regime of Redken Color Extend Shampoo and Conditioner, and always applying Redken Color Extend Total Recharge before dying your hair. Think of it as insurance for your colour.
Be bold, be ahead of the pack and go red. Here at Rescu. we have a feeling this might be the start of something big. And if you’re naturally red – rock it!
* Image of Sophie Monk courtesy of Match.com.au
* Image of Lily Cole at ‘A Single Man’ London Premiere, courtesy of PR Photos