Natural approach
Summer’s biggest beauty trend is hair that doesn’t look coloured at all. So go for natural, sheer tones that aren’t too far away from your real one. Just take it a couple of shades lighter or darker for the most low-maintenance result. If you want sun-streaked, beachy highlights, talk to your stylist about balayage. This is a technique of painting colour through the hair – and is usually used from mid-lengths to ends.
• At home, try one of the natural shade semi-permanents from the Schwarzkopf Live Colour range $8.99. Be aware that applying the same shade over and over again will result in colour build-up and it will get darker, eventually appearing matte rather then shiny. So use only every four to six weeks – and if the ends look okay, just do a hairline tint.
• Invest in a boosting conditioner, such as Evo Fabuloso $44.90. It comes in six shades, from blonde to sizzling red and warm chestnut, and gives a moisture hit. John Frieda also produce a range of shampoos and conditioners to enhance colour – Brilliant Brunette daily Shampoo and Conditioner $20.50.
• Check out the services offered by your salon. Jennifer Morgan of Auckland’s Morgan & Morgan says if covering grey isn’t an issue, then a demi-permanent is an ideal way to add shine. Otherwise, she advises a colour-glazing toning treatment to revive colour.
Be bright
Purples, blues, lavenders and pastel pinks are on-trend, thanks to stars like Ruby Frost, Katy Perry and Kelly Osbourne. It’s a look that’s easier to achieve on light hair – if yours is dark, then it will have to be pre-lightened for a bold finish. And it tends to work best with simple styles – beachy waves or a soft layered cut. Just don’t forget to consider practicalities, such as your skin tone, wardrobe and make-up. If you think you’re too old, don’t forget Dame Helen Mirren, who was pretty in pink earlier in the year at the BAFTA awards.
• Schwarzkopf has released some Ultra-Brights in their at-home semi-permanent range Live Colour. It comes in purple, pink and blue, and will wash out in six to eight shampoos. They’re $8.99 each.
• For temporary colour, tape-in hair extensions are ideal. Hollywood Glamour does some that are easily removed if you only want to go bright for the night, but will also last six weeks to three months, so are great for teenage daughters who want to wear them over the school holidays. You can achieve a subtle effect or go all-out wild, but for the best results, have them trimmed to the length of your hair. They’re $45 for a pack of 10.
• Or try Kevin Murphy Colour Bug $25. This is wash-out make-up for the hair and is easy to apply. Just put a towel round your shoulders, use a little styling product on dry hair to help it stick, then streak the pigment through and lock it in with a fine mist of hairspray. The darker your hair, the more subtle the effect. Try in pink or purple.
