When the sun comes out or we’re making plans for our summer holiday, thoughts very quickly turn to hair colour and one hair colour in particular – Blonde!
In fact, there are so many shades and tones of blonde there’s one to suit everyone, giving every skin tone and hair colour the opportunity to lighten up. No one wants to have a brassy blonde or lightened hair that looks dull and tired. “A recent trend with blondes has been the Luxe Blonde, “says Tina Farey, Editorial Director of Rush Hairdressing. “By Luxe we mean expensive looking, well executed colour placement whether it’s highlights or Balayage and well-conditioned, cut and styled hair. All of these elements create the Luxe Blonde.”
Balayage has been exceptionally popular with clients. Especially coming out of lockdown, with colour having grown out many clients have embraced this, but that was then, and this is now, and healthy blonde hair is the big hair trend of the summer. Clients can keep their balayaged locks but visit their hairdresser regularly to keep them in check. “A few packets of foils introducing some highlights or lowlights or to create a face framing money piece can lift clients balayage from drab to dazzling,“ adds Rush expert colourist Seung Ki Baek. “The key to having a stunning colour is maintaining the health of the hair. Conditioning products such as masks, leave in conditioners, serums and oils are all important in making hair colour stand out. Nothing looks as good as healthy shiny hair, and I recommend to all my clients the importance of a hair regime that includes regular treatments and trims, as well as colour updates. In the salon I use a fabulous range by Kerastase called Blond Absolu, which help to keep blondes looking fresh and vibrant,” adds Seung Ki Baek.
Highlights have always been popular, and we’ve seen a resurgence of the highlighted blonde throughout the spring into the early summer months. There’s so much choice for highlighted blondes – from subtle natural blondes lightened a few shades to sun bleached blondes and baby blonde tones. Always discuss with your client which blonde will suit their hair and skin tone best. Be realistic with your client on what is achievable and the process.
Following their blonde colour appointment clients must ensure their colour is well looked after and that they get their hair cut on a regular basis. “Even if it is only a trim every 6-8 weeks this will help prevent split ends and damage, “ says Tina. “Clients should also use a heat protection spray such as L’Oréal Professionnel Serie Expert Vitamino Color 10 in 1 Multi-Purpose Spray when drying the hair and avoid overusing dryers, irons and tongs. A great way to add movement to longer hair is to style dry the hair and then use Velcro Rollers to create some volume and movement. This is less damaging to the hair and they also looks pretty cool when getting ready or sitting by the pool! A few drops of serum or oil (I’m a great fan of Kerastase Elixir Oils and they have one for every hair type) when brushing out smoothes out the ends and gives a shimmering shine to the hair”
Clients should let their hair make a statement this summer, whether they decide to go full on blonde or dip their toe into the water with a few highlights or a subtle balayage, there’s a blonde for everyone and yes, they do have more fun.
Tina’s Top Tips for keeping blonde looking Luxe:
- Clients should visit the salon at least once a month for a treatment. I love Olaplex, it really strengthens the hair.
- Clients should invest in good aftercare and professional products that really do work!
- Clients should use a silver or purple toned shampoo to get rid of brassiness. Although be sure to advise your clients to be careful whilst using these products, as they can build up and can often be harsher on the hair. Advise clients to only use these once per week and always follow up with a treatment afterwards.
- Don’t over work hair that’s fragile and avoid using too much bleach
- Advise clients to always use a heat protector – that goes without saying!
- Advise clients that if they want to tie their hair back, to use a fabric tie rather than an elastic that can put too much tension on the hair
Tina Farey and Seung Ki Baek both work at Rush. Visit www.rush.co.uk to find your nearest salon.