Sometimes the best hair colour is the kind that doesn’t look like it was coloured at all. But since most of us weren’t born with the colour we are after, or as we age require a little maintenance to keep our youthful hue alive, a trip to the colourist every few weeks is a must. Fortunately, we’ve collected the secrets colourists know for pulling off SUPER.NATURAL colour every single visit:
- STAY IN RANGE
One of the biggest secrets for achieving natural, easy to maintain colour is to stick within 1-2 depths of your natural hair colour. Not only will this ensure a shade that looks more authentically you, it also requires less legwork in the salon to achieve and your new growth will be less noticeable between salon visits.
- STRETCH IT OUT
A little ombré or a nice root stretch goes a long way in faking a more natural finish. This perfectly imperfect technique delivers cool girl (or guy) colour without looking like you’ve tried too hard.
- MAKE IT MULTI-DIMENSIONAL
When you look at a child’s hair in the sunlight, you often see many varying hues versus one solid colour. To avoid an opaque look that screams box colour, opt for brands like COLOR.ME by KEVIN.MURPHY that deliver a multi-tonal result that mimics the natural colour pattern of virgin hair.
- BEAT BRASSINESS
One sure-fire way to let it be known that you were definitely not born blonde is to walk around with a brassy mop. Nix any unwanted yellow tones at home between salon visits by incorporating a violet-based shampoo and conditioner (we like KEVIN.MURPHY BLONDE.ANGEL) into your hair care regimen.
- LIGHTEN RIGHT
Skip harsh bleaches that strip away more than just the brunette hue from your hair and get choosy with your lighteners. Opt for a kinder, gentler clay-based lightener, such as COLOR.ME FREESTYLE.LIGHTENER, which is ideally suited for freehand techniques and delivers a natural sun-kissed result.
- DON’T SWEAT THE TECHNIQUE
When going lighter, ask for your colourist to skip the foils in favour of a freehand technique which delivers an on-trend, lived-in blonde result. Our favourite way to apply lightener in salon is with the new COLOR.ME Colour Palette and Precision Colour Brush, FREESTYLE.LIGHTENER’s expert accomplices.
- STAY IN SEASON
Just like you typically wouldn't eat peaches in the winter, December isn't exactly the most natural time to stumble upon a full head of highlights. For the most natural results, ask your colourist for a seasonally correct hue which will typically be lighter and brighter in the summer and darker in the winter and fall.
- CONSIDER YOUR COMPLEXION
For the most natural and flattering colour, stick with shades that work for your complexion, not against it. Typically, this means warmer complexions light up in buttery or caramel-kissed hues while cooler skin tones pop in icy violets and mahogany shades. Don’t know what shades work for you? Ask your colourist about FRINGE.BENEFITS to test-drive your next colour before you commit.
- GET TO THE ROOT OF THE ISSUE
Roots are the biggest tell-tale sign of colouring, and perhaps neglecting, your salon-given hair colour. Keep new growth in check by keeping regular colour appointments on the books (we recommend pre-booking your next appointment before leaving). Should your line of demarcation make its debut before your next visit, try our cheap and easy cheat for faking flawless colour by changing up your part, which can lessen the appearance of new growth.
- IT’S A FINE LINE
Fine lines might not be desirable for your face, but they are for your highlights. For the most natural, beachy blonde, stay far away from thick, chunky panels which can look fake at best and tacky at worst, and opt for fine, subtle highlights.
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