Locking Down A New Look : Tips From The Top On Brightening Up And Going Blonde

Mary Katrantzou's trailblazing prints set the tone for the SS13 season with baby blondes and beautiful geometric dresses which were also seen in the Peter Pilotto and Iceberg collections. Create this cool beauty look at home with nice’n easy Permanent Colour Crème in Natural Baby Blonde (shade no.101) and look to the high street for quick fix inspiration and designer collaborations incorporating geometric designs.

Tips from the Top on Going Blonde

If you want to lighten up for summer, here are some tips from Clairol Colour Ambassador for nice’n easy, Joanne Kelly.

“The big trend in hair colour for SS13 is blondes, lighter tones and softer shades. This does not mean that everyone should run out and buy a ‘light blonde' home hair colour kit - not all of us are meant to be blonde. Take your own spin on this season’s trend by lifting your base colour a couple of shades lighter, it will lean towards the style without being too drastic. Subtle changes can give your complexion a lift and make your eyes sparkle – the more natural it looks the better.”

Gabby Logan.

“For those with blonde hair who want to enrich their shade or blend away greys, why not try TV presenter Gabby Logan’s current shade, nice’n easy Non-Permanent No Ammonia (up to 8 washes) in Beige Blonde (shade no. 70). Gabby is nice’n easy’s Celebrity Ambassador and has described it as an instant pick me up when her hair looks a bit tired.

Tips from the Top on How To Do It

“If you’re using home hair colour, always consider your skin tone and eye colour. The last thing you want to do is jump too many shades from your natural colour – two to three shades is a good general guide.”

“If you are intending to take a holiday in the sun this year think first before trying out this season’s trend. My recommendation would always be to take the holiday first and allow the sun to work its magic. The sun will encourage the natural lights in your hair to come through, giving you a better idea of the shade or tone you would like to achieve.

“The sun will affect your timing and colour results, so always do a strand test every time you colour to determine optimal timing and colour results. Do an allergy alert test each and every time you colour your hair, 48 hours before you colour to ensure you have no sensitivity to the product. Read the instructions carefully before you start and use the gloves provided. 

Clairol Colour Ambassador Joanne Kelly shares her tips from the top. 

“If you are a brunette and want to go an all over blonde shade you should seek professional advice. If you wanted to try something a bit more experimental with a lighter shade, there is a smudging technique you can try at home which will give you a summery, beachy effect with pops of lighter colour through the length of your hair. Celebrity stylist, Jonathan Long, Clairol’s Colour Advisor has done a great online tutorial that gives a step by step guide on smudging which you can try with your chosen shade.”

“Keep your colour looking its best whatever your shade by having regular trims and using haircare products specifically formulated for coloured hair. Use nice’n easy Colour Seal Gloss conditioner for blonde hair to help seal in colour and shine and keep your hair in great condition.

“Blonde hair in general requires more maintenance than other shades and touch ups are essential to keep it looking immaculate. Nice’n easy root touch up is a fantastic product for anyone who colours their hair, particularly blondes where root regrowth can be more obvious than other shades. It seamlessly blends root regrowth with previously coloured hair in just 10 minutes. This is a fantastic kit to extend the life of your colour particularly if you can’t make that extra visit to the salon to deal with unsightly roots between colourings.

With a lighter hair shade you can also lighten up on your make up, so for summer try a BB or CC Cream, creamy pinky blush and soft sheer colours and glosses. You may also want to switch your mascara from black to black brown to flatter your newly lightened locks.

www.clairol.ie

Nice’n easy permanent is available in 54 shades, €7.69 RRP

Nice’n easy No Ammonia (up to 8 washes) is available in 11 shades, €4.39 RRP

Nice’n easy root touch up is available in 17 shades, €5.99 RRP

Nice’n easy Colour Seal Gloss Conditioners in Blonde, Brunette and Red, €1.25 RRP

(Top image, courtesy of Pantene)