Locking Down On A New Look: Tips From The Top On Going Dark

One of the big trends for SS13 was The Far Eastern trend which shimmered over the catwalks from Paris to New York.

When East fuses with West, and tradition blends with modernity, the result is a beautiful statement about luxury and sophistication, a look seen at Haider Acekerman, Jeremy Scott and Tsumori Chisato.

Drawing on the customs of the East, hair was sculpted, folded and shaped, worked into solid colours with a twist of Western modernity. Dark hair was lacquered and obi tied into well behaved knots.

Achieving the look at home is relatively easy, where a tie waisted kimono style jacket with skinny jeans creates a stunning day to evening look.

And for a crowning glory in stunning black, here Clairol Colour Ambassador for nice'n easy, Joanne Kelly, gives her tips on how to achieve raven haired beauty at home...

Tips From The Top On Going Dark:

This week, Clairol Colour Ambassador Joanne Kelly spoke to Her.ie exclusively about going dark.

"Black hair can be very striking and because it absorbs light well so you also benefit from a fantastic shine," Joanne said.

"It is also one of the easiest shades to go as it covers everything, but that's also the reason why you need to think hard before you make your final decision as it can be a difficult one to reverse. For home hair colouring, I would always recommend sticking to within 2-3 shades of your natural colour to ensure the best results.

"You should also consider how dark shades will sit against your skin tone. Black tends to suit only those with a very pale skin tone or very dark skin tone. Most of us that fall in between won't be able to pull off the look.

"Black hair isn't as common naturally as many of us think. Most of the cool dark brown shades appear black to us and can be a more wearable option for other skintones. As black, and indeed very dark browns are such dramatic options, you could try a non-permanent colour before you commit.

"The nice'n easy range includes a Natural Black shade in both their permanent and non permanent ranges, so the non-permanent option could be a good first step if you as still a little unsure. Nice'n easy no ammonia (24 washes) in Natural Black is a colour crème formula that gives colour without commitment, gently covering greys and gradually fading with no visible root line.

Colour Ambassador Joanne Kelly shares her tips from the top. 

Tips From The Top On How To Do It:

Clairol Colour Ambassador Joanne Kelly says; "As with all home hair colour, always do an allergy alert test 48 hours before you colour. Do this every time you colour your hair as it is possible to develop sensitivity to the ingredients even if you have used that product before.

"You should also do a strand test before you colour as perms, relaxers, previous colour and the sun can all affect your timing and colour results.

"If you are colouring your hair at home and using a permanent colour, such as nice'n easy permanent in Natural Black or nice'n easy permanent in Natural Dark Brown, I would recommend for second and subsequent applications you only apply colour to the roots at the start of the colouring process.

"Five minutes before the end, bring the colour down to the end of the hair. If you are colouring regularly, the ends can become quite matt, so this helps prevent colour build up.

"Coloured hair needs protection, so always use the inbox conditioner to seal in the colour and give added shine. Nice'n easy no ammonia (24 washes) features a new improved Colour Seal Gloss Conditioner with added fruit oils and Aloe Vera. Hair is left smoother after use while the intensely conditioning formula helps lock in colour for longer."

"The conditioner is superb," Joanne continued, "While the formula with added nutrients leaves the hair looking and feeling great. You can also buy nice'n easy Colour Seal Gloss Conditioners as stand alone products for blondes, reds or brunettes which can be used as a weekly treatment between colourings.

"Use colour care products as part of your regular haircare routine and think of added protection when you need it most, particularly in summer. Keep your hair covered in the sun and use a swimming hat if you are a regular pool user.

"It also helps to wet your hair and apply a leave in conditioner before you put on your swimming hat. This will help protect the hair from chlorine, which can leave black and dark shades with a brassy tinge."

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