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Going Platinum Blonde

Prepare your hair because there's nothing shy about this of-the-moment colour. Pure platinum lit up the runways, as myriad models traded darker tones for daring pale lengths, cementing the look as the season's must-have hue. Of the trend, Simon Bright, colourist at Desmond & Molly Jones, Surry Hills, NSW, explains, "The big story for colour this season is expensive-looking, ultra-clean blonde."


Dieter Mersmann, Goldwell ambassador and colourist at Wild Life Hair, Milson's Point, NSW, concurs, adding, "The new colour calls for a stronger and more solid shade compared to the previously popular highlighting or balayage techniques. It's a dramatic look rather than a sun-kissed style."


Select your shade

There's a tone of blonde to suit almost everyone, although it's important to select an option that will complement your complexion, explains Bright. If your skin tone is olive or you can tend to look sallow, "Avoid too much yellow in your colour, as your hair and skin will begin to blend into each other," he warns. Instead, choose light ash or mid-level blondes for the most flattering result. Alternatively, if you have a warm complexion - fair with pink undertones – stay away from ashy tones as they can make you appear pale and drawn. Bright suggests opting for light honey, strawberry or golden shades to complement your features.


Lighten up

One of the most important steps to consider when going blonde is the condition of your hair. To strengthen your strands prior to a new hue, invest in a preliminary treatment. A protein pack, such as Moroccanoil Treatment Oil, $49.50, will work to restore and recondition your lengths. Or if your ends are dry and damaged, try a deep-conditioning mask, such as Kevin.Murphy Born.Again Masque, $49.95, to boost moisture.

It's also a good idea to remove any product build-up to prevent uneven colour results by washing with a detoxifying shampoo prior to your appointment.

For such a daring colour change, Mersmann recommends seeking expert advice rather than attempting to re-create the look at home. "It's the colourists role to direct you and adapt the colour to suit your skin tone," he says. So, before lightening your lengths, it's important to book a consultation with your hairdresser. "Don't be embarrassed to take along pictures; they help the colourist grasp your idea of the hue," explains Mersmann. Unfortunately, regrowth is especially noticeable on all-over pale shades, so be prepared to head back to the salon every four to six weeks for touch-ups.

The transition to platinum is worth undertaking gradually, especially if you're naturally darker. Depending on your desired level of blonde, the change can take up to four sessions over six months. If you'd prefer a lower-maintenance look, "Incorporate this season's popular tone in highlights, as a subtle way to pick up the trend," suggests Bright.

Abbey Lee Kershaw



5 simple steps to platinum perfection

Coloured strands require a certain amount of maintenance. Protect and prolong your blonde hue by incorporating colour-care products into your regimen.

1 Wash
Beat brassiness with a purple-toned shampoo and conditioner. Cleanse your strands using KMS California Colorvitality Blonde Shampoo, $25.50, and condition with Aveda Blue Malva Color Conditioner, $39.95.

2 Treat
Rehydrate with a weekly treatment, such as Schwarzkopf Extra Care Hair Repair Q10 Recharge SOS Repair Treatment, $7.99 for a pack of three treatments, or, for a daily moisture fix, try Goldwell Colorglow [IQ] Bright Shine Leave-In Treatment, $23.95.

3 Enhance
Keep your hue looking fresh between appointments with a toner like SO Salon Only SOS Blonde Toning Treatment, $27.

4 Protect
Boost your blonde and guard against damage from heat styling with Fudge Hothed Violet Whipped Moisture Crème with Max Blow Dry Protection for Clean Blonde Hair, $19.95.

5 Style
If your lengths are looking lacklustre, add a spritz of John Frieda Frizz-Ease Style 100% Shine Glossing Mist, $16.99.


Shift shades

A dramatic hair-colour makeover may mean a make-up overhaul, as changing your shade can often alter the appearance of your skin tone. Look for options that brighten and complement your new look. Earthy tones, rich chocolates and coppers will enhance your eyes. Try Estée Lauder Signature Eyeshadow Quad in Amber Honey, $70, and Clinique Cream Shaper for Eyes in Chocolate Luster, $32. Look for bronze or peach shades to add warmth to your cheeks, such as L'Oréal Paris Glam Bronze Bronzing Powder in Golden Sun, $29.45, or B Collection by Bloom Col.lecta Colour Cheek Tint in Yarra Valley, $19.95. And experiment with shades of pink, coral and bold red on your lips, such as Dior Rouge Dior Lipstick in Elegant Pink, $50, or Lancôme Colour Fever Gloss in Metropolitan Beige, $48.


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