BLONDE AMBITION: The It shade? Sun-kissed hues with soft golden tones, as seen on starlets such as Margot Robbie, Kate Bosworth and Gigi Hadid. “The current pale blonde will make way for vanillas, warming honeys and milky beiges,” says colourist Simon Bright.
Insider tip: Shake up your shade by trying the blonde buzzword of the season: babylights. “Super-fine weaves are woven softly to create a natural, softer look,” explains Bright.
You’ll need: REDKEN Blonde Idol Custom-Tone Violet Conditioner, $39.95, boasts a customised colour deposit feature to maintain your hue and prevent brassiness.
Pro Secret: Request Olaplex at your next salon session. “This is the biggest revolution in hair colour for years,” enthuses Bright. “It allows significant shade shifts without the damage.”
RICH ESPRESSO: Deep mocha tones – à la model of the moment Kendall Jenner – is the look du jour. Think “rich ash and espresso shades””, says Danielle Solier, L’Oréal Professionnel Colour.IST ambassador. For a believable brunette, stay within two levels of your base colour, and break up your block hue with “multiple tones and variations of highlights and lowlights”, she adds.
Insider Tip: While it’s more low-maintenance than most shades, a chocolate hue can look lacklustre over time with excessive washing and heat styling. Limit your shampoo session to every other day and put the (hot) tools down.
You’ll need: To boost shine, treat dark strands with a replenishing oil, like JOHN FRIEDA Frizz Ease Nourishing Oil Elixir, $16.99, which smooths frizz and lifts luminosity. Or at the salon, opt for a gloss treatment “to add an alluring richness and reflect to your hair””, says Solier.
“Keep your base a dark chocolate truffle hue with fine deep caramels woven in seamlessly for a look of pure luxury” – Simon Bright, colourist
COPPER TONES: Rose gold was seen on a surplus of celebs last season, but now the strawberry shade has been traded for “vibrant, deep mahogany and fiery coppers full of intense shine that make a statement both on and off the red carpet”, says Bright. Gaining in popularity, A-listers like Jessica Chastain, Emma Stone and Agyness Deyn are all flaunting claret.
Insider Tip: Before switching to a flaming shade, consider your complexion – this look suits those with fair skin and light eyes, so consult your colourist if you have darker features. Your make-up bag will also need an overhaul: think bronze and golden tones to add warmth to skin.
You’ll need: Scarlet tones are notorious for colour fade, so be prepared to work for your hue: a rigorous at-home routine and salon visits every four to six weeks are a must. A weekly treatment, like L’ORÉAL PROFESSIONNEL Vitamino Color A-OX Jelly Masque, $31, will seal your shade and soften dry strands.
Pro Secret: If you’re low maintenance, “request a deeper tone with a golden-copper reflect to minimise regrowth”, says Solier.
