8 Ways To Refresh Your Hair

RUT: You’re still getting the “Rachel” haircut.

REFRESH: Even Jennifer Aniston occasionally switches up her hair. “We’ve moved away from structured and overly styled to more relaxed and cool,” states Redken Australia artist Paloma Rose Garcia. “Hair that sits from mid neck to at least three centimetres above the chest, a few long layers, textured ends and a cheekbone-length drop fringe, invokes that soft, grown-out feeling.”

RUT: You know the precise colour combination to ask for at the salon.

REFRESH: Nothing makes a bigger, look-at-me impact than a brand-new hair colour. “Bronde, which merges brunette and blonde, is a great segue into something different, and perfect for those wanting to move away from balayage, or for blondes wanting to dip their toes into darker shades,” explains Michael Kelly, national colour educator for Oscar Oscar Salons. Ask for cool toffee and rich honey highlights at the roots, and flowing pastel-caramel balayaged lengths.

RUT: You get the same number of highlights, every time.

REFRESH: Highlights should be multi-tonal, glossy and appear natural. “Wear with a pop around the face, invisible through your part and textured through your lengths,” says Kelly. “And don’t visit the salon every six weeks – embrace soft regrowth.”

RUT: Sea salt spray is your ticket to texture.

REFRESH: Hair powders, such as Redken Powder Grip 03 Mattifying Hair Powder, $21.95, offer just as much texture as sea salt spray, plus hold, volume and density. “For an undone look with a modern edge, sprinkle a little powder onto dry hair after heat styling, then tong or blowdry until it’s sleek,” says Garcia.

RUT: You count on conditioner to keep your hair hydrated.

REFRESH: Conditioner alone won’t cut it. “A nourishing mask improves manageability and makes hair instantly look and feel luxurious,” explains Garcia. “Leave the mask on for 20 minutes once a week, or replace your conditioner with a mask and leave in for five minutes every time you wash.” Try Toni & Guy Hair Meet Wardrobe Nourish Reconstruction Mask, $15.99.

RUT: You’ve been ombre obsessed since SJP was single in the city.

REFRESH: Bottom-heavy colour is passe; balayage, where colour cascades down the length of the hair, looks subtle and sunkissed. “It needs to look seamless and expensive, so use it as a tool to accentuate what you already have,” advises Kelly.

RUT: Your ponytail takes you from the gym to the school pick-up.

REFRESH: You’re probably wearing a pony because it’s easy, but a topknot takes the same amount of time and looks effortlessly chic. “It’s the quintessential summer look,” adds Garcia. “Place your pony a little higher on the crown, apply smoothing serum to the tail and wrap it around for a relaxed topknot.” Try ghd Style Smooth & Finish Serum, $22.

LOOK AT HUE! Leave the dramatic changes to Emma Stone. Here are Kelly’s tips for fine-tuning your shade.

Blonde: For tonal variation and depth, add low- or mid-lights.

Brunettes: Soft frame-lights (working around the frame of the face) give a sunkissed effect.

Red: Rustic copper tones (think Julianne Moore) are key right now.

Black: Lots of luminosity, plus smudging a lighter shade into ebony hair, adds dimension. Redken’s Colour Blur uses a blur brush for seamless tonal variation.