Thanks to upgrades in colour technology, even the darkest hair can now lighten up. It’s time to choose your blonde camp.
Clean and bright
Going super light is about as transformative as colour gets – just ask celebs such as Katy Perry and Selena Gomez, who both moved from brunette to platinum. “We have treatments now that will push the hair bond a little further,” says Justin Pace, colour expert at Papas + Pace and global artist for Redken. But lightening by multiple shades takes time. “If you have long hair and you want to go blonde, be prepared for it to take more than one or two appointments,” advises Pace. “I always say to clients, ‘What’s more important – your length or to be ice blonde?’ One of them has to give.”
Lived-in blonde
Seen on A-listers such as Margot Robbie, blonde hair that looks as though it’s had time to grow out is a cool and easy-wear way to go light. But don’t think it’s an in-and-out service. “It’s not uncommon for this colour process to take six hours,” says Matt Clements, colour expert at The Assembly Hair and global colour ambassador for Schwarzkopf Professional. The good news is, this blonde look can go up to four months before needing to be recoloured. “But I suggest having your blonde refreshed and toned regularly in-between,” adds Clements.
This article originally appeared in the March, 2018 issue of marie claire.