CAROL'S COLUMN

Views & tips from your side of the counter........

GOING BLONDE

There are so many different shades of blonde you can go for. Naturally fair hair is easier to lighten than any other shade and also looks lovely with honey or golden tones added. If your hair is dark, the only way to go truly blonde is by using bleach – definitely better to leave this to your hairdresser.

Staining from cigarette smoke and chlorine affects all hair colourants but is obviously more noticeable on blondes. Disguise staining by using blue – toned shampoos – try John Frieda’s Sheer Blonde Range, which also helps to boost naturally blonde hair.

BRUNETTE?

Brown hair is often flossier than other shades but if your naturally brunette locks lack lustre then try a brown vegetable colour. These fade at a natural rate and leave hair with maximum shine.

If you’re blonde or mousy it will take a dark shade easily, but be careful not to choose a shade that’s too dark for your skin tone. It may be better to go darker in stages to get used to it and remember to change your make-up accordingly.

COLOUR CARE

• Avoid the sun, sea and chlorinated water for at least 43 hours after you’ve coloured. During this time the cuticles will still be open and most vulnerable to damage.

• Tint will last longer if you use a specially formulated shampoo and conditioner for colour treated hair.

• Don’t go for a dramatic change if it’s your first time. Go for a semi-permanent to see if it’s really what you want before taking the plunge. You can experiment with wash-in colours until you achieve the result you want and then try to match it with a permanent colour.

• Most highlights will go lighter and sometimes ‘brassy’ in strong sunlight so consider covering up with a hat or scarf if you’re going on holiday.

Contact me

TRIED AND TESTED

SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER DUO’S

Readers of a top hair magazine recently tried and tested shampoo and conditioner duo’s. These were their favourites:-

ZERO FRIZZ CALMING SHAMPOO AND HYDRATING CONDITIONER

Around £4.00 each for 350 ml.

This shampoo really did calm frizz and after using both products the hair was easier to tame and definitely less frizzy.

AVEDA ROSEMARY AND MINT SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER

Around £10.00 each for 250 ml.

Both products had the most wonderful smell that lingered on the hair after drying. Hair looked really shiny and had more volume that before. A bit pricey but worth the money.

PATENE PRO V CLASSIC SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER

Around £2.00 each.

Hair felt really clean and shiny and was easy to manage. Did not weigh down fine hair and had a nice but no over powering fragrance. Excellent value for money and superb for everyday use.

ANDREW COLLINGE MOISTURISING SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER

Around £3.50 each for 200 ml.

Made hair softer and more manageable especially on dry hair types. The shampoo lathered well and left hair smelling fresh. Easy to rinse with no residue.

Vosene is a name we all know well when it comes to family hair care, but have you tried the new conditioners? Wella Vosene Light and Gentle conditioner and Wella Vosene Anti-Dandruff conditioner have been specially designed to complement the existing shampoo range. The Light and Gentle is suitable for even the most sensitive scalps and its ideal for greasy hair. Great too for little girls with long hair prone to tangles! It’s formulated not to overload hair so it’s ideal if you only need light conditioning. If you suffer from dandruff many conditioners can add to the problem but the Anti-Dandruff Conditioner helps to restore your scalps natural balance and has a wonderful fragrance. Shampoo’s in the range include:-

Wella Vosene Frequent Shampoo

Wella Vosene Re-Balance Shampoo

Wella Vosene Build Up Remover Shampoo