No problem, writes Shonagh Walker, because these days hair colour maintenance comes super fast...
Speedy highlights
"These
days highlighting can be done in under an hour,” says 2008 AHFA
Australian Hairdresser of the Year, Robert Bava from Parlour Hair in
South Australia.
"We
use a fast-acting gentle highlighter and an electronic colour
processor. A good colourist will use a technique that grows out well
without leaving an obvious re-growth. Maintenance only need be done
every 10 to 12 weeks and can give amazing lift to the hair.”
Blonde hair
When it comes to blonde hair, “avoid too-fine highlights - it’s high maintenance,” says 2008 AHFA Session Stylist of the Year, Anthony Nader of Raw Anthony Nader in Darlinghurst, Sydney.
“Look
for more contrasting tones that are medium spaced, which will give a
less apparent re-growth. Having a gloss over the ends of foils will
maintain shine and keep hair looking healthier for longer. You can also
have blonde put around the face, rather than the entire head. It will
make you feel lifted, without sitting right on part.”
Darker hues
If you are going for darker colours, think semi-permanent.
“Look
more towards semi-permanent formulas, which fade out, rather than grow
out,” says Nader. “If you have grey hair that needs covering, rather
than tinting roots have colour ‘smudged’ into roots so it leaves a
little grey that can blend through. Use a semi-permanent on the rest of
the hair and you’ll avoid four to six week maintenance.”
Ballayage
Ballayage,
the practice of freehand colour, is “still huge”, says Paula Kelly from
Sublime Salons, Brisbane, winner of the 2008 AHFA QLD Hairdresser of
the Year award. “It gives a natural, lived-in look and doesn’t lock the
client in for absolute repeat colour in five weeks.”
“We’re
also doing a lot more stretch colour, where hair is naturally darker at
the roots and lighter at the ends. It gives a great natural look and
cuts down time in the chair. These are great lunchtime colours – you
get maximum saturation in minimum time.”
SHONAGH WALKER 10 APRIL 2008
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