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Hues the boss! How to get the most out of your #trending new hair colour
Advertorial for John Frieda
By Alison Izzo
We are living in a glorious age when we are no longer limited to “making do” with our natural tresses and playing with hairdos being the only means of expressing our personal style. Indeed, if the #trending lists are anything to go by — and, let’s face it, they are — colour has been the means of self-expression of choice for 2023.
It’s important to give your coloured hair the care it deserves.Credit: iStock
There has been the supernatural-inspired blacker than black sported by Jenna Ortega’s Wednesday Addams and the violets, sapphires and coppers so dark to almost be black. On the other end of the spectrum, the behemoth that is the Barbie movie gave rise to two colour trends: Barbie Blonde as well as Barbie Pink. And for those who just didn’t want to choose, the Gemini blend of two colours (think: straight down the middle à la Cruella De Vil) opened up a world of options.
But whether it’s super-fine foils, a full head of bleach or semi-permanent tints every now and then, colouring your hair can be costly — both in terms of expense and also the time it takes sitting in the salon chair.
Savvy hairdressers like Vincent Nobile, the co-owner and colour director at Headcase Hair in Sydney, know how to make your most recent dye job last the distance.
Follow his step-by-step guide to caring for your colour like a professional and you’ll be able to stretch out the time between appointments, while keeping your colour vibrant and your tresses in tip-top condition.
Step 1: Be smart about what you ask for
How much time you can get away with between appointments really depends on the type of colour that you request from your hairdresser.
For example, if you’re covering grey hair, you would need to have more frequent visits to the salon, Nobile explains.
“Then, it depends on how much you’re deviating from your natural colour… There are ways to design your colour to last longer,” he says. “If this is the objective, techniques like balayage — that are a bit more natural through the top — can last up to a year.”
As much as you may like your hairdresser, you probably don’t want to see them more often than your besties, so best to flag your preference for low-maintenance colour in your initial consultation. That way your colourist can suggest some shades and techniques that will look better for longer.
Step 2: Step up your day-to-day care
When it comes to taking care of your new shade at home, Nobile suggests investing in a quality shampoo and conditioner specifically formulated for coloured hair.
“This is the place to start, then you can add to this depending on your hair’s needs,” he advises.
If you have multiple hair concerns, ask your hairdresser for advice on the best routine to maintain both your colour and your hair health at the same time. If you have limp, fine hair, for example, they may recommend alternating between colour-specific products and thickening, strengthening formulas.
Try: For blondes, John Frieda Violet Crush For Blondes Purple Shampoo with John Frieda Violet Crush For Blondes Purple Conditioner.
For brunettes, John Frieda Brilliant Brunette Colour Vibrancy Shampoo with John Frieda Brilliant Brunette Colour Vibrancy Conditioner.
For redheads, John Frieda Radiant Red Red Boosting Shampoo with John Frieda Radiant Red Red Boosting Conditioner.
For plumping, John Frieda PROfiller+ Thickening Shampoo with John Frieda PROfiller+ Thickening Conditioner.
John Frieda’s PROfiller+ range is the perfect boost to make your hair feel thicker, fuller and stronger.Credit: iStock
Step 3: Know the most common colour-strippers
Apart from day-to-day washing, Nobile says there are three major external environmental factors that can fade and damage your coloured tresses: excessive heat, sun and swimming (especially in chlorine).
He also says using products with high levels of sulphate or alcohol can reduce the longevity of your colour.
The more you can avoid exposure to these products and environmental factors the better. However, sometimes they’re just unavoidable. In order to combat the damaging effects they may have, Nobile recommends adding some protection and treatment products to your arsenal.
Try: John Frieda Violet Crush for Blondes Toning Mask or John Frieda Frizz Ease Leave-In-Conditioner Spray
Step 4: Invest in your hair health
On that note, a treatment product specific to your hair concerns should be right under “quality shampoo and conditioner” on your shopping list.
You’ll need to first assess what your locks are crying out for. “Whether you need a repairing or hydrating product will depend on your hair type and colour,” he says. “If you’re after shine, then a hair oil may be best — the good ones are really lightweight so they don’t weigh the hair down but also have repairing properties.”
Nobile explains this is a necessary step to maintain the health of your hair between visits. The good news? A DIY treatment — either daily if a leave-in spray, or weekly if a mask — is all you’ll need.
Keep an eye out for products that do double duty. If you need a bit of extra volume, look for a product that will provide the thickness you’re after but also provides heat protection, for instance.
Keep these steps in mind and your new shade is destined to become your long-term style statement.
Try: John Frieda Hydrate & Recharge Deep Soak Masque to replenish moisture, John Frieda Vibrant Shine 3-in-1 Spray for repair and shine, or John Frieda PROfiller+ Thickening Spray for plumpness and heat protection.