In fact, there are so many shades and tones of blonde there’s one to suit everyone, giving every skin tone and hair colour the opportunity to lighten up. “A recent trend with blondes has been the Luxe Blonde,” says Tina Farey, Editorial Director of Rush Hairdressing. “By Luxe we mean expensive looking, well- executed colour placement whether it’s highlights or Balayage and well-conditioned, cut and styled hair. All of these elements create the Luxe Blonde.”
Balayage has been exceptionally popular with clients and more so now as we are in the height of the summer. Especially coming out of lockdown, with colour having grown out, many clients have embraced this, but that was then, and this is now, and healthy blonde hair is the big hair trend of the summer.
Keeping balayaged locks in check requires maintenance, not a lot but it does still require visits to the salon.
“A few packets of foils introducing some highlights or lowlights or to create a face framing money piece can lift the balayage from drab to dazzling,” adds Rush Expert Colourist Seung Ki Baek.
“The key to having a stunning colour is maintaining the health of the hair. Conditioning products such as masks, leave in conditioners, serums and oils are all important in making hair colour stand out. Nothing looks as good as healthy shiny hair, and I recommend to all my clients the importance of a hair regime that includes regular treatments and trims as well as colour updates. In the salon I use a fabulous range by Kerastase called Blond Absolu, which help to keep blondes looking fresh and vibrant,” adds Seung Ki Baek.
Highlights have always been popular, and we’ve seen a resurgence of the highlighted blonde throughout the spring into the early summer months. There’s so much choice for highlighted blondes – from subtle natural blondes lightened a few shades to sun bleached blondes and baby blonde tones. Be careful not to put too much stress on the hair by asking for the unachievable – the darker the hair the harder it can be to lighten and may turn out brassy, ensure you are open and honest with the client about the process and advise on which blonde will suit the hair and skin tone best.
Whatever the choice, make sure that it is well looked after, Tina Farey comments, “Even if it is only a trim every 6-8 weeks this will help prevent split ends and damage. Use a heat protection spray such as L’Oréal Professionnel Serie Expert Vitamino Color 10 in 1 Multi-Purpose Spray when drying the hair and avoid over-using dryers, irons and tongs. A great way to add movement to longer hair is to style dry the hair and then use Velcro Rollers to create some volume and movement. A few drops of serum or oil (I’m a great fan of Kerastase Elixir Oils and they have one for every hair type) when brushing out smooths out the ends and gives a shimmering shine to the hair”
Whether your client decides to go full on blonde or dip their toes into the water with a few highlights or a subtle balayage, there’s a blonde for everyone and yes, they do have more fun.
Tina Farey and Seung Ki Baek both work at Rush. Visit www.rush.co.uk to find your nearest salon.
