brass in pocket (not hair)

Help! After about six weeks my blonde colour goes from being gorgeous to grotty – it gets brassy. What can I do to save it before rushing back to the salon as I can’t afford to go back every six weeks?

Sarah, via email.

Sarah, it’s like you spoke my mind. When I last looked at my blonde locks I thought – yeech where did that gorgeous salon colour go? Somehow between swimming in pools, in the sea and sunning at the beach my hair decided to head west. So you’re not the only one and there are ways to manage this problem in-between trips to the salon.

What you need to do is restore the colour with an at home toner.

According to Katrina Foster, Redken national education manager, blonde hair has very specific needs, ‘it contains less melanin exposing the cuticle to more sun, degrading the colour and changing the tone.’

‘Blonde hair also tends to be dry, and can look a bit dull because it’s less reflective so ensuring you live up to expectations can be a major undertaking for blondes.’

Here’s the nifty bit – Redken Blonde Glam Color Enhancer (in two shades: Perfect Platinum and Rich Vanilla), $NZ38, is like a shampoo – apply it to damp hair, shave your legs, and twirl about for 3-5 minutes, rinse, condition and voila! Happy blonde hair again. (Note: wear gloves and try 3 minutes first and if it doesn’t work to your liking leave on for longer).

If you are an icy blonde – or a blonde with cool tones choose Perfect Platinum but if you’re a warm, caramel blonde or have caramel highlights choose Rich Vanilla.

Both have got a few added bits – Interbond Condition System and Crystal Shine Complex – to condition and detangle, so your hair feels soft, glossy and shiny.

Do you have a question for our experts? email it to beautygoss@jamesst.co.nz