Cameron's done it. So have Reese, Ashlee and Scarlett. Taking your hair from brunette to blonde is serious business. Here, Zoë Irwin, creative director at Headmasters and UK special guest of the L'Oréal Professionnel Colour Trophy, shares her expert advice ...
Why is it important to seek your stylist's advice when dramatically changing your hair colour?
"A trained colourist can help you choose the best shade for your skin tone, advise you on the commitment involved in your colour choice, and on aftercare product to."
Does a strong colour change need to be made in gradual steps?
"I'd prefer to a take a dramatic colour change in steps because it gives the client a chance to get used to the change, especially if it's going from light to dark or vice versa. It also means we can saturate the hair with lots of treatments to keep the hair in peak condition, so the final result is shiny and beautiful."
What steps are used to go lighter, how are they applied?
"It really depends on the result you wish to achieve and your natural colour. If you want a softly sun-kissed look, foils and valiage are perfect. If you're looking for something more dramatic like platinum blonde, you will need to have a pre-lightening treatment plus a toner or colour on top."
If my hair is naturally dark and I want to go blonde, is the same process used?
"Yes, but it may take longer to achieve a lighter result. Returning to your colourist over a couple of months will give you the colour you really want. Plus it will allow you to control the condition of your hair with treatments between appointments."
By making such a dramatic change, will the colouring have a damaging effect on my hair?
"Colouring can weaken your hair, so it's really important to invest in your colour and prioritise the condition of your hair. I recommend using shampoos and treatments rich in protein to build the hair from the inside out."
