Got some stray greys? Losing your luscious colour? Don't panic! We speak to celebrity colourist and Nice 'n Easy ambassador Belinda Jeffrey about how to keep locks looking youthful.
1. While there's no stigma attached to sporting a little regrowth these days (even Madge lets her roots show!), when your silver strands shine through, there's no need to speed dial your hairdresser for a touch-up — it's super-easy to do at home. "Use Clairol Nice 'n Easy Root Touch-up between salon visits," says Belinda. "The product is similar to a mascara and can be combed through to blend the grey hairs. It's a fantastic product that comes with a simple colour brush, making it very easy to apply and results in a younger, fresher look."
2. Locks go grey because the production of melanin (the pigment that gives hair, skin and eyes its colour) slows down. So, if your hair is fading, chances are you complexion is changing as well — and a less-than-rosy hue means you'll need to carefully consider the most flattering hair colour for your age. "Choose a shade close to your natural colour as this will help you to achieve a natural looking overall result," says Jeffrey.
3. Yep, truth is, your days of radical change and experimenting with bold brights are probably in the past. The general rule of thumb is to go no more than three shades lighter or darker than your natural colour. Going a little lighter as you age is more flattering — darker shades tend to look too harsh against sallow skin.
4. Not sure where to start when it comes to DIY dyes? Check the hair-colour packet to make sure it covers 100 percent grey (you'll need a permanent colour that physically deposits pigments in the hair shaft) and follow the instructions carefully to make sure you get the desired result. "When colouring, always start at the back of the neck and work your way through to the front hairline. This will result in a natural, even blended result," says Jeffrey.
5. Don't have time for an at-home colour? Try Jeffrey's clever quick-fix: "[Change] the position of your part — try zigzag-sectioning so the grey is not so distinctly obvious."
Prices and packaging correct as at January 27, 2009.
