Sunny, Springtime Hair

Spring is a time of renewal in the fashion world — designers release bright colours and florals; makeup artists start pushing that natural, dewy “glow;” even hairstylists start suggesting lighter summer styles.

Salons tend to see a seasonal shift in hairstyles and colours. As fall and winter approach, darker locks, nails and lips dominate the personal style scene. Following the same idea, in opposition, the promise of spring urges dark-haired vixens to update their ‘dos to capture that beach-brushed look with highlights and all-over colour changes.

Before you rush to book an appointment, Lifestyle offers the following tips and tricks for the healthiest updates to your spring hairstyles.

1. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.
When lightening your hair with either highlights or an overall lightening mask, you are essentially stripping the hair of its pigmentation. Using an activator, such as hydrogen peroxide, the hair shaft is penetrated and the colour molecules are dispersed. The longer the agent remains on the hair, the more these pigments are separated, and the harsher the treatment. It goes without saying that it’s best to treat your hair to an intense moisture therapy treatment (or two, or three…) before undergoing any lightening process. These are offered in most salons, and can be available for purchase in upscale drug stores.

Aveda Salon Botanical Treatment ($45):
Lifestyle’s favourite in-salon treatment comes from Aveda Salon, a unique boutique offering top-of-the-line organic products. The treatment involves a relaxing scalp massage with natural plant oils followed by an intensive moisture therapy treatment. This writer left the salon with luscious, shiny locks after just one session!

Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Deeeeep Conditioner ($5):
This at-home conditioning treatment fortifies your hair with deep conditioning. We love this inexpensive treatment — it smells great and leaves hair shiny and soft. At that price point we like to splurge and use it every other day!

2. Over-prepare; book a Consultation
You’ve prepped your hair for weeks and are finally ready to get into the stylist’s chair. Before letting any bleach touch your hair, however, be sure that you and your stylist are on the same page. Most salons offer free consultations before their styling treatments, so take the opportunity to ensure that they know what colours you are looking for, and what effects. Don’t be shy about visiting many different salons!

Be sure to provide stylists with plenty of pictures. Browse online and print out images of your favourite styles. Watching TV and notice an actress with a particularly appealing shade? Mention her name to your stylist and maybe you too could be rocking Jennifer Lopez’s sweet honey tresses. For the most natural look opt for a full head of thin highlights — this will ensure a stripe-less dye job.

3. Listen to the pros
Some of us just aren’t designed to rock the platinum like Marilyn Monroe. Some colours that look beautiful on your favourite starlets may not suit your complexion, and vice versa — some colours that may make your friends look washed out could really add sizzle to your look. This depends on your skin tone and facial features. A quick test to check your skin tone: Turn your wrist over and take a peek at your veins. If they run blue, and you have paler features (light eyelashes/eyebrows, et cetera), you’re likely cool-toned. If they’re green, and you have darker features (brown eyes, dark eyebrows, et cetera), you’re likely warm-toned.

Ask your stylist what colour he/she thinks would suit your skin, and listen to what they have to say. Chances are, if they warn you against an ash-blonde mane, it’s for the best.

4. Preserve your colour
You’ve just left the salon and you love your new look — congratulations! To keep your tresses shiny and glowing, maintain your colour with specifically designed shampoos and conditioners. It doesn’t hurt to help repair your hair by using the pre-dyeing treatments we mentioned in our first tip.

Lifestyle loves the Aveda Colour Conserve line, a three-step treatment including a shampoo, conditioner and long-lasting treatment. Retailing at around $60, this product is worth the money — it’s made with the purest organic ingredients.

We’re also suds-ing up with products available in your grocery store’s beauty aisle: Try Garnier Fructis, L’Oreal and Pantene color-protect shampoos and conditioners.

5. Update your entire look!
You may notice that your clothes seem brighter (or darker) and your makeup a little too harsh. Changing your hair colour updates your entire image profile so treat yourself to some new blush or a warm-weather outfit to complement your new look. •