Hair colour confidential: How to be your best blond

The Trend

Platinum blonds will always have a starring role in Hollywood, but this fall, sun-kissed golden gals are getting top billing. “It’s about replenishing pigment because, with things like sun exposure, washing and heat styling, hair is depleted,” says celebrity colourist Lorri Goddard, whose clients include beautiful blonds Jennifer Lawrence and Reese Witherspoon.

Get the Look

Ask for lowlights (the contrast will brighten existing blond strands) and fine highlights in warm hues, such as soft honey or caramel. “A warmer blond is a more natural hue on everyone,” says Eric Del Monaco, official hair artist and colourist for L’Oréal Paris in Canada. To create highlights, most colourists work with foils, using the stem of a comb to weave out pieces, then applying lightening formula and wrapping in foil to process. But balayage, in which the colourist paints strands freehand, is growing in popularity.

The Maintenance

Post-salon colour loss is inevitable. “Within two weeks, that artificial molecule starts to fall away from the cuticle,” says Luis Pacheco, Clairol consulting colourist and founder of Hair on the Avenue in Toronto. To keep your blond bright and avoid brassiness, use a shampoo and conditioner for colour-treated hair.

Sun Care Protective Hair Veil, $34, Aveda. 

BLONDME Keratin Restore Blonde Shampoo, $17, Schwarzkopf Professional.

Excellence Crème Triple Protection Colour in Ultra Light Natural Blonde, $13, L’Oréal Paris.