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It happens every year around this time: I begin to seriously consider if I should darken my locks for Fall.
Looking back, I’ve adopted a more “natural” shade in September 8 times out of 10 over the past decade. So clearly, I buy into the switch to warmer, richer shades for the new season. But this year? I’m sticking to my roots. My bleached, highlighted and coloured roots, that is. Because each and every time I go dark for Fall, I find myself yearning for my lighter locks by Christmas. And then invariably, I end up doing more damage by stripping the dark pigment and lifting my hair back to a highlighted blonde. Hence, I’ve made absolutely no move to do anything but keep the status quo.
And then THIS landed in my inbox:
I mean, just LOOK at the model! Her rich, espresso locks cascading like a waterfall down her back. Her sultry, provocative makeup that’s perfectly complementary. This photo is a tribute to Fall and dammit, I feel like throwing my hands up in salute. Courage, Lena, courage.
For all of those who’ll be going to the dark side this season, here are tips on how to get a head start on hair shades and styles, from the experts at John Frieda:
Autumn colours: The winter and fall months offer the perfect opportunity to refresh and rejuvenate our hair. With the cooler season comes richer, warmer hair colour. To welcome the cooler months ahead, John Frieda Precision Foam Colour has launched three new beautiful shades in 5C Medium Copper Brown, 5RV Medium Burgundy and 6A Light Ash Brown. The improved formula has transformed the way you will colour your hair at home. The new technology has thicker and denser foam with deeper colour saturation. The non-drip formula offers 36% more product delivery, helping to spread easily into your roots and hard to reach places, ensuring that you have an all over, permanent colour with no patchiness.
Forget the heat: After washing your hair, try to avoid reaching for the dryer. Using hot appliances such as curling irons, hair dryers and straighteners actually makes your hair more porous resulting in colour loss. When you can, let your hair dry naturally to help elongate your colour’s life.
Find the right hue: When colouring our hair, some of us opt for a drastic change in order to get a reaction and to get our new look noticed. Rather than straying completely away from your current shade, when colouring at home, try going no more than two levels lighter or darker. Have grey hair? This will help to keep them hidden for longer while giving you a more natural colour progression with the same knock out factor. Visit the John Frieda shade selector page.
Curl up: Wild, untamed hair was the perfect fit for an effortless summer look. Move over beachy waves as clean, feminine waves are in and will work to help you highlight your new hair colour. To get this look, try wrapping dry, one-inch sections of hair vertically around a one inch curling iron. Hold for a few seconds, then release. Run your fingers through your hair to loosen the wave.
BUNdle up: Buns and ponytails continue to be popular and appear to be worn low on the runways. High buns had their moment this summer and last year but now it’s time for low knots to create a sophisticated and clean look bringing attention to the colour around your face.
For more information on Precision Foam Colour and for a full list of shades, visit www.johnfrieda.ca/homecolour.
WIN IT!!!
One lucky Listen to Lena reader will win a John Frieda Precision Foam Colour Gift Basket, valued at over $75. Inside, you’ll receive your choice of a Precision Foam Colour shade, the corresponding Colour Protecting or Preserving Shampoo, plus an assortment of hair stylers, including: Frizz Ease Hairspray, Frizz Ease Finishing Cream and Frizz Ease 100% Shine Glossing Mist.
Side Note: When I am a brunette, I always use Brilliant Brunette Colour Protecting Moisturizing Shampoo. It’s formulated with crushed pearls (!) and sweet almond oil, and the moisturizing formula protects and preserves brunette colour as it rehydrates and replenishes dry hair. And, with daily use, it really helps to lock in rich, glossy colour and multi-dimensional tones. One of my faves for sure!
To enter, simply complete the form below with your qualifying entries. Good luck everybody!