Colour class

SEMI Perfect for rookies, semi-permanent colour typically lasts between four and six washes.

A semi-permanent is more of a rinse that sits on top of the hair cuticle, allowing it to fade and rinse out quicker,” Georgia says. For this reason, it’s most often used as a way to experiment with colour. If your existing hair shade is already light, vibrant shades such as pinks and blues will show up more easily. For blondes who want to experiment with different variations, such as strawberry blonde or rose gold blonde, then semi-permanent formulations are the best approach to try these shades out. Worst-case scenario you don’t like the colour, simply give your hair a few washes and it is gone.

WE LIKE Schwarzkopf Pastels Live Colour Cool Grey SemiPermanent, $4.99

Salon secrets:

PERFECT BLONDE

Blondes might have more fun, but with it comes the need for more care. Georgia Mazzarella — hairstylist, colourist, and founder of hair tool company ByGia — advises on how to achieve the perfect look

DEMI This is a great option for those wanting to tone their hair.

Consider demi colour as the middle ground between a rinse and something permanent, lasting an average of 24 to 28 washes. “Demi and semipermanents are both temporary as they contain no ammonia,” Georgia says. “Demi-permanent hair colour contains a peroxide, which opens the hair cuticle slightly allowing the dye to penetrate the hair.” For this reason, demi-permanents are mainly used for toning purposes and are a great way to eliminate brassiness or go a cooler or warmer shade of blonde without affecting your pre-existing or natural hair colour.

WE LIKE Clairol Natural Instincts Hair Colour Dark Blonde, $13.99

PERMANENT The choice for long-lasting results.

“Permanent colour contains ammonia, which opens the hair shaft and adds artificial pigment within the hair cuticle, permanently changing the colour of your hair,” Georgia says. “One of the benefits of permanent colour is it can lighten hair up to four shades lighter from its natural base without using bleach.” If you regularly switch up your colour, permanent formulas aren’t recommended. “Lifting virgin hair is a lot easier than hair that has permanent colour on it, as the bleach has more barriers to break through before reaching the natural hair shaft,” the hairstylist explains.

WE LIKE L’Oreal Excellence Crème Hair Colour 8.1 Ash Blonde, $15.49

Use a purple shampoo once or twice a week to avoid brassiness, but don’t be overzealous as too much of it can make your hair look silver.

WE LIKE Fudge Clean Blonde Violet-Toning Shampoo 250ml, $18.49

KNOW YOUR SHADES

HONEY BLONDE “Warmth doesn’t mean yellow and it’s great to see clients requesting warmer blonde shades. A honey blonde is great for those who want a subtle warm blonde.”

BUTTERY BLONDE “A great tone for those with a neutral undertone as it contains both warmth and ash, creating the perfect balance of a creamy butter tone.”

CREAMY BLONDE “Always the most popular for those with a cooler undertone. A creamy blonde sh ade allows the client to achieve maximum lightness and brightness.”

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