By Paul Palmer

Getting the perfect blonde hair or chocolate brown can be a bit of a struggle. No matter how many photos of Cameron Diaz or Cheryl Cole you flash before your stylist, there’s always a 50/50 chance your hair will come out looking brassy, bleached, dull, damaged or just plain fake.

So here are my top ten tips for what it takes to get the perfect hair colour that will not only look amazing but also keep you looking like you just stepped out of the salon! Sound good, great let’s get to it.

10 WHAT IS YOUR BUDGET?

Going blonde, red or even a natural brown requires maintenance. If you are going to do it, make sure you can afford the upkeep every four to 16 weeks, depending on the desired colour you and your colourist are aiming to achieving and your existing natural colour.

9 BE AWARE OF YOUR NATURAL LEVEL OF COLOUR

Imagine hair color range to be from 2 to 10, 2 being the darkest level of black and ten the lightest blonde. It may be a long time before you see your natural hair colour again or even remember it. It is rare that anyone over the age of 16 actually has a natural level lighter than a seven (with exception to those natural god given gray highlights that keep turning up).

8 BE READY TO UPGRADE AND CHANGE YOUR SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER ROUTINE

Typically, going blonde requires higher levels of ammonia or bleaching products. You will notice a texture change in your hair that most likely will require less shampooing and more conditioning. I recommend finding a gentler more moisturizing shampoo and a reconstructive treatment mask if you do go lighter along with a good colour save shampoo and conditioner for darker tones. Moisture being the order of the day to keep your colour looking fresher for longer.

7 FIND A COLOUR SPECIALIST

Be on the lookout for someone whose colour you admire. Approach them and enquire “Who does your colour?” Don’t be afraid to ask someone that same question whose color you think is hideous, so you know where not to go!! If your colourist pulls out a crochet hook and a plastic cap, reschedule with someone else.

6 KNOW HOW BLONDE YOU WANT TO GO

There are many different shades of colour to choose from. Be aware of cool and warm shades and which one compliments your skin best. Bring pictures of blondes you like (and even you don’t like) to your colourist. Make sure they are realistic and not in black or white. Keep in mind, all colours will look different depending on the surrounding light.

5 BE READY FOR A MAKEUP CHANGE

Your hair colour is the frame for your face. Changing colour will directly affect your current shade of lipstick, which most likely will need to change. Visit a near by make up counter directly after your colour appointment and get some make up tips from someone who has never seen you before.

4 KNOW IF YOU NEED HIGHLIGHTS, FULL HEAD COLOUR OR BOTH

If you are a level seven or above, you most likely can become a blonde with highlights only, be sure to ask your colourist to be certain appointments are scheduled with the appropriate time needed, (you don’t want your colourist to be doing a rush job do you?)

3 ASK FOR A GLOSS

After your colour change you should consider a gloss in between colour services to keep it looking fresh, it’s that perfect option if you go longer periods of time between your colour appointments ! (it’s a non peroxide treatment with sheer colour options that help achieve that perfect colour tone again and seal in an extra four to six weeks of shine.

2 BE READY TO BE TAKEN AS SERIOUSLY

If executed right you will turn heads and be the envy of all your friends and family (enjoy).

1 KNOW WHY

Is it because you heard blondes have more fun and you’re bored or maybe you are just fashion savvy? Either way, have fun with it! Hair colour is the easiest thing you can do to dramatically change your appearance without going under the knife.

Paul @ P&J Palmer Clitheroe