Let’s talk about hair colour: choosing the best option for you

Let’s talk about hair colour: choosing the best option for you

Hair colour – love it, hate it, change it!

There’s never a wrong time to start embracing a change of hair colour. Whether it’s to brighten up your wardrobe in the winter months, compliment an outfit for a special occasion, or to show off your summer tan; seeing stunning, vibrant transformations emerge from salons and shared online always makes me smile.

However, many of us are not looking for fashion-following hues or dramatic changes in our hair colour, we’re simply looking to subtly cover those pesky white hairs that seem to multiply over the years!

As a consultant trichologist and experienced hairdresser, my priority is to keep your hair in the best condition while helping you achieve your desired look (whether you’re looking for subtle or dramatic)!

So, the question is: What does colouring your hair mean, and what should you consider when looking for the right product? Here are some practical choices to consider:

1. Permanent colour
If you’re ready to fully embrace colouring your hair, a permanent option can give you consistent, lasting coverage. Keep in mind, though, that it requires commitment—regrowth touch-ups every 6–8 weeks will be necessary.

2. Semi-permanent colour
For a gentler approach, a semi-permanent colour is a fantastic option. It masks white hairs effectively, is less damaging, and gradually washes out over 24 shampoos. This can be a great middle-ground if you’re not ready for full-on commitment.

3. Highlights or lowlights
Adding highlights or lowlights might be the perfect solution if you’re only dealing with a few white hairs. While this involves permanent colour, it’s applied strategically rather than all over, limiting damage. Plus, you’ll only need touch-ups every 4 months, making it a low-maintenance option.

4. Temporary / wash-in/wash-out colours
For those eye-catching, vibrant shades, temporary colours are ideal. They’re great for adding a splash of fun or refreshing a bold look, but they’re not the best choice for camouflaging white hairs. As the name suggests – you’ll see these washing down the drain after a couple of washes. 

5. Which brands?
As a professional, for gentle hair colouring at home, I would recommend:

  • Clynol
  • Wella Professional
  • Loreal
  • Goldwell

 

So, whether you’re off to the salon, or colouring your hair at home, whether you’re going bold or simply hiding a few stubborn strands – there’s a solution and a product to suit your health, your budget AND your lifestyle.