When it comes to hair colour, no other shade has dominated the fall runways like white-hot blond. We spoke with Marie Robinson, colour director at Clairol, about how to score the brightest shade of the season.

Top of the crop
While the last few seasons saw models sporting platinum hair, in fall 2011 Robinson's favourite blond interpretation came from the runways of Gianfranco Ferré and Roberto Cavalli. She raves about the light-to-medium blond, and the pale peach and pink tones and highlights. "The colour didn't look punk because it was more of a cast of these colours, which made it look soft and pretty."

Coddle your colour
"Pastel peach, creamy pink and champagne are very difficult shades to keep in the hair," says Robinson. To keep colour brilliant, look for shampoos and conditioners formulated for colour-treated hair. They keep vulnerable shades from oxidizing yellow or orange, she says.

Do the two-step
If your hair is healthy and your existing shade is no more than two shades away from the colour you crave, "you can easily achieve a blond colour at home," says Robinson. If you don't meet those criteria, it's best to see a professional.

Runway, your way
Despite the blond's vibrancy, Robinson says it's an easy trend to follow. "It's a hair colour that feels fresh and young." The new blond is universally flattering because its golden shades add a warmer tone to your complexion. People with a pale yellow skin tone should be wary, though. "Your skin and hair colour will be the same shade, making you look sallow," warns Robinson.

Baby steps
If you're curious but cautious, Robinson suggests starting with highlights. You can build upon the colour, which Robinson says is the ideal way to achieve a pale blond because it ensures a multidimensional foundation.


Page 1 of 2 – Find out how to achieve ultra-popular ombre highlights on page 2.
Say ombre
"Ombre highlights – applied just around the face, at mid-length and at the ends – are a nice option for those who don't want to feel they're losing the integrity of their natural colour," says Robinson. She suggests leaving the hair at your crown and underneath untouched to maintain dimension. This standout shade is the ultimate accessory for fall.

Brilliant blond shades achievable at home
Feel like shaking up your look? Why not do a little dye job at home with Nice ‘n Easy's Colour Blend Foam? According to Luis Pacheco, a Clairol Consulting Colourist and Co-Owner of Hair on The Avenue in Toronto, the brand's technology will help you achieve great tones and highlights without breaking your piggy bank.

Tip: "To add warmth, you can dye your hair a golden hue," says Pacheco. "Or you can opt for one of this season's hottest hair colour trends: Aubergines and plums. Nice ‘n Easy Colour Blend Foam shades 4RB and 5RB are right on target."

This story was originally titled "Goldern Opportunity" in the October 2011 issue. Subscribe to Canadian Living today and never miss an issue!

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