Hair SOS
What you need to know before going red.
The leaves are turning brown, the light is a little more golden and low, but when it comes to autumnal hair colours it’s all about RED! Before you pick out your shade of plum, persimmon or pumpkin-spice, expert colourist Courtney Rostron has five no-nonsense pointers for anyone wanting to keep their (fake) fiery locks looking fierce. Here’s how to channel Gigi Hadid at the Met Gala…
Maintaining a fiery glow!
As red pigments have larger molecules than most colours and cannot easily penetrate or be retained by your individual hair strands they can fizzle out. Keeping the levels topped ensures maximum colour vibrancy. Colour depositing conditioners not only smooth the cuticle but also add more pigment into the hair to keep your red looking fresh and fierce.
Our go-to product for reds is Kérastase Reflection Touche Chromatique Rouge 2-3 weeks after your salon colour treatment to maintain a brighter colour.
A salon-brought direct dye will be your new BFF...
In the battle against the fade, you have one true ally. If you really want to keep your colour looking fresh between appointments, use a direct dye purchased from the Benjamin Ryan salon after shampooing and prior to conditioner. This will pump up the pigment levels even more and keep you (almost) looking like you have just left your hair appointment!
Heat styling? Not so hot!
Every time you use heat appliances on your coloured hair you are dancing with the devil! Particularly with vibrant red shades, it is crucial that you use heat protection products to prevent fade and damage. A personal favourite of Courtney's is Kerastase’s Nectar Thermique. It's caring complex smooths the look of rough, dull hair, and creates a resurfaced appearance with enhanced, mirror-like shine that makes hair easier to manage and blowdry.
Lay off the lather
Wash your hair every other day? STOP! Every time you shampoo, you are washing your expensive colour down the drain, quite literally. Be gentle when cleansing your hair and if you really want to prevent fade, try to cut back to washing your hair just once a week.
We recommend the Shu Uemura Colour Lustre or Kerastase Colour Save shampoos which have no sulphates and will make your colour last 33% longer!
Ask the experts
Courtney
Colour Techician / Stylist
Don’t be scared to ask your stylist questions! They know the ins-and-outs of your hair colour (and what was used to create it) better than anyone. Quiz them on the right home care products for you. Check how frequent your appointments should be to keep your red looking its best. The answers to these questions and more will help you maintain healthy hair, and healthy hair means long-lasting, beautiful colour.
To book a free consultation with Courtney call the salon or ask to speak her directly for one-to-one advice!
Courtney's hours
Tuesday to Saturday 9am-6pm,
Friday 9am-7pm.