We shed light on keeping those blonde locks beautiful

Of all hair types, blond is usually the most brittle and dehydrated. That’s because the colouring process removes natural oils, and this can cause it to look dull. If well looked after and nourished, your hair can maintain its bright hue, rather than resembling a Barbie doll’s mane. We let you in on some golden rules.

Home care
Find products that are tailor-made for lighter locks. Shampoos containing a purple pigment are perfect to get rid of any brassy yellow that may develop. Why purple? Purple and yellow are opposite each other on the colour wheel, so it makes sense that when you use a purple shampoo it will cool any brassiness.

Lighten up
In-salon lightening products: While not an essential part of a dye job, these will help keep your locks lighter and brighter. “Find a colourist who specialises in blonds to select the right lightener based on the natural base and texture of your hair,” Robb advises. Because price depends on the length of your hair, among other factors, talk to your stylist first to find out how much you can expect to pay.

1. Schwarzkopf Nordic Blonde Toner, $10;

2. Label.M Brightening Blonde Shampoo,$31;

3. Label.M Brightening Blonde and Conditioner, $32;

4. L’Oréal Professionnel Série Expert Shine Blonde Shampoo, $28.50;

5. L’Oréal Professionnel Série Expert Shine Blonde Conditioner, $28.50;

6.  Redken Blonde Idol Custom Tone Conditioning Treatment, $40;

7.  Kevin Murphy Blonde Angel Conditioning Treatment, $48 .

Sun Smart
Salt water, chlorine and the sun can wreak havoc on hair. But it’s not just in summer you should protect your hair… it’s all year round.

Mask it
Applying a hair masque once a week will help to rehydrate your locks, prolonging the colour.

8. Eleven Keep My Colour  Treatment Blonde, $32;
9. Pureology Perfect 4 Platinum Miracle Filler, $43;
10. Label.M Brightening Blonde Balm, $39;
11. Redken Blonde Idol Mask, $47.50;
12. Pureology Colour Fanatic, $43.