Transitioning your summer blonde to autumn/winter
Autumn is a time for change - and that includes your hair.
As we head into the season of falling leaves, chilly weather and pumpkin spice lattes, now is the perfect opportunity to embrace a new hair colour.
For blondes, that means switching up your summer look for something a bit more autumnal.
"This summer has been all about the 'old money' blonde trend, it's been huge on social media," says creative director Julie Harper.
"It isn't bright white or really platinum blonde highlights, it's golden with more of a root. It's a very seamless look created with babylights, meaning really fine highlights. Combined with the big, voluminous blow-dry trend it's a really glamorous vibe."
So how can golden blondes evolve their look for autumn? Here, Julie offers her advice on how to transition your colour and how to maintain it during the colder months…
GO FOR A GLAZE
The easiest way to adapt your blonde for the new season is with a pigmented glaze.
Also known as a gloss, this is a shine-enhancing toner that can alter your colour by one shade, either lighter or darker.
"By touching up with a glaze you can soften the tone so it's not as strong or bright looking," Julie says.
"It deepens the colour a little bit and warms it up. It's a great way to revive blonde hair and make it feel overall a bit more autumnal. For example, going from ash to gold."
A glaze also helps to disguise grown-out roots, which is why Julie recommends booking yours around four to six weeks after your last colour appointment.
"The glaze will top up your colour and give the hair shine," she says. "It's not damaging - in fact, it's good for your hair - the colour lasts a good four to six weeks and it's a quick appointment, only taking around 30 minutes."
Men who have embraced the 90s-inspired blonde trend this summer could also benefit from a glaze to refresh their look.
"If their hair has lightened over the summer and they don't like the brassy tones they can have a glaze appointment which will soften out any of the brassiness," Julie says.
"Or they could go for a darker toner in preparation for transitioning back to their natural colour."
CONVERT TO COPPER
If you're ready for a more significant shift, why not try a gorgeously golden take on this year's red hair trend?
"I think a lot of blondes are going to go more copper or golden copper for autumn," Julie says.
"Your skin tone changes in the winter, so changing your hair to match your skin, by warming the colour up and softening it, is a great idea."
Unlike a blonde glaze, achieving a vivid copper tone requires a colour change appointment.
"You'll definitely need a full consultation if you are going to have a big change like that," Julie continues.
"We will pre-lighten the hair, rinse it off, dry it then go in with the copper to achieve your desired result, so it would take a bit longer in the salon."
At the consultation, your colourist will discuss what kind of shade you want to go for, from soft strawberry blonde to a more rich red. You might prefer all-over colour, highlight or balayage to create a multi-dimensional feel.
HOW TO MAINTAIN AUTUMN COLOUR
So you've chosen your sassy new shade, but how can you ensure it doesn't fade?
"Colour-protecting shampoo and conditioner are essential," Julie says.
"I love the Color Lustre or Ultimate Reset ranges from Shu Uemura, and from Oribe you want the Beautiful Color range."
These carefully formulated products will clean and condition your hair without stripping away the pigment.
Julie also recommends adding an overnight serum to your haircare routine during the colder months.
"You can apply the serum at night time on dry or wet hair, brushing it from the roots so it disperses through the hair," she explains.
"It seals the cuticle and nourishes from root to tip but it's not heavy like an oil. Like a serum for your face it treats and conditions your hair overnight, and you don't need to rinse it out."
And finally, Julie stresses the importance of using a heat protection product to stop your colour from fading during autumn.
"Make sure to apply a heat protection spray before blow drying or heat styling," she says.
"That will keep the colour locked in and protect against the heat so it doesn't strip it through tonging or straightening."
Autumn evolution
Blonde hair never really goes out of style, but switching up your shade is a great way to refresh your look and tap into new trends.
As Julie explains, it's easy to transition into a warmer, more autumn-friendly tone with a glaze, or go bold with a golden copper makeover. Whatever your choice, using the right cleansing and styling products will help to preserve your colour and keep it looking vibrant throughout the season.
Ready for an autumn revamp? Book your next colour appointment at Paul Edmonds London.
