When I was offered the opportunity to try out ‘instant highlights’ for my hair at Dessange, I was a tad hesitant. A quick search on the Internet for the term threw up misleading results – not helpful for someone who shies away from colouring her hair. But when the officials at the salon assured it would be nothing outrageous, I agreed. After all, Dessange is one of the most trusted names in style and beauty on the island.
When I met Kate, my stylist, I had a feeling I was in good hands. She was confident and seemed to know exactly what she was doing. After a quick brief of the procedure, she started off by applying L’Oreal Studio Blonde lightening cream to the inner hair sections on the crown of my head. Nine cream-covered sections were neatly folded off in silver foil. While working in a nimble, expert fashion, she explained that this technique of instant highlights is much quicker compared to the tedious process of the conventional method. It’s perfect for busy career women and mums on the go, or anyone who does not often have time to spend at the salon. There is no bleaching involved and the ammonia-free lightener is less damaging. It can lighten the hair by up to six shades, depending on the extent of damage the hair has already undergone with previous treatments. Kate used the balayage method to blend the highlights with my natural hair colour for a subtle effect.
She went on to flat iron each of the foiled sections with a uniquely designed Studio Blonde hair iron. Once cool enough to handle, she removed the foils to reveal acrid, orange-yellow strands. I panicked inwardly, until she told me this wasn’t the final result.
At the shampoo basin, my hair was washed with Studio Blonde shampoo to stop the lightening cream from working and clean the cuticles. Once ‘neutralised’, the sharp yellow tones turned to a softer shade, ready to take on the ash caramel that Kate had chosen to complement my dark brown mane. I was kept from becoming fidgety thanks to the massage chair I was sat on. A few more minutes with the toner on and a final rinse later, I enjoyed a reviving head massage. Added comfort and attention to little details is what you get when you decide to trust a brand like Dessange for your personal grooming solution.
Back at the salon station, my hair was blow dried, lightly curled and tousled into beachy waves. The toner had imparted a warm, caramel brown to the treated strands, contouring my face perfectly. To say I was pleased with my refreshed look would be an understatement. Just nine sections of highlights really brought out my natural hair colour and gave me a bright, well kempt look, all in under two hours. And, might I add, this beauty indulgence is quite fairly priced. Thank you Dessange!
Call: 1771 3999.
