June 2018 www.womanthismonth.com 46 BEAUTY | styling With summer inbound it’s tempting to switch up your look and try a brand- new colour! However, hair dye is full of harsh chemicals that can damage your precious locks, leaving them looking dry, dull and lifeless. Over time, continuous colouring will lead to permanent damage, leaving you spending a small fortune on salon treatments for life. But don’t let this put you off trying something new. Not only will Asgar Saboo’s expert tips leave your hair looking rich, smooth and glossy, these simple DIY techniques will save you time and money. PREP YOUR LOCKS When it comes to colouring your hair, preparation is key. Following the right steps means the dye will take better, last longer and, most importantly, look and feel healthier. The first step is to ensure your hair is in the best condition possible. Trim a few days before to rid your hair of any damaged ends. In the days leading up to the treatment, apply a daily deep-conditioning mask to restore your hair’s moisture and natural pH balance. Deep conditioning can make the difference between dull, mousey hair and gloriously shiny results, full of colour! For the best results, avoid washing your hair the day of your treatment. Freshly shampooing will mean your locks lose their natural oils, which not only serve to protect your hair, but also help the colour soak in and spread more evenly. TO DARKEN It’s a commonly held belief that only bleach-based treatments will damage your hair. Wrong! Chemically based brown or black dye can also leave your hair dry and damaged. Try out these natural alternatives for healthier locks! • Henna Henna has long been a popular way to colour hair. It’s free from harsh chemicals, meaning it boosts your hair’s natural shine and vitality without damage. The plant-based dye stains rather than penetrates your locks, meaning you’ll get the perfect reddish brown colour without any lasting effects. Be careful, as dying with henna can get messy! Always wear gloves, old clothes and have a towel to hand when handling the dye. • Coffee Coffee is the perfect natural way to darken your locks or hide pesky greys! Not only does it leave your hair looking glossy and shiny, studies have shown that the caffeine in coffee stimulates your hair follicles, promoting rapid, thick hair growth! Brew a strong coffee and let it cool before mixing with a cup of leave-in conditioner and two tablespoons of ground coffee. Apply to freshly washed hair and leave in for an hour before rinsing with warm water or apple cider vinegar for long-lasting results. TO LIGHTEN • Cinnamon The health benefits of cinnamon are endless, but don’t forget it can also do wonders for your hair! Not only can a cinnamon mask lighten and nourish your hair, it will also leave your locks fragrant and sweet smelling! Mix an equal amount of powdered cinnamon DAMAGE-FREE DYING Celebrity hair stylist Asgar Saboo gives his top tips on dying your hair the healthier way.
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