It happens every year around this time: I begin to seriously consider if I should darken my locks for Fall.
Looking back, I’ve adopted a more “natural” shade in September 8 times out of 10 over the past decade. So clearly, I buy into the switch to warmer, richer shades for the new season. But this year? I’m sticking to my roots. My bleached, highlighted and coloured roots, that is. Because each and every time I go dark for Fall, I find myself yearning for my lighter locks by Christmas. And then invariably, I end up doing more damage by stripping the dark pigment and lifting my hair back to a highlighted blonde. Hence, I’ve made absolutely no move to do anything but keep the status quo.
And then THIS landed in my inbox:
I mean, just LOOK at the model! Her rich, espresso locks cascading like a waterfall down her back. Her sultry, provocative makeup that’s perfectly complementary. This photo is a tribute to Fall and dammit, I feel like throwing my hands up in salute. Courage, Lena, courage.
For all of those who’ll be going to the dark side this season, here are tips on how to get a head start on hair shades and styles, from the experts at John Frieda:
Autumn colours: The winter and fall months offer the perfect opportunity to refresh and rejuvenate our hair. With the cooler season comes richer, warmer hair colour. To welcome the cooler months ahead, John Frieda Precision Foam Colour has launched three new beautiful shades in 5C Medium Copper Brown, 5RV Medium Burgundy and 6A Light Ash Brown. The improved formula has transformed the way you will colour your hair at home. The new technology has thicker and denser foam with deeper colour saturation. The non-drip formula offers 36% more product delivery, helping to spread easily into your roots and hard to reach places, ensuring that you have an all over, permanent colour with no patchiness.
Forget the heat: After washing your hair, try to avoid reaching for the dryer. Using hot appliances such as curling irons, hair dryers and straighteners actually makes your hair more porous resulting in colour loss. When you can, let your hair dry naturally to help elongate your colour’s life.
Find the right hue: When colouring our hair, some of us opt for a drastic change in order to get a reaction and to get our new look noticed. Rather than straying completely away from your current shade, when colouring at home, try going no more than two levels lighter or darker. Have grey hair? This will help to keep them hidden for longer while giving you a more natural colour progression with the same knock out factor. Visit the John Frieda shade selector page.
Curl up: Wild, untamed hair was the perfect fit for an effortless summer look. Move over beachy waves as clean, feminine waves are in and will work to help you highlight your new hair colour. To get this look, try wrapping dry, one-inch sections of hair vertically around a one inch curling iron. Hold for a few seconds, then release. Run your fingers through your hair to loosen the wave.
BUNdle up: Buns and ponytails continue to be popular and appear to be worn low on the runways. High buns had their moment this summer and last year but now it’s time for low knots to create a sophisticated and clean look bringing attention to the colour around your face.
For more information on Precision Foam Colour and for a full list of shades, visit www.johnfrieda.ca/homecolour.
WIN IT!!!
One lucky Listen to Lena reader will win a John Frieda Precision Foam Colour Gift Basket, valued at over $75. Inside, you’ll receive your choice of a Precision Foam Colour shade, the corresponding Colour Protecting or Preserving Shampoo, plus an assortment of hair stylers, including: Frizz Ease Hairspray, Frizz Ease Finishing Cream and Frizz Ease 100% Shine Glossing Mist.
Side Note: When I am a brunette, I always use Brilliant Brunette Colour Protecting Moisturizing Shampoo. It’s formulated with crushed pearls (!) and sweet almond oil, and the moisturizing formula protects and preserves brunette colour as it rehydrates and replenishes dry hair. And, with daily use, it really helps to lock in rich, glossy colour and multi-dimensional tones. One of my faves for sure!
To enter, simply complete the form below with your qualifying entries. Good luck everybody!
I do! I usually go from a brown to a lil red. :D
I have tried many colors but always go back to red! The redder the better <3
Can’t wait to try! I love new products! Every 30 days of colour for me…..hate those greys!
I was thinking of going Ombre this fall! It will be a huge change from my usual blonde
ombre is beautiful!
No, I don’t
Would love to win.Think its time to cover up the gray.Thank you for the chance to win
I usually change my colour when the mood hits me….sometimes that matches a change in season :)
I switch up my hair a lot during the year… but I just went Ombre so probably stick with that for awhile… good for fall because its transitioning colour just like the leaves haha
I’m consistent…Radiant Red all year! :)
No, I never do – that would be fun though! I like the idea!
I don’t usally just whenever I need a change
I love changing my hair color. Can’t say I have done it according to season though.
Sometimes I do. I am thinking of adding highlights.
I like to do Summer highlights and in Fall/Winter, I usually put in a dark honey blonde overall colour to better suit my skin tone. Love John Frieda products!
Sometimes I will change the color but not with the seasons
i trend to go a little darker in the fall
i go darker
Yes. I would love to go darker this fall
I change my hair colour every few years. I just went to a dark brown last week. It’s close to my natural colour, or what used to be my natural colour before the greys showed up.
No, I always keep the same color.
No I don’t
thanks
I like to change it up every now and then. It all depends on my mood.
I usually just keep one colour to cover up the, oh so many greys I have!
Yes, usually go a bit darker
I make subtle changes to my dark brown hair colour. But on a whim. Sometimes more red, sometimes a wee bit lighter. But always a brunette because we have more fun!!
I tend to go darker shades for the fall,so yes , I will be changing my hair colour.
I just change the shades of blonde but never go to another color, tried a reddish blonde color one time it was a disaster.
I don’t always change my colour for every season, but I like to mix it up maybe twice a year. For the fall/winter, I like to go darker and for the spring/summer I go lighter with highlights.
I think I am going to give myself dark brown streaks. I havent been brave enough to try it but I think its time I try.
Great looking products!
No & No.
I always go a little lighter, I don’t have the sun lightening it up.
would love this !!!!
yes i go lighter in the summer and darker in the winter. but I also love changing my hair with brighter colors and new things
I’m new to hair coloring!
I usually do change my hair colour to the seasons, I like to go red or burgandy for fall, and blonde or light brown for spring
I do change my colour and in fall I go for more auburn based low lights with fewer blonde highlights and in summer I like to go more towards the blonde colours
No I don’t, but would be interesting to try.
I haven’t changed my hair color because the hair dressers kept saying “you don’t need too, many women would kill for your color (blonde). I’ve gotten darker so am contemplating changing.
Yes I do and I would like to try something new!
I don’t change colors by season,,,just on what mood i am in at the time
I usually go darker for the fall.
I change my hair colour according to mood lol, I have decided to go to dark brown for the fall/winter seasons.. not sure after that.
No. The idea has never crossed my mind.
No I tend to stick to one colour.
I dye my hair but usually the same colour all year….a good thought though, but am scared to do it!!!
I stopped doing all over colour a few years ago so I wont be changing this fall. Except for my one bleached streak and my one bright coloured streak I’m letting nature take its course (going grey I mean!)
yes, i like to change my hair with the seasons… I like lighter hair in the spring summer and darker hair in the fall winter :)
I do not :s
My hair is naturally red, but I do usually colour it in the winter because the summer sun makes it lighter and I end up with roots when the season changes. Sometimes I colour it in the spring just to lighten it up a bit.
I used to change my colour for fall to darker but as I got older I got too lazy to change it!
No, I usually don’t change my hair colour with the seasons. Although in the summer my hair does naturally lighten with he sun.
No, I don’t change my hair color with the seasons. I usually find a color I like and stick with it until I get sick of it!
I love colouring my hair red!
I usually keep the same colour year round – lately though I haven’t been colouring my hair so I have a silver and gold look going on LOL I think it is high time to change up and freshen up my hair colour. Mind you, with this look I sometimes get seniors discounts without the sales people asking ROFL.
Occasionally I change it – depends on the mood.
I don’t change it according to season. I just color when it needs it or to cover up some greys that pop up :)
I don’t change my hair colour with the seasons. When I colour I don’t like to veer too far off my natural colour — just something for a little change.
I do usually lighten my hair for the summer and sometimes in the winter if I am feeling drab lol
I change mine as soon as old lady grey makes an appearance, some times its reddish brown, sometimes its just brown. I went with blond once and I scared myself lol
I usually go one shade darker in the fall but I won’t be this year :-) I LOVE John Frieda hair colour!
yes – should be fun with all the new choices out there. thanks
No, I LOVE my natural colour!
I do change my hair color at Fall and Summer….almost time to darken up, I’ll do it in October
I’ll probably touch up my highlights – that’s about it.
I used to change my hair with the season, before I became a mom. Now I usually stick to a mahogany brown all year but update with a new cut.
I don’t change my hair colour according to season. My hair colour is my natural colour save for hiding the greys!
Thanks.
I do colour my hair I go a bit lighter in the spring and summer and then back to my natural dark brown during the fall and winter.
I normally don’t change my hair colour according to the season. However, this year I am thinking of going red for the fall
my hair color changes with every 1/2 inch of roots that grow in
I used to change it a lot, but in the past few years, I have continually dyed it black.
I figure if I have to colour it, I may as well have fun colouring it. I am currently a blonde, and loving it!
I change it frequently but not in line with the seasons. I was thinking of changing it soon :)
No, not really. I don’t think I would look good with lighter hair.
No, I usually colour to cover greys. I’m thinking about doing a colour change though. I’d like to try lighter.
I change it when the gray is coming In lol
Would love to win it!
I used to change my hair colour constantly but it’s been a few years since I have now. I’m considering a little change soon.
Whooo hair products!!
Creature of habit, changing hair colour every six weeks – lol – have to tame the gray !
I dye my hair but im always a brunette!!!
Not normally, but this would be a change.
I really like my natural colour so I usually stick to that
I never used to, but have started to – lighter for spring and summer, darker for fall and winter!
no – i always stay with blonde
i usually do, I will have hi-lights for summer and in winter I tend to go with darker colors
I go a wee bit darker by adding more lowlights…but still remain blonde
I do go a bit darker in the fall.
I love john frieda products,,I usually go for a coppery colored brunette
perhaps dark red.
I like to lighten my hair in the fall.
I only ever put in blonde highlights, an in the spring.
I like to darken my hair in the fall.
No I don’t but my wife changes her hair color in the fall.
I do colour my hair but do not change the colour from season to season
Unfortunately I have black hair (okay grey hair I dye black…lol) its not really possible to dye my hair a lighter color so it stays same black all year long
I do change. Lighter in Spring and Summer and Warmer Color in the Fall and Winter
Yes, i seem to dye my hair brighter in the summer and darker in the winter. I will dye my hair darker in the next month or so. Thanks for the chance to win.
I don’t usually change my hair between seasons – I never seem to find the time!
I just changed my hair colour to a lighter blonde
i change my hair colour occasionally, but not with the seasons
I always darken my hair a bit in the winter
Not at all. I love my long hair.
I don’t normally change anything….but I think I would like to start
I like to add auburn highlights to my dark brown hair.
I tend to have darker low lights in the wintertime than in the summertime
I only change my hair colour when I feel I need a pick me up – could be any time of the year!
I don’t usually change my hair color but am open to new things
No new colour for me. I just keep covering up those greys with the same dark brown.
I try to!! Usually in the summer I get highlights, and in the fall I get lowlights!
yes! always go darker for winter, probably a chocolate brown!
I normally just dye it black! I am in honest need of a change! Some highlights and such would be great! I wish I had beautiful hair like you Lena :D Mine is so thin and lifeless lol…
Thanks for the contest!
I dont but my daughter changes her hair color 3-4 times a year.
Yah, I do. Darker in fall and winter.
no, i have not changed my hair color in a long time. i got high lights many years ago
I entered your giveaway.
It would be great To Win
A John Frieda Precision Foam Colour
Canada Gift Basket For my sister.
In response to your questions of
Do you normally change your hair colour according to the seasons?
Will you be changing your hair colour this fall?
I don’t change my hair colour but my sister does.
Thank you for having this giveaway!!!!!!
Yes, I do sometimes change it up
I used to do auburn in winter and blonde highlights in summer but now im working on getting more and more red all year.
Summertime I am a little bit darker brown and winter I am a reddish brown.
I haven’t coloured my hair for a couple of years, but it’s time for a change!
I usually go darker in the winter and lighter in the summer :)
I have always been blonde and have never changed my colour.
I rarely change my hair colour. Nature picked a good colour and highlights for me naturally.
I have gone a bit darker on occasion but have never made a real big colour change.
I normally go for darker highlight or even a shade of red in the fall, and then go lighter in the spring and summer.
i normally change my hair once a year…i then grow it out and cut my hair, then dye it again.
My wife does, she goes darker red in the winter, while my daughter dyes her hair dark brown in the winter.
Sometimes i got a bit darker during winter but now i just use it to cover those few pesky greys!
My stylist tends to lighten my hair in summer and darker in winter but overall it is usually a medium blonde with warm highlights.
I don’t change my color much but I am this fall.
I dont change it I keep it either blonde or brunette for the whole year.
I change my hair color quite often. Usually go darker in the fall.
i’ve never coloured my hair, but after just having a baby, i think it would be a nice change!
I don’t colour my hair but would love to try something new!
I have black hair. I tend to go dark brownish.
Normally I would go darker for fall, this year I’ve decided to actually go blonder, and I love it! And I love this product line!
I usually go darker in fall/winter & lighter spring/summer
That shiny glossy brown shade and the style is what I strive for everyday! I colour my hair every 3 weeks or so. Lots of grey. I don’t dig highlights, just Iike dark shiny brown!
little darker is what i like in the fall,, but this year i think im gonna try some highlights, nice change
I usually go a bit darker in fall, but usually not too different from my natural colour
I tend to favour a darker, richer colour in the fall/winter. Nothing drastic, just enough to see a difference!
I normally don’t, but I’m considering it this season;)
I haven’t changed my hair color in a long time now as I am expecting my first little one this late Fall, so I am excited about adding highlights in my hair after our baby is here. Thanks for the chance to win a great prize pack, twitter fan@plumerea
I don’t change my hair color with the seasons, but I am looking to get rid of the greys (again) during the fall.
I always go darker for the winter….just did it yesterday
I tend to stick to the same color but go a darker shade fir winter
I have just gone a shade darker for fall!
Best way to combat the winter blues, color your hair!
I stick with the same colour
Yes i usually change colour with the seasons bit it also depends on my mood too, for fall/winter i will switch to a darker red or sometimes purple black or soft black
No – I like having light highlights all year round
LOVE LOVE LOVE
i tend to keep it dark but just add lighter highlights when summer time
I try to keep my hair a dark red all year round.
my hair dresser just adds a bit of red to my hair in the summer and more blond in the fall
I love trying new colours for my hair!
I’m a dyed ginger for llife, and usually go to a darker cherry shade in the winter months.
I do tend to go darker in the fall.
I usually add a little bit of red or burgundy. I like a richer look.
I don’t normally change my hair colour with the seasons but why not? I don’t think I’m changing colour this fall but I may
After years of bleaching and dying my hair every colour I can think of, now I try to keep it natural all the time. No more changes for me no matter what the season :)
No I do not change my hair color.
I would like to make a change this fall!
I don’t normally change my hair colour – but I’m thinking about it…