The seven tricks to banish greys

The sun is out, the birds are tweeting ... and those grey hairs are glowing like a halo in the bright light of spring, sending many of us sprinting to the salon.

But the monthly visits to keep our roots under control do not come cheap — so how can we stretch out the time between visits? From cold showers to mascara for our roots, celebrity hairdresser Richard Ward, whose salon's clients include the Princess of Wales, shares his tips.

BE WARY OF RED

Toying with the idea of becoming a fiery redhead? Be warned. 'Artificial red shades fade much quicker,' says Richard. This is because the molecules that make up the red pigment are larger than other colour molecules, so it can't penetrate as deeply and, as a result is easier to wash out. If you're going a lot darker than your natural shade, you can also expect fading.

For blondes, how your colour lasts will depend on how the colour is achieved. 'If you've used bleach, you're less likely to see your colour fade as it's lifting pigment and not necessarily toning. But over time, it can discolour or become duller and is more prone to damage,' says Richard.

You have to think about how much maintenance you're prepared to accept when getting your hair coloured, says Richard Ward

KEEP A LOW PROFILE

Pick a hair-colouring technique that fits in with your lifestyle and budget.

'You have to think about how much maintenance you're prepared to accept,' says Richard. 'For example, if you have very dark hair and you go for blonde highlights, you'll see regrowth quickly. If you don't have the money or time for regular salon visits, you may want to consider another approach.'

For low-maintenance looks, he recommends techniques such as balayage where colour is faded naturally through the mid-lengths and ends. 'It's fantastic for clients as there's no obvious regrowth — but not so good for the salon till!'

LOSE THE LATHER

While some suggest ditching shampoo and using only conditioner on your hair, Richard recommends investing in a high-quality shampoo, explaining that 'when it comes to shampoo, I believe you get what you pay for. More expensive products tend to have less of the stripping ingredients, such as sodium laureth sulfate that are bad for colour'.

TURN DOWN HEAT

Many people believe that doing a Wim Hof — showering in cold water — is the best way to make hair colour last. Cold water keeps the hair cuticles closed and therefore stops the colour fading too soon. If shivering in a cold shower doesn't appeal, try lukewarm water. The quality of water also has a big impact on our hair. Some tap water contains iron, rust, copper and even lead, which builds up on our hair.

READ MORE: You don't have to go grey! A leading expert reveals the secret to hanging on to your natural colour - with no dye needed 

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While you could buy bottles of distilled, purified or decalcified water (which doesn't contain any of the contaminants you'd find in tap water), buying a water filter might be an easier option — such as a Brita for your shower,

'Water filters that remove calcium, chlorine and other minerals that can discolour hair are a really good idea,' says Richard.

STYLE WITH CARE

'Wherever you can, avoid using heat styling,' says Richard. 'If you've got frizzy or curly hair, you will need to put heat on it, but use a heat protection spray, and the lowest heat you can. If you can get away with using styling that doesn't involve tools, such as heatless curlers — which you sleep in — that will help your colour last longer.'

He also recommends avoiding using too much product.

'You're better off with a volume spray that you use just at the roots, rather than something like a mousse that goes through the mid-lengths and ends and can dull the hair,' he says. 'And with all products, less is more.'

HEAD FOR SHADE

Whether it's sun, which will lighten darker shades, chlorine, which can turn blonde hair green, or salt water which can dry and discolour hair, holidays can compromise hair colour.

'If you're out in the sun, use a UV protection spray and a hat,' says Richard. 'And, if you're a regular swimmer, use a protective treatment, such as Philip Kingsley's Swimcap, and a swimming hat. I can always tell when people swim regularly — chlorine is a nightmare for hair.'

MAGIC WANDS

'Colour wands, root touch-up products, pens and sprays can help you keep on top of root growth between visits,' says Richard. 'And colour glosses re-invigorate darker tones while, if hair is going brassy, a toner is a good fix to see you through.'

As told to Claire Coleman

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