Thinking about a bold hair colour change? Our expert reveals how rejuvenating a fresh new shade can be, and how to work with your colourist to ensure you get it right.

Known as ‘The Blonde Whisperer’, Belinda Jeffrey is the owner of La Boutique Salon in Darlinghurst and one of Australia’s most respected colourists. With decades of experience shaping celebrity looks, she has channelled her expertise into Belinda Jeffrey Hair – a high-performance range designed to nourish, protect and transform blonde and coloured hair.

A dramatic change in hair colour can be powerful

A significant life change is the most common motivation for wanting a new look – relationship breakups are the number one reason, followed closely by a career shift. Some people do it just for fun or out of boredom, but it is far less common. 

A switch-up in hair colour can totally alter how you perceive yourself. It can give you a whole new feeling/energy/vibe, it can give you a huge boost and make you feel fresh, sexy and confident.  

A change in hair colour is often a first and important step in self-reinvention and making significant life changes. It can be hugely liberating! 

I have had clients who have gone out straight from the salon and met a partner after years of being single, or had success with landing a new job after a long search. It’s all about their newfound sense of confidence and energy!

It has also been fascinating to witness how a different look can bring out a whole new persona in some clients- someone you have known for many years can suddenly be far more outgoing and lively or assertive. 

Also, making a big hair colour change often leads to attracting new and totally different kinds of people into your life. 

Are you ready? How to decide

Firstly, never decide to make a major colour change (or cut off all your hair for that matter!) when feeling super emotional, or on a whim, as the colour reversal process can be brutal on the health of your hair.  

If contemplating a major departure from your usual shade, the best thing to do is to go try on a wig in that shade at a quality wig shop. You will immediately be able to see how the hair shade complements your skin tone and will know if you love it and feel comfortable moving forward. 

Source images, references (or something in the exact shade you desire) to bring in to show your colourist to help ensure there is no room for misinterpretation.

What to ask your colourist

It is important to allow time to discuss the change with your hairdresser, ideally ahead of the colour appointment. That way, you can be confident that you are both on the same page, that what you want is realistic and also that you understand what is involved in the upkeep of your new look. 

• Ensure your colourist understands the exact shade you are envisaging (ideally showing clear references) and then discuss whether they think that shade is achievable with your hair.  
• For dramatic changes, it is advisable to do a test patch to see how your hair responds and absorbs the colour- ask your colourist if this would be wise to do first. 
• Ask what is involved in maintaining the desired colour to ensure you understand the number of steps and techniques involved in achieving it, along with the time and costs. For example, a new look may require going to the salon much more often and for longer appointments, which you might not have time for.  

Don’t forget to reassess your makeup and brows! 

If you have made a major colour transformation, it is essential to tweak your foundation shade and reassess all your makeup.

I recommend going into a store and trying on a range of foundation (and eyeshadow!) shades in person, as they might be quite different to what you expect, or have been using to date.

It is also important to adjust your eyebrows by lightening or darkening them accordingly.  

A big change in hair colour and its impact on skin tone could impact what coloured clothing suits you, too. But, I definitely recommend updating your makeup and brows before your wardrobe!

Have you ever made a big colour change? Tell us about it below!