It took about two hours and cost about £200, all in. There’s not much maintenance to it afterwards. I use a good purple shampoo from Redken once a week to prevent it from developing a brassy yellow look. My hair and scalp are dryer now, so I use Moroccanoil on it too.
The really fun part is, when you go for your next haircut, your original colour starts coming through in the roots and on the sides. You need to know in advance that this effect is inevitable and accept it – for me, it’s my 2000-era boyband frosted-tips moment.
I’m not sure yet if blonds do, indeed, have more fun, but I definitely feel lighter and sprightlier since I bleached. Some people told me I looked younger, which is always nice to hear. As it’s summer I have a bit more of a tan so, paired with the blond, I think I look healthier and less Uncle Fester-like.
I’ve noticed a definite uptick in being chatted up on nights out. I’ve even felt inspired to mix up my boring same-three-trousers-and-tops rotating wardrobe by going for more pastel or neon colours. That might not sound like life-changing stuff, but after a few years of feeling rubbish and worn out, it was just the kick I needed.