Ditching the blonde (at last)

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I adore my hairdresser. Finding someone in Dubai who can successfully turn a mousey barnet blonde, without any brassiness, bright orange or, heaven forbid, lime green, is like hitting the wheel of colour jackpot.

We’re at that stage in our relationship (over 4 years now) where I can plonk myself into the chair, eye up the pile of magazines, and ask for the usual. “Same again,” I shrug. And she sets to work, with plenty of friendly banter and a cup of tea.

The foils go in. The root colour goes on. All neatly stacked, without leaks or spills. Then off it all comes at the sink, where her quick-fingered assistant scrubs and massages your scalp till your nerve endings dance.

“Curls?” my hairdresser asks. “Or straight?” And, either way, I know the blowdry will be a sculpted work of art compared to my half-hearted efforts to tame my mane at home.

(If you contact me, I’ll even give you her number as I know well that the search for a skilled colourist in Dubai is a mission.)

Healthier-looking hair, but will I miss being blonde?

From high bleach to hamster: Healthier-looking hair, but will I miss being a blonde?

Occasionally, there’s even some drama in the salon, like the time a high-maintenance client whose curls had dropped overnight came back and threatened to call the police (that’s Dubai for you). But, mostly, it’s a predictably relaxing experience, that ends in blonde.

Until yesterday, when – after 30 years – I ditched the bleach and went darker. “I’ve been thinking about your hair,” she said and suggested some (kinder) changes. There was talk about skin tone and base colour, lowlights and ash tones. Much of which caught me off guard, until a photo was produced of a fair-headed model with the most beautiful mix of light-catching colours.

“Okay,” I hastily agreed, throwing all caution to the wind (oh, how I wanted her golden highlights).

So, how did it turn out? After three decades, my new darker look, I’ll admit, is taking some getting used to. There’s depth, and more shine, coupled with the fun of trying different coloured clothing and make-up. Son1 loved it (“I was getting bored with your hair Mummy!”). Son2 cried. DH said he liked it. As for me, after the shock wore off, it’s now growing on me.

Just a few more honey highlights next time, and I think I’ll love it.

17 thoughts on “Ditching the blonde (at last)”

  1. As a serial expat, I know what a trial it is every time to find a hair stylist who knows what to do with your hair, how to cut it, and so forth. Good luck with your new treasure 😉

  5. OMG….you could take commission every time you pass on those priceless details! For the past 2 years I have had to have my hair stripped and coloured properly at home…..the standards here make my botched DIY home colouring look like Vidal Sassoon’s best……farrellsiobhan at ymail dot com….please share this invaluable info! TIA!!!

    • Haven’t forgotten! Just checking the mobile no. I have for her is up to date. And just for the record, in case anyone else is reading this, it’s Hair Works at Ibn Battuta mall – Keriann. So many people here end up getting their colours done on trips home! x

      • Thank you! I am one of those people…..I have had my hair stripped on my trips home these past 2 years…..such is my distrust of hair salons, I end up colouring it myself and it is a disaster by summer!

  6. Saw your pic on FB – I LOVE it! You look amazing. You’ll get used to it – also, it will lighten up as you wash it xxx

    • Aww, thank you so much! Slowly getting used to it and, yes, it is lightening up. It will be worth it if it means I don’t have to have the colour done every 6 weeks! xox

  7. Well, I’m glad your experience turned out positively….I’ve just been getting ready to sit down and share mine – which was far less positive! Happy for you, though, and looking forward to seeing the photos!

  8. Please can you give me contact details I’m new to Dubai and I really need to find a good blonde hairdresser before I leave and go home !! X

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