Before you reach for the peroxide or ask your hairdresser to give you an Abbey Lee, listen up to hairdresser George Giavis. George is the bomb when it comes to creating blonde bombshell locks. Owner of the George Giavis salon, which is home to the famous Blonde Room (a chamber made for peroxide), he answers all your FAQs.
As a blonde-specialist colourist, what's your opinion on the peroxide blonde trend this summer?
I love the "white blonde" look of this season. It's the classic iconic blonde look reminiscent of Marilyn Monroe, Sandra Dee and Kim Novak. This look is not for the fainthearted, however. It requires the perfect peaches and cream complexion and hair that is in really good condition. People considering going in this direction should be prepared to do regular treatments and will need to have the time and money for regular retouches.
What kind of natural look do you need to pull off bleached hair?
You will need really clear skin, "fair skin" that doesn't throw a lot of yellow — porcelain or ivory in colour. Somehow the look works better on people with fairly symmetrical faces and beautiful eyes — once again Marilyn is the peroxide poster girl.
What would be the steps in reaching achieving this colour of hair?
Firstly find an experienced colourist who is an expert in blondes. I have seen many people come with breakages and yellow disasters after attempting this colour job at home. The key to how many steps this process will involve depends upon the colour of your hair and whether it throws yellow. The lighter your original colour, the quicker the result. After the hair has been bleached your colourist will add a purple or blue toner. This is key to achieving the white blonde look and removing any gold and brassiness from the colour.
What's your stance on eyebrows; bleach along with the hair or leave them darker?
It depends on the season, but this year I would definitely say bleached is the way to go. Ask your hairdresser or an experienced beauty therapist.
What kind of care routine will you have to be prepared to undertake?
Ideally treatments should begin
before you dye your hair. Regular weekly treatments, containing protein should be used. Don't over-wash your hair, keep it down to two to three times per week, with a shampoo specifically designed for blondes and a good conditioner. Keep blow-drying, curling wands and straighteners to a minimum to prevent further damage.
What kind of haircut does this look require?
There are two looks this season that work with white blonde — either go long à la Abbey Lee or consider doing a pixie cut, if you have the features to carry it off. Long hair will only work if your hair is in good condition.
If a you didn't want to go that blonde, what other blonde hair trends are in for summer?
Try a more natural blonde look with a combination of gold and caramel highlights.
Which celebrity would you love to see peroxide?
A great question. Cate Blanchett wears this look well as does Naomi Watts. For someone new and Australian, I think Jessica Marais from
Packed to the Rafters would definitely be able to carry off this look.
Image: Abbey Lee (left) and Marilyn Monroe (right)
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