Why is it so difficult to colour brunettes?

Louise Galvin, colourist extraordinaire, has a client list that reads like an edition of Who’s Who. 

Her passion about hair is evident from the moment she starts speaking. Louise is also creator of the carbon-neutral beauty company, Sacred Locks, which was born out of her frustration of finding good hair products on the market. Silicone is her bugbear, which she believes, coats the hair and weighs it down as well as making it look dull. Lacklustre hair certainly piles on the years.

I am a fan of her Nourishing Conditioner for Dry/Damaged Hair
(£7.95, louisegalvin.com) which helped restore the over-processed hair which I had when I first went to the Daniel Galvin salon, owned by Louise’s father and where she is based.

After telling her how thrilled I was with it, we got on to the subject of why is it so hard to find a colourist who can do brunettes. (Covering greys will be dealt with in another post.) 

Here is what she told me.

Why is it so difficult to colour brunettes? So many colourists can do blondes, but when it comes to brunettes they seem to get it so wrong.

“Most problems start when hair starts to go grey, colourists often are too heavy-handed with colour. Colour can be too dark or too warm (too much red tone). When going grey it is not only the hair pigment that changes. Skin tone and eye tone are lightened in the ageing process and areas of high colour on cheeks and foreheads can appear. 

“Brunette hair naturally has a lot of red pigmentation, your colourist will need to neutralise these tones as most brunettes do not want to be too red.  

“The most common problem is that many colourists will try to take you back to your natural colour. However with ageing the hue needs to be softer and more flattering. Poorly dyed hair will drain colour from the eyes and skin. My father, Daniel Galvin, has a wonderful quote:  ‘The first thing you notice about good hair colour is the colour of your eyes, the first thing you notice about bad hair colour is the colour of your hair ‘!”

How do you achieve a good colour?

 

“I like to see colour and movement in hair. This is achieved by having multi-tonal lights through the hair with slightly lighter shades around the hairline to lift and brighten the face. It is essential to keep hair in top condition to ensure hair looks youthful and glossy.”

What questions should you ask your colourist to ensure you get perfect results?

“Be firm in telling them you DON’T want colour to look dark and heavy. All too often colourists take the colour throughout the hair when only the roots need to be done. The colour can be massaged through the whole head of hair just for the last five minutes of the process to intensify and refresh it. This will avoid heavy colour build up on the ends of hair.

"Make them aware that you have red tones [naturally in your hair] and do not want to intensify the pigment. What you want is to neutralise the red to give a true brunette. To look natural, they will need to match your colour to your skin tone to achieve the most flattering shade."

By Daralyn Danns

Chilling out in Madeira

It is hard not to feel relaxed when surrounded by sunshine, the bluest of waters, soaring rugged mountains, lush green valleys and an array of brightly-coloured flowers. And that is why Madeira is so special.

The island, which has a year round mild climate, has been called “a floating spa”. Since the late 1800s, London’s great and good, including Winston Churchill, have been coming here to take advantage of its therapeutic benefits. 

You can certainly embark on a culinary journey here. The food is delicious and it is easy to eat healthily if you want to. There is plenty of fresh fish to tempt you. Scabbard (espada) and tuna are among the specialities. Exotic fruits, grown locally are in abundance and there is also a good choice of vegetables. You will also find  plenty of good wines to wash it down with.

Madeira

It is hardly surprising that Madeira is fast gaining a reputation for being one of Europe’s leading spa destinations. Although the island itself is like walking into one giant health resort, there has been a plethora of new hotels with state-of-the-art spas appearing on the scene. 

With so many treatments on offer, you will be spoilt for choice. At The Vine hotel, arguably the coolest address in Funchal, Madeira’s capital, you can indulge in a vinotherapy session at its spa. Well, wine is “the nectar of the gods”… 

The contemporary Meliã Madeira Mare, on the seafront, has a Malo Clinic which  should have any spa fan salivating. Great for thalassotherapy treatments, there is an Aqua area, with treats such as sauna, hamman and jacuzzi and different types of showers as well as a fitness club, hairdresser and beauty salon.

I had a “hot stone” massage, my favourite treatment. My therapist, Fernanda from Brazil was amazing. This has to be one of the best that I have had. 

Watching the waves crash

For something rather different, I headed to the Ayurveda Cure Center under the auspices of Birgit Moukom at the Hotel Alpino Atlântico. Honestly, I did not know what to expect. I have to admit not really being into Ayurveda. It is reputedly one of the world’s oldest medical systems which originated in India and is based on the concept of balance in bodily systems through diet, lifestyle and herbal remedies.

 

Shedding stress here is easy. First of all its location wins you over. The hotel is set on a small cliff overlooking the ocean.  After an introductory yoga session, I had a thorough consultation with the Ayurvedic doctor, Ram Mani Bhandari, who told me I was perfect.

Delighted with getting a clean bill of health and some dietary sheets to keep me on track, I had a wonderful Ayurvedic relaxing massage and facial with warm oils and fragrant herbs. Afterwards, I sampled some specially prepared dishes. If this is an example of the diet I should be following, I could be hooked.

Quintinha São João Hotel

One of my favourite spas on the island has to be the one at the Quintinha São João Hotel. This cosy spa stands out from the crowd as you get a sense of place. Surrounded by beautiful tropical gardens this is a really delightful environment in which to unwind. 

I was enticed by a hot stone massage. Different from the one I had at the Meliã, it was as enjoyable and relaxing. Dulce, my therapist was fantastic, so attentive. The hotel also has an inside and outdoor pool. The Quintinha São João Hotel combines the magic of old Madeira with the mod cons of the 21^st century.

Later, I sat at Il Basilico, a super Italian-styled restaurant, lapping up the sun’s rays while watching the waves crash  against the shore, I felt totally refreshed and revitalised. You take your car in for a service, so why not your body? And where could be more perfect than Madeira?

By Daralyn Danns

Getting there 

TAP Portugal has a daily flight from London Heathrow to Madeira, prices start at £169 return including all taxes. For further information, visit www.flytap.com or call 0845 601 0932. A pleasure to fly with.

Quintinha São João Hotel, Rua da Levada de São João, 4, Madeira, 9000-191 Funchal is on the outskirts of the city centre of Funchal (1.5km), in a lovely residential area. Rooms from €96 per night. For more info visit www.quintinhasaojoao.com

To learn more about Madeira visit www.visitportugal.com and www.visitmadeira.pt

Hair treats

With all the rain around, it is hard keeping your hair frizz free, so here are a few goodies that will arm you in the battle.

Lenor Greyl Sérum de Soie Sublimateur, £24.50, Selfridges
Suitable for all hair types. This light serum can be used on damp or dry hair to keep your locks silky smooth. Ideal for fine hair as it does not weigh it down. A superb product that delivers.

Lee Stafford Arganoil from Morocco Moisture Injection Dry Conditioner, £8.99
I first tried this when I had been out in the damp and the ends of my hair resembled candyfloss. One spray and my hair was instantly transformed into healthy shining tresses. I am hooked!

Lee Stafford Arganoil from Morocco Anti Frizz Serum Spray, £9.99
A squirt of this once you have blow-dried your hair will help keep your hair sleek. You can also use it as a quick fix when you are out and about. Keep a can in your desk draw for emergencies.

Pantene Pro V Expert Collection Advanced Keratin Repair Shampoo, £5.99 and Conditioner, £5.99
In my books, Pantene produces some of the best conditioners on the market. This range is great for caring for damaged hair leaving it silky smooth without leaving any residue. Use the Split End Fuser (£6.99) to temporarily improve the appearance of ragged ends. 

By Daralyn Danns

Destination Sierra Nevada Ski Resort, Spain

The adrenalin rush that I got as I sped down the snow-covered slope was something that I will never forget. Stopping was a bit more of a problem, but somehow I managed to bring myself to a halt without causing any damage.

Some people have a list of things they want to experience before they die. Skiing was not on mine. However, here at the Sierra Nevada, the most southern ski resort in Europe, I got my first taster.

Maybe it was the combination of the heady atmosphere, the thrill on small children’s faces at they took their first steps, the sun shining and the spectacular views that coerced me to do an activity that took me completely out of my comfort zone. 

Sierra Nevada Ski Resort
Courtesy of the Spanish Tourist Office

From the moment I had put on my ski boots and had taken my first steps on the Magic Carpet conveyor belt which takes you to the nursery slopes, I knew there was no turning back. 

I was with two other girls that also had never skied. Our instructor was really good and could sense our nervousness.  After my first fall – I wasn’t hurt – I had enough courage to “ski” down the small slope. It is something that I am so pleased that I actually accomplished. 

All the exercise had left us famished, so before we returned our hired ski equipment, we enjoyed a delicious lunch of grilled meats at one of the many restaurants. Sitting outside with the sun beating down, in the middle of winter, drinking in the vistas of the peaks, the pistes and dots in the distant that were stretches of beaches was rather special.

This resort, a world of sports, has approximately 105 km (65 miles) of slopes. From steep and challenging to the nursery slopes, it caters for skiers of all levels. There are plenty of schools if you want to take the sport up. If you have a bit of daredevil lurking inside and fancy trying skiing under the stars, the lit-up El Rio piste is waiting for you on Saturdays.  

The sun sets over the Sierra Nevada

The Sierra Nevada is perfect if your idea of a dream break, summer or winter, consists of a helping of sports, a swim at the beach and the attractions of an historic city, all peppered with warming rays. The Andalucía region has an average of 320 days of sunshine a year. The winters are particularly mild. It is only 32km (20 miles) from the historic city of Granada and a short drive from the coast. You could be skiing in the morning and dipping your toes in the ocean in the afternoon.

The ski season usually runs from the beginning of December until early May. If skiing isn’t your bag, you will find plenty of other activities to keep you entertained in the Sierra Nevada. The resort village, Pradollano, pulsates with energy, especially at night.

Awash with hotels, restaurants, bars and shops, it is almost a destination in itself. You could easily while away a few hours here during the day at a café taking in the mountain air while enjoyed a glass of wine or hot chocolate. 

If you prefer something more energetic without having to wear skis, head to El Miro Blanco. This family leisure centre offers a host of activities ranging from ice skating to slides to the Russian Sleigh. My favourite was a ride on a toboggan. It brings the child out in you.

After so much activity aching limbs deserve a treat. So a quick visit to relax at the Yhi Wellness Spa at the Meliá Sierra Nevada is just what you need. I’m sure its hydrogenating baths have revitalised many a weary skier!

By Daralyn Danns

Getting there

British Airways flies to Granada from London City Airport four times a week and costs from £59 one way. (Price includes free onboard food and bar service and 23kg of free checked baggage allowance.) For more information visit www.britishairways.com/travel/london-city-airport

I stayed at the Hotel Carmen, Granada (www.hotelcarmen.com). Rooms from €115 

For more information on Granada and Sierra Nevada Ski Resort visit www.turgranada.es and www.spain.info