"We have one of the biggest varieties of hair texture in South Africa — many different cultures and hair types."
"South Africans love flexibility, like the low-maintenance and cool tones of a mushroom blond or dirty brunette but also love a bit of rebel colour pops without committing to permanent," said Kim Hickman, master colourist at the Carlton Hair salon in Cape Town. "Once the mushroom blond or dirty brunette base is achieved, a pastel colour wash, like dusty pink (for blondes) or coral (for brunettes) is applied. This gives them the flexibility and temporary colour change but washes out back to the cool blond or brown."
Hickman says, so long as you keep the contrast of cool and warm tones, these colours can be done via various colour techniques, like balayage, foilayage, babylights, highlights, or on a fully bleached, creamy blond base. Not to mention on straight to wavy textures: "We have one of the biggest varieties of hair texture in South Africa — many different cultures and hair types," she said. "It's important to understand that we have a lot of underlying warm tones on all levels; therefore, it is essential to prelighten the hair before adding your cool tones and make sure the correct tone is used, whether blue, green, or violet."