Colourful and super-creative stylist Karen Madams is a breath of fresh air. She is sassy, and her salon is a standout, but her perfection with colour has made her famous. Editor Trudi Brewer chats about all things blonde with a hairdresser who has made a massive impact on our capital city, Wellington.
Miss Fox Hairdressing on Cuba Street, in NZ’s capital Wellington.
To quote Miss Fox, "We create epic blondes,” and we agree. With 25 years of industry experience, this colourful salon owner is in her element, crafting unique new shades for her clients. One shade she specialises in is blonde. Considering about two per cent of the world's population is a natural blonde, it's a great comfort for those who seek out the best from a bottle. So here's some new season colour inspiration for the most-requested salon shade from top hairdresser Karen Madams of Miss Fox.
What is hot when it comes to spring blonde trends for 2022?
Much like the weather, we are seeking warmth. Warm, bright blondes are in; cool blondes are out. Think Hollywood glamour, boujee (bad) European babes, and golden honey. Delish.
What is the most requested blonde look in your salon?
We are getting the most requests for all-over, clean, on-scalp bleaches. The transformational kind, think singers Lorde and Billie Eilish, has been rocking recently. Dimensional foils (adding dimension to your hair with lighter or darker shades) and balayage have seen their day. The focus is now on consistent colour (solid colour with no variation). This means stylists must be fully trained and know their stuff to achieve the best results. Clients' hair has to be healthy, and post-appointment care is key.
A blonde gallery of shades created by the Miss Fox team
Can anyone be a blonde?
In short, yes. But there are lots of variables to consider. First, what's your definition of blonde? What's your favourite tone (cool or warm)? How healthy is your hair? How will your hair type and the condition of your reaction to blonding products, which essentially stress your hair?
Blonde transformations at Miss Fox Hairdressing
What are the most common issues blondes have?
We commonly have questions from blondes about why the tone of their hair has changed between bleaches, and we feel that more education is needed in this space. This is normal stuff, and not because stylists have done anything wrong. In-salon toners rinse out, UV rays affect colour, and environmental stressors are at play. It's just life. Luckily we stock some amazing Schwarzkopf BlondeMe products to help with this.
Schwarzkopf BlondeMe Restoring Balm, $35.
This leave-in treatment is a great frizz fighter and heat and UV protector.
How do you stop blonde hair from going brassy between appointments?
We'd like to take a moment to remind everyone about hair health. Getting longevity out of your colour and (how long the toner lasts) is down to the health of your hair. Short answer, if you lighten your hair, look after it. Beyond that, purple shampoos help tone the brassiness, and other colour-enhancing shampoos can boost brightness. This depends on the blonde shade you're trying to achieve - and sneaking in an in-salon toner between appointments.
Schwarzkopf BlondeMe Neutralizing Spray Conditioner, $38.
Also, a leave-in conditioning treatment, thanks to the vitamin B5 in the formula and the clever 3D Bond Creation Technology that helps strengthen and repair lightened hair. This spray refreshes and cools those brassy tones in blonde hair. It boosts shine, detangles and offers UV protection - it's the perfect first step in your styling routine.
What advice do you find yourself sharing when it comes to caring for blonde hair at home?
We start with telling clients to condition, condition, condition. The health of your hair is the biggest determining factor regarding how your blonde hair looks. If your hair is healthy, toners last longer, and blondes look cleaner - blond hair needs regular maintenance.
Schwarzkopf BlondMe Cool Blondes Neutralizing Mask, $40.
That hair-repairing 3D Bond Creation Technology, is in this mask too. While this violet-tinted mask is a deep conditioning treatment and toner, it doesn't leave the hair feeling flat. Detangling it's excellent for hair that needs brightening and nourishing.
How does the Schwarzkopf BlondeMe range differ from other blonde-specific products?
We have found that other products aren't as good at maintaining moisture in the hair or repairing it post-bleach. BlondeMe products look after hair health as well as toning the hair. Their super conditioning, fibreplex, (which protects hair against potential damage during the blonding process), is like nectar for the hair.
Schwarzkopf BlondMe All Blondes Rich Shampoo, $38.
Healthy-looking hair starts in the shower, and with the 3D Bond Creation Technology and cashmere protein complex, your coloured hair will be well-nourished and look much brighter, while feeling silky smooth.
What is your best blonde hair tip?
Always say yes to products that treat your hair health. And, of course, come to Miss Fox. We’re passionate about educating our clients so their hair is healthy, their expectations are met, and their dream blonde is epic.
Schwarzkopf BlondMe Blonde Wonders Glaze Mist, $38.
I can’t stop raving about this shine-boosting mist. Consider this a protective top coat to daily aggressors such as pollution and hard water residues. As well as a UV and heat protector.
Here are the tips and products to try now.