The deadline for the mini makeover with Christie Somers has come and gone. There were many a rescue-my-tresses plea, indeed, but only one gal can win. And according to random.org, that reader is Jenn who would, “I would love to sport a new look in this year’s Christmas cards.” Jenn, send an e-mail to ali (at) yourheartout.com with “doorprize winner” in the subject line and we’ll get the wheels turning. And congratulations!

And now we get a few tricks of the trade from the colorist herself:

By Christie Somers

It’s time to ditch the chunky, contrasty hi-lites and warm up your hair color for the colder months that lie ahead. So, make an appointment with your hairdresses ASAP for a remedy ready-made for fall.

For all you blondes out there, the summer sun has left your once-golden tresses solid white and lifeless. A great way to bring back soft contrast and brightness is to have your colorist add a few lo-lites in between your hi-lites. It’s best to keep the lo-lites slightly warmer and lighter than your natural color. This will make the hi-lites pop again. Then, for some killer shine, top it all off with a warm, golden glaze. (My favorite is the in-salon treatment from Redken Shades EQ.) These two simple tricks are a cinchy way to breathe some much-needed life back into your goldilocks.

Brunettes, if you spent any time in the sun last summer, you know how hard it is on your color—especially if you’re covering some grays. There’s an easy way to turn that orange into a rich, vibrant tone again. Have your colorist pull a semi-permanent color through your ends for 20 minutes. I’d stick with something neutral and darker than your natural color. At the end, put a clear glaze over the whole thing to add shine that will stand the test of time.

To the reds: Whether you were born with it or have an amazing colorist, at the end of the sunny months, you’re less of a red and rapidly approaching strawberry blonde. What’s left of your vibrant color is Faded City. Not to worry. You can add richness and restore red by pulling a semi-permanent red tone (formulated to match the red in your hair) from roots to ends for 20 minutes. Have your colorist follow up with a red glaze to add shine and give your color a boost in longevity.  Your eye-catching color will be back in no time.

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