The Expensive Brunette Routine

Wash less, rinse cooler

Two to three washes a week max. Hot water lifts the cuticle and dulls brown tones faster than anything else in your routine.

Alternate a toning mask

Once a week swap conditioner for a blue or brown-pigment mask to neutralise orange. Every other week, use a plain bond mask so hair doesn't go flat and over-toned.

Sara's tip: Blue cancels orange. Purple is for blondes — using it on brunette does close to nothing.

Add dimension with heat, not colour

A round brush at the ends and a 1-inch curl through the mid-lengths creates the light-catching movement that reads as expensive highlights.

Protect the ends nightly

Silk pillowcase, loose low braid, two drops of oil. Brunette shows split ends more than any other shade because the contrast against light is higher.

Trim on schedule

A dusting every ten weeks. Blunt, healthy ends are what make brown hair look thick and deliberately styled instead of grown-out.