Color Me Happy

As an unnatural blonde of several decades (shocker, I know), I’ve become an ace at finding products that keep my color vibrant between salon visits. Lately, I’ve been finger-combing Dessange Paris California Blonde Illuminating Elixir into my hair after every wash. Not only does its passion flower extract produce wonderfully soft tresses, the geraniol (derived from rose oil) helps prevent brassiness. On days when my hair is downright drab, I up the ante with Pure Blends Hydrating Color Depositing Shampoo. It comes in nine shades—I use Lemon, meant for pale-to-medium blondes—and contains powdered pigment that remains on locks after rinsing. Of course, neither potion can replace a date with my colorist, but they do make the words “Sorry, Gina is all booked up this week” easier to hear.