If we had a pound for every time we cancelled a hair appointment (read: never made one in the first place) because we simply can't spare the time to sit in a hairdressers for half a day, we'd probably be able to afford those Gucci loafers by now.
And we're not alone. 40% of women agree that, although financially, they can afford to have their hair dyed, time wise, they're short on capital, with 1 in 5 avoiding salon trips altogether.
But we've found the solution.
Enter the genius time-saving hair dye technique that's luring us back to the salon - Instant Highlights.
The latest way to nab that elusive celeb-approved caramel hair/faux naturel sunkissed blonde locks you've been lusting after on Pinterest, and all in less time than it takes to finish a spin class.
Read on for everything you need to know...
What are Instant Highlights?
A game-changing in-salon hair dye technique that gives you Jessica Alba-esque highlights in less than an hour thanks to a lightening cream with a snazzy formula and a genius heated hair iron that cut out the usual dye development time.
Why Instant Highlights instead of my usual highlights or balayage?
Here's the deal - it won't replace your full head of highlights (because the whole point is not to take an entire day), but if an A-list worth natural looking balayage is your thing, and spending hours sitting in a hairdressers chair is about as appealing as Kim K's next naked selfie, then this is for you.
Why? Because it has the same lightening effect (up to 6 levels on un-dyed virgin hair) as regular highlights, but in an express time limit.
How does it work?
First step, choose your look from the options below:
1. InstaContouring - 5-10 face framing pieces.
2. Instalights - 10-15 woven highlights all over your head.
3. Instarevive - up to 15 pieces give a grown out balayage a good old refresh.
4. Instapop - add block sections of pastel colour.
Next, let your colourist do their thing - it'll look just like the usual foils and cream situation for regular highlights.
Lastly, the Instant Highlights heated iron is run gently over each foil section for 15-30 seconds. Yup, we said seconds.
And you're done!
SNEAKY SALON TIP: For a classic Alessandra Ambrosio sunkissed finish, ask your hairstylist to focus the heated iron on the ends of your hair to boost the lightening effect just on the tips.
Ok, but how does the actual process work?
The three part system (lightening cream, foils and heated iron) is designed specifically for this service, and can't be used for other hair dye techniques.
The lightening cream, when applied, develops on your hair to lift the colour just like usual highlights would. This effect is then boosted when the heated iron is applied meaning the whole process is much faster. The foils keep everything controlled and even, so the lightening effect is consistent.
Sounds like this is going to damage my hair...
Actually, no.
The speedy service does involve heat, however the iron is always at set temperature of 140 degrees, which is actually cooler than most hair straighteners. Add to that a Smartbond-enriched cream formula that works to strengthen and protect your hair and you're as damage free as you can get when dyeing your hair.
Think about it - leaving foils on for hours to develop or using a heated iron for 15 seconds? We know which one sounds better to us..
SNEAKY SALON TIP: Your hairstylist should lightly backcomb each section of hair before applying the lightening cream. This creates a softer, more diffused effect so the highlights blend as naturally as possible.
Where can I get it done?
Instant Highlights is a L'Oréal Professionnel deal so you'll have to find yourself one of their salons to get the service. Thankfully there's loads of them, find your local salon HERE.
