FAQs

​​1. What makes Bespoke Hair by AK different?

 

Bespoke Hair by AK offers private, one-on-one appointments with Ann-Marie in Double Bay, Sydney. Specialising in blondes, balayage and dimensional brunettes, she creates personalised colour plans around your hair, lifestyle and budget. Every appointment is focused on you, with over 100 five-star Google reviews reflecting the care behind the experience.

 

2. How much do your hair colour services cost?

 

Our specialised hair colour services range from $400–$500. The right service depends on your starting colour, hair history and desired result. Get in touch to discuss your hair goals and confirm the price and inclusions for your appointment.

 

3. I’m not sure which colour service to book. What should I do?

 

Start with a consultation. You don’t need to know the difference between babylights, foilyage or a root melt — simply tell Ann-Marie what you would like to achieve. Photos of your current hair and your inspiration can help her recommend the right approach.

 

4. How long will my colour appointment take?

 

Timing depends on the service, your hair’s length and thickness, and the work needed to achieve your result. Lightening appointments involve several stages, so allow a few hours rather than planning a quick visit. Ask for an estimated appointment length when booking.

 

CHOOSING YOUR COLOUR

 

5. What is the difference between balayage and highlights?

 

Highlights are sections of hair lightened to add brightness and dimension, often using foils. Balayage is a painting technique that creates a more graduated, sun-kissed effect. The best choice depends on where you want the brightness, how blonde you want to be and how you like your colour to grow out.

 

6. What is the difference between a full head and a half head of foils?

 

A full head of foils places highlights throughout the hair, including underneath, for more overall brightness. A half head focuses on selected areas, usually the top and sides. The right option depends on your existing colour, regrowth and desired result — you may not need a full head at every visit.

 

7. What should I ask for if I want a low-maintenance blonde?

 

Ask for a soft, lived-in blonde with a blended root and brightness placed where it suits you. Keeping some of your natural depth can make regrowth less obvious. Low-maintenance colour still needs care, but the plan can be tailored around how often you want to visit.

 

8. I want brighter hair around my face. What should I book?

 

Ask about face-framing highlights, sometimes called a money piece. These lighter sections around the face can be subtle and delicate or brighter and more defined. A consultation will help determine whether a face-frame refresh is enough or whether the rest of your colour also needs attention.

 

9. Can I go from dark hair to blonde in one appointment?

 

Sometimes, but not always. Your natural colour, previous dye, hair condition and target shade all affect what is achievable. A significant change may need several appointments, especially on previously coloured hair. Ann-Marie can assess your starting point and discuss a realistic plan.

 

10. What if I have black or dark box-dyed hair and want to go lighter?

 

Book a consultation before choosing a lightening service, and share your full colour history. Previously applied dark dye can make lightening more complex and uneven. A strand test may be needed, and the result may need to be built gradually over several visits.

 

11. Can I blend my greys rather than completely cover them?

 

Grey blending softens the contrast between your natural greys and the rest of your hair, rather than aiming for complete coverage. It may involve highlights, lowlights or tonal adjustments. Ask Ann-Marie whether this approach would suit your hair and how you would like it to grow out.

 

12. Can I have dimensional colour without going blonde?

 

Yes. Dimensional brunette colour combines carefully placed lighter and darker tones to create depth and movement. The contrast can be subtle, with shades chosen to complement your existing base and preferred level of maintenance.

 

TONER & MAINTENANCE

 

13. What is a toner, and why might I need one?

 

A toner refines the shade of your hair after lightening or between colour appointments. It can soften unwanted warmth or help create a creamy, beige, cool or golden finish. It adjusts the tone of your blonde rather than replacing the lightening process.

 

14. What is the difference between a toner and a gloss?

 

The terms can overlap. A toner focuses on adjusting the colour’s undertone, while a gloss typically refreshes colour and adds shine. Depending on the product used, one service may do both. The choice depends on what your hair needs.

 

15. How often do I need my highlights or balayage refreshed?

 

There is no single schedule for everyone. Highlights closer to the root generally show regrowth sooner, while a softer balayage can often go around 12–16 weeks between lightening appointments. Your ideal timing depends on your hair growth, colour contrast and preferred finish. A toner refresh may be useful in between.

 

16. How often should I refresh my toner?

 

Around 4–6 weeks can be a useful guide if you like to keep your tone looking fresh, but some clients need it sooner or later. Your washing routine, hair condition and chosen shade all influence how quickly the tone fades.

 

17. Why is my blonde turning yellow or brassy?

 

As your toner fades, underlying warm tones can become more noticeable. Heat styling, sun exposure and your washing routine can also affect how your colour looks. A toner refresh and suitable home care can help manage unwanted warmth.

 

18. How can I keep my colour looking fresh between appointments?

 

Use shampoo and conditioner suited to colour-treated hair, condition regularly and apply heat protection before styling. If your blonde needs a purple shampoo, use it as advised rather than at every wash. Ask Ann-Marie for a simple home-care routine suited to your colour and hair condition.

 

Not sure where to start?

 

Book a consultation with Ann-Marie and let’s create a colour plan that works for you.

 

Bespoke Hair by AK | Double Bay, Sydney