Beauty spot: Salako, W2

Gradient blonde/Seamless dip-dye at Salako

Expert: Colour Director Jaclyn Smith at new west London Salon, Salako, who used to work at ultra-smart Mayfair colour specialists Jo Hansford.Jaclyn counts Georgia May Jagger and Erin O'Connor among her clients. Salako is founded by session stylist Jimo Salako, who has worked on Stella McCartney campaigns and with Karl Lagerfeld.

Method: After a phone consultation and an actual colour test on my mousy hair in the salon, Jaclyn suggests I avoid my usual full head of highlights (I'm too young, she says) and go for a seamless dip-dye. She mixes two tints (no bleach is used) and painstakingly applies them to my hair from the cheekbones down, tiny section by tiny section. After they’ve worked their magic, Jaclyn uses her special technique to create the seamless look: after she removes each foil packet, she massages the section of hair with a bit of water - this blurs any harsh brush stroke lines.

Results: Miraculously, there are no brush strokes or stripes to be seen: I still have my dark roots, but gradually my hair lightens to a bold matt ash blonde finish at the tips - it is indeed seamless. This look is perfect for someone with a low maintenance approach to hair - I don’t have to worry about my roots growing out and, if anything, it will benefit from time as the summer sun lightens it further. My hair no longer looks dull in harsh winter light; mission accomplished.

Cost: from £200 for Colour Director, 32-34 Leinster Terrace, W2 3ET (020 7402 3464; salakolondon.com)