John frieda go blonder in shower lightening treatment

Since I moved to New York, my travel and hairstyling budget have been virtually the same. I went through a sort of sticker shock when I moved to the city (cereal’s $5.50 a box?!), but the hardest adjustment was the thought of shelling out $200+ to maintain my highlights, especially when my mom does a top-notch job, all for the low, low price of the $15 L’Oreal box kit.

The simple solution would be to set aside my vanity and stop highlighting my dingy, dishwater-blonde hair, but instead, I did some creative budgeting (or rather, justification of budgeting): Highlights cost almost as much as a trip back to Florida. The typical flight’s about $250-$350, depending on the time of year, so if I set aside that money toward trips back to Florida, then asked my mom to touch up my highlights the way we used to, I could get to enjoy time with my family AND get my hair done. When I realized that, it was no question which option I’d choose: Homeward bound!

Sometimes, though, there’s a decent stretch between trips (ahem, Christmas to Easter), and my roots start to show through pretty ferociously. I’m no Shakira; it’s not a cute look.

When I saw John Frieda’s Go Blonder In-Shower Treatment, which promises to lighten your hair a shade, I got curious. (I was also, admittedly, a little desperate.) It was sold far away from the hair dyes and Sun-In, which made me feel more comfortable that my roots wouldn’t turn a brassy, tangerine shade — but also made me wonder if it’d work at all. Turns out, it works shockingly well. See for yourself: 

Still, it was less than $20, and required half as much effort as Frieda’s other option (a root-coloring kit, which looked like eyeshadow for your locks that you’d have to reapply, uh, constantly?). I’d take my chances.

How John Frieda’s Go Blonder In-Shower Treatment Works:

The treatment’s instructions couldn’t be simpler: Wet hair, apply the solution, focusing on your roots, and let it sit for 5 minutes, then wash it all away. I followed the instructions, and the one thing that struck me was the smell; the bleach-like fumes caused me to pop open the door.

Five minutes later, though, and the results were just as promised: Not a dramatic change, but enough that my roots weren’t so glaringly obvious. It blends the new growth and my old highlights just enough to last me the few weeks until I’m back in the Sunshine State again. (I can’t wait!)

The Product: John Frieda Sheer Blonde Go Blonder In-Shower Treatment, $10

Pros:

• affordable
• easy to use (practically foolproof, honestly!)
• Roots seemed 2-3 shades lighter

Cons:

• Potent, awful smell
• Gradually washes away

The Bottom Line: 4 out of 5 stars