Feelgood factor: Fuente Tierra organic hair colour

What: A new, organic range of hair colours that are entirely ammonia-free, so good for sensitive scalps and damaged hair.

Beauty powers: The "green" dyes are all custom-made in Spain using natural plant extracts including aloe vera, comfrey, orange and grapefruit. But Fuente Tierra is as long-lasting as chemical treatments — it has 30 per cent more pigments than regular dyes. So the resulting colour is fuller and more intense.

The process: My colourist Mario tested the dye on my skin first for any adverse reaction. My highlights are about two years old so I was in desperate need of a colour boost. My choice was a warm blonde — Mario said it was less ageing and would lift my skin tone. The treatment took about an hour, then stylist James took over for a restyle and blow-dry.

Any surprises? All the colours are mixed in a unique colour blender (think Dulux paint-mixer crossed with a vending machine). The advantage is this provides almost unlimited colour blends so you can go just a bit lighter, a little more red or brilliant blonde if that's your wish. And your colourist can tailor the tone exactly to your needs.

Transformed? Definitely. My fear was I'd resemble an Essex blonde. Instead, the results were pleasingly subtle and "natural", as though I'd just returned from a sunshine holiday. And my hair was soft and glossy, a result of using natural dye.

Try it out: £85 for the colour, and cut from £50; The Richard Ward Hair and Metrospa, 82 Duke of York Square, London SW3, 020 7730 1222, www.richardward.com