So before we start, a little secret. I am not really a blonde. What?! Yep, it's true.I was born with chestnut brown hair that my mother said was such a perfect shade, I had to promise her I would never dye it. Ever. Well, that promise flew out the window when it became apparent that along with this perfect shade, I also inherited her prematurely greying genes. First one at 20- ay!

I went through some crazy colors throughout my modeling career; from a platinum blonde bob to auburn tresses and jet black pixie cut, but once I was done experimenting, I needed a color that would not need a crazy amount of upkeep - something that looked cool, natural and a little beachy. Enter the world of foils and the perfect balayage. There has been trial and error, streakiness, block colours that just didn't blend and a few crocodile tears.

So when Wella contacted me about trying out their new Freelights system, I was a little hesitant. I mean, I've got my hair done at so many great salons around the world, what could be different, better or improved? But with summer around the corner, I was intrigued and excited.

I'm glad I gave it a go, because, boy was I wrong. There are many ways to improve a balayage. My colorist, renowned Shari Reynolds (fun fact ; she was George Michael's colourist back in the day ) says the Wella Freelights is a very exciting, cutting edge innovation in highlighting. Why?- I ask, feeling quite doubtful. Shari explains this particular product is so special because it gives a technician maximum freedom of hand painting application without the use of foils, bleeding or shifting - holding in place because it is made out of a revolutionary new substance that blends clay and a special polymer liquid - in turn also leaving hair in incredible condition. Not only that, but because it is hand painted, you cannot tell where the edges are so unlike the foil technology , it is not necessary to go back to the salon every 6 weeks. It is such a natural , gradual effect that it is suitable for any hair color, and is a part of the Wella bespoke, luxury service. All I hear is luxury, incredible condition, natural, bespoke and I want in.

After the treatment is done I am amazed at the condition. Incredibly soft, without the brittleness that comes after bleaching, the color looks incredibly natural. Where my hair was quite dry and brassy after my European holiday and the salty sea, it looks slightly cooler now , with subtle highlights, shading and a silky texture. Wella Freelights, you win!

My Empirical Life has teemed up with Wella to provide one lucky reader with their own luxury Freelights salon experience. Email your full name, town and email address to pr@myempiricallife.com to go in the draw. Winner drawn next Tuesday 16th September 2014. Unfortunately the competition is only open to Australian residents this time!