MY dad had a nickname for me when I was tiny. Straw Heid.

Now that I'm older, I need a little help from the hairdresser to achieve the sandy, ginger shade of my childhood.

Hopefully without a straw-like texture.

It's the age-old dilemma for women (and men) who want to go lighter but don't want the damage.

My stylist Renee, at Rainbow Room, Buchanan Street, explains that a high-lift tint can cause more damage than good old fashioned bleach.

The slower the process, the kinder to the hair, she says.

I've set aside a few hours to try the new BlondeMe range, by Schwarzkopf, which promises to lift your locks with minimal damage. The dye has its own built in protecting system, similiar to brands such as Olaplex.

After the highlights have done their job there is a choice of gorgeous pastel-shaded toners - from Rose Blush to Caramel Hue - that can be applied and left on for varying amounts of time to give a unique result.

I'm looking for a natural look that's as close to my natural colour as possible. A blonde that isn't bland.

Renee achieves this with a lovely apricot shade that she leaves on for just the right amount of time.

And the best thing? My hair feels brilliant, no straw here.

Verdict - Four stars of hair heaven.

www.rainbowroominternational.com/salons