So, you’re thinking of going blonde? What shade of blonde? Light blonde, dark blonde, ash blonde, platinum, golden, silver, creamy, buttery, caramel, strawberry…it’s like a buffet! But with so many choices, dyeing your hair blonde isn’t quite as simple as it sounds. We share with you the top 5 things you need to know before picking up the peroxide.
1. Say NO to DIY
At home box dye kits are good for reviving dull hair or to go a shade or two lighter (or darker) but when it comes to changing the genetic colour of your hair, leave it to the experts.
As you know, the bleaching process strips the colour pigments from your hair. What you may not know is that it forces open the protective outer layer (cuticle) of your hair to expose the middle layer. This middle layer (cortex) is in control of hair colour, strength and texture. When the cortex is exposed all its power goes out the window – but more on that later.
Now depending on what your natural hair colour is, what type of hair you have, what shade of blonde you want, and whether you’ve dyed your hair previously or not, will all decide the method needed to bleach your hair, and how your colourist will achieve it. There are so many things to consider for a successful bleach job. It’s both science and an art form!
2. It Won’t Happen Overnight
Dramatically changing the colour of your hair can do some major damage to it, particularly if you’re going from dark brown to light blonde. Speeding up the lightening process will put your hair at risk of breakage and split ends. Big changes need time and patience.
Instead allow your colourist to take your hair on a journey, by transitioning it a couple of shades lighter each visit until it’s the shade of blonde you desire. Each session should roughly be about two weeks apart, this is to allow your hair to rehydrate and regain strength. Depending on your hair type and whether you’ve coloured your hair before, it can take anywhere from two to six visits to achieve healthy blonde locks.
3. Consider the Maintenance
Remember all that power going out the window? Well once you go blonde your hair won’t be the same. Not only have you altered the colour of your hair but also the structural bonds, decreasing elasticity and the ability to absorb moisture. These changes will make your hair vulnerable, which means blonde hair needs more TLC.
Let’s start with the basics;
- Toning Shampoo – Blue shampoo or purple shampoo? What’s the difference and which one you should be using? Find out in our blog Blue Shampoo vs. Purple Shampoo.
- Blonde Hair Treatment – Once hair is damaged it won’t heal, but you can fuse the bonds together to strengthen and hydrate. We recommend using NAK Hair Structure Complex – Bond Enhancer, a bond-building treatment designed especially for chemically lightened hair.
- Styling – Avoid heat. That includes hair dryers, straighteners, curlers and the sun! And when you do use heat styling tools, use the low temperature setting and don’t forget thermal protection. We love AG Hair Colour Care Deflect because not only does it protect hair from heat damage it also reduces drying time.
4. Hydration is Essential
Hair that’s lost its ability to absorb moisture is not especially healthy, and unhealthy hair is impossible to style. Sadly, most of us tend to use the flat iron to smooth the frizz for a slick finish, making the problem worse. Remember avoid heat, and keep hair from going brittle with a daily dose of hydration. Leave-in conditioner is the answer, and super easy to add to your haircare routine.
Everyday styling impacts the health of your hair, so just like you apply a daily moisturiser to your skin so too should you to your hair. A leave-in conditioner acts as a moisturiser plus the right one can offer heat and UV protection, fight humidity and help with styling. We love De Lorenzo Instant Restructurant, not only does it condition and provide strength, it smooths, protects against UV and offers colour protection.
Another fab hydrating leave-in moisturiser is AG Hair Moisture Fast Food Leave-on Conditioner, it’s a double dose of moisture and won’t weigh down your hair.
5. It’s a Commitment
And an investment! Going blonde may well be easier said than done, but when you finally get the blonde hair of your dreams be prepared for the upkeep. As your hair grows, you’ll need regular touch-ups to keep your blonde tresses looking fresh – which can be as often as every four to eight weeks. And if you’re naturally dark brown, regular touch-ups are non-negotiable.
Be sure to chat with your colourist before you commit to dyeing your hair blonde. If you have a limited budget a drastic colour change may not be the best idea. However, your colourist may be able to recommend something with a finish that’ll require less maintenance.
And let’s not mention the new wardrobe you’ll need to complete your new look!
Ready to make the change? Book an appointment with a Price Attack colour expert today, find your local salon here.
Find blonde hair colour inspiration on our Pinterest board, Blonde Hair. Images via Pinterest.
