They say blondes have more fun… well I somewhat agree, about a year ago I started to slowly make the change and it definitely has been one of the best decisions I’ve made. Being a fashion lover, I feel blonde hair just compliments clothes more and makes more of a statement. Now not everyone has the right colouring to be blonde – I understand this. Although from personal experience I’ve never come across anyone that doesn’t look great at least a few shades lighter, even those with naturally black hair. I mean take Kim K for instance, she is naturally very dark and looked smoking hot blonde. I was devastated when I refreshed the feed on E news to see she has reverted back to dark. Even being a hairdresser myself I was worried about the condition it would leave my hair in as it’s naturally fine (thanks Dad) but following these tips will ensure condition is not jepordised. So for the love of my own transition to the light side and managing to keep it in top condition I felt appropriate to share some tips… the rest is up to you (well the Fun to be had at least).
Maintenance: Just as it’s important to commit to regular salon visits, it is just as essential to commit to maintenance at home. Here’s what you should use:
- Shampoo and conditioner for lightened hair: Shampoo and conditoner formulated for blonde-coloured hair can help neutralise unwanted yellow tones and prevent brassiness, while a colour-protecting conditioner can help maintain the brightness of your blonde hue. Just a warning: some blonde-hair shampoos and conditioners should be used under the guidance of your colourist as they react differently to each hair type, due to porosity.
- Leave- in conditioner: This should be used regularly to keep hair moisturised and split ends at bay, as bleaching hair strips away natural moisture, making it vulnerable to breakage.
- Heat-protection treatment: Always apply this after washing your hair and before using any thermal styling tools. It will help protect over-processed hair from the damage heat appliances can wield, as well as taming any frizz. While all hair types benefit from such a treatment, it is essential for blonde hair, which is more fragile than usual due to the intense lightening process it has undergone.
- Treatment: Bleach doesn’t just strip the colour molecules in your hair, it tends to strip protein, vitamins and moisture. It also changes the structure and texture of your hair. That’s why extra TLC is essential. Try to commit to two weekly treatments. One that will provide a moisture boost, and one that will provide an effective dose of protein.
- At-home toner: As well as a weekly treatment depending on the porosity of your hair and its ability to hold your desired tone, you may need to tone anywhere from weekly to fortnightly in between salon visits with a semi permanent, fast acting conditioning colour foam which effectively refreshes hair colour in-between salon visits. Alternatively depending on desired look to keep colour in top condition, a visit to the salon in between normal 6-8 week colour visits for a toner or some salons also refer to as a “gloss” to keep colour in pefect condtion.
Tips to follow when making the change from dark to light:
If you aren’t the paitent type, depending on the shade of darkness your hair is to start with this process is sure to teach you that sometimes slow and steady wins the race.
In my opinion – condition is of high importance and that should be taken into consideration when starting the lightening process. When seeing your hairdresser they should also advise of this (if you are in good hands).
Have a reference of a final result you want to achieve, but realistically before that final stage have another reference – something lets say not so blonde, “a mid way point”.
Here are a few examples..
Depending on your desired result , balayage or gradual highlights are probably two of the best options. Highlights over time give a multi dimensional affect and reflects nicer in the light than a block colour. Some hairdressers still like to bleach bath or you may have also heard the term ‘strip” this can often be a little harsh on the hair.
If you have naturally dark hair – by this I mean you have never coloured your hair, hairdressers refer to it as “virgin hair” you may have heard this term used when in the salon chair. A more gentle alternative to bleach is to lighten with tint. Not to be too technical but if you are in discussion with your colourist you can always make the suggestion they use a high lift tint if they don’t do so themselves. Unfortunately tint does not lighten hair with exsisting colour. There are some out there on the market, and as each salon uses different colour ranges this is something to discuss further with your colourist.
In terms of maintenance scheduling your colour appointments every 6-8 weeks will ensure best results within a reasonable time frame. As it is initial stages and hair will be undergoing lightening processes as mentioned earlier this dries out hair and strips of natural proteins. Using shampoo conditioner, followed with a weekly treatment for chemically treated/ dry hair is essential. In the initial stages a colour conditioner to either eliminate brassy tones or perhaps you are wanting to wear more of a honey hue – a colour conditioner used weekly can enhance your desired tone.
It can all seem like a lot of work, and maintenance but once you have your appointments booked and the correct product regime sorted it’s all smooth sailing… promise.
L x
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