We’ve experienced similar sun-kissed thoughts and golden reveries come warmer months, but to actually take the plunge?
That takes guts, commitment, and a whole lot of research.
Now I wanted to beblondeblonde but still look natural (read: not peroxide blonde).
@matildadjerf/ Instagram
And, of course, I wanted my hair to be healthy.
In short: I wanted a lot.
If you’re unsure of whether take the plunge, Jimieson suggests trying on wigs.
@alyssbowen
“This is just a first step if you need the visual before going further.”
How to Prep Hair for Processing
Before your first appointment, make surehair is readyto be processed.
“Thoroughly wash and condition your hair the day before,” instructs Jimieson.
@alyssbowen
“Be honest with your colorist as to what is already on your hair.
“Collect images ofblond hairyou like and dislike.
If a colorist says it’s not right for you, try another colorist.
If you get the same answer more than once, listen to what the experts are telling you.
Don’t rush in!
Everyone lifts warm.”
We also agreed we wouldn’t take the color right up to the root.
Instead, we’dsmudgeit in to make it look more natural.
“Your colorist will guide you in what is achievable and what is not.
“Your colorist will guide you in the right direction.
The thing with going blonde is that it’s a process.
You have toreallywant to commit, but trust meit’s worth it.
“Of course those needing a more gentle approach will be the latter.
The #1 rule for going blonde is go in with realistic expectations.
“More isn’t always more.
Be realistic and trust your professional.”
Rice added a new treatment by Davines to the bleach before we applied it to my hair.
This helped to repair the bonds from bleaching but was also meant to restructure any that were already broken.
“Olaplexis a colorists best friend while blonding,” notes Richards.
“This will be mixed directly into the lightener and will help prevent any possible damage.
It will then be followed by a post color treatment.”
“A little bit of breakage is not desired but is okay and can be fixed/maintained.
Instead, let your colorist know for your next appointment and they can adjust as needed.”
“Aggressive blonding can result in breakage but it can be from many things.
It’s rarely the lightener or dye, but the misuse of them,” adds Jimieson.
“Too much heat styling, or previous damage can be a huge component in a breakage scenario.
Dryness or loss of shine can occur but this is easily fixed with proper home care.”
Aftercare
One thing I’ve learned about being a blonde is that aftercare is essential.
I’ll admit that before I dyed my hair, I didn’t use any products.
In fact, I washed it with any shampoo and nevereverused a conditioning treatment.
“Professional shampoo, conditioner, and a heat protectant are a must,” adds Jimieson.
But aftercare doesn’t stop with shampoo and conditioner.
“Hydration is key.
“I recommendHASK BLONDE CARE Deep Conditioner Treatmentsfor keeping blond hair strong and hydrated.
“I personally love theBonding Treatment by My Kitschfor at home use.
It rebuilds the bonds in the hair strands keeping it healthy and strong,” adds Richards.
