How to Get It Right!
The saying goes that you can never be too rich, too thin, or too blonde.
I can’t help you with the first two, but I can definitely chime in on the third. The big question? How blonde do you dare to go before you start having All That Fun?
Choosing the right colorist is key.
There are Blonde Specialists ~ colorists that are absolutely passionate about the complexities of getting the shade just right. This is a tribe of its own. I can name particular people on my staff now or in the past that are bitten by blonde. They elevate the achievement of the perfect tone to an art form.
These colorists instinctively know that eye color and skin color and undertones define where you fit in the blonde spectrum. Choices range from ash, caramel, honey, strawberry, gold, and all the way to ice white. Finding the right shade of blonde brings a harmony to hair and skin that gives a “born that way” vibe. You can also break the rules if you’re going for a more daring or dramatic statement look.
Achieving the right shade requires great finesse.
Color processing for blondes is different and, quite frankly, fraught with potential peril. Traditional hair color uses peroxide to impart color; blonde tones use peroxide and bleach, delivering what we call “high-lift” color. This weakens the hair shaft, making it essential that you lighten gradually and commit to care and maintenance to ensure that your hair doesn’t just break off of your head.
Here’s what I recommend to attain the best and safest results:
- Commit to professional hair services ~ High-lift color is best done slowly, so plan on a sequence of appointments to achieve your shade. Blondes also need more frequent visits to treat regrowth and retouch color. I do recommend occasional deep-conditioning, in-Salon “Ciment” treatments made specifically for blondes to minimize damage and prolong color.
- Use blonde-specific hair care products ~ We have lines by Shu Uemura and Kerastase made specifically for the demands of bleached hair. These specialized formulas contain carefully chosen oils and hyaluronic acid to keep fibers nourished and hydrated and prevent color shifts within the gamut of brassy to green. They also keep hair shiny, more resilient, and less prone to breakage.
- Minimize heat ~ Especially in summer, take advantage of the warm weather to give your hair a break from heat tools. Let your hair air dry to minimize stress on bleached hair shafts. Microfiber towels are great here to quickly wick water out of wet hair to speed the natural drying process.
- Protect hair from the elements ~ My last post was all about how to protect your hair from sun, sea, and chlorine. These wreak a special kind of havoc on blondes by dehydrating hair and distorting color. Restorative SPF-infused plant oils, masks, and thermiques protect blonde hair from the elements. Be sure to reapply periodically throughout the day and after swimming. And, yes, wear the hat.
As always, consult with your colorist at your salon to help customize your hair care routine to keep color balanced and hair condition healthy and hydrated. At-home treatment plays a huge part in maintaining great color.
I want to thank you all for your great suggestions on what we should cover next in HairLine. Please keep your ideas for future topics coming here. Your contributions bring great meaning to our HairLine conversation!
Regards,
Kenny