Blonde Hair
A few weeks ago, my idea of having “blonde hair” was limited to a few face-framing highlights or a subtle caramel *balayage* throughout my hair. I went out to dinner to show my friends my new blonde color—a rather striking change, at least in my eyes—and they were quick to point out that, while it suited me, the result wasn’t *that* different. “You’re still a brunette, Victoria,” they told me.
A valid point. And it was true. But I finally took the plunge: I walked into the Bumble and Bumble salon in New York—a photo from *The Blonde Salad* in hand—and walked out a full-blown blonde. I do believe that blondes have more fun—even if that isn’t necessarily the case when it comes to hair care. My routine was completely turned upside down.
I had to relearn how to wash, treat, and brush my hair! I’ve finally gotten used to this new ritual. In any case, for anyone considering going a much lighter shade, we spoke with a few professionals to find out exactly what you need to know and what steps you should take.
Wash less, much less.
This proved challenging for me, as I exercise every morning, and the sweat that accumulates on my scalp makes my hair feel greasy and dirty very quickly. However, reducing shampoo frequency is one of the most important steps to take after going blonde. “When you lighten hair, it tends to become drier; consequently, washing it too often risks stripping it even further of its natural oils,” explains Rachel Bodt, Senior Colorist at Cutler SOHO.
“I recommend washing your hair less frequently after coloring so that it can replenish its natural moisture.” It is advisable to wait two full days after your initial appointment before washing it again. Furthermore, frequent washing can dull the color or cause it to develop unwanted brassy tones.
Buy shampoo wisely
Purple is your secret weapon. While choosing a lilac shampoo is essential for preventing fading and brassiness, Marcy Cline—a colorist at Bumble and Bumble—also recommends using a purple conditioner and visiting the salon regularly for highlights. This routine should help keep that hard-won shade looking fresh. We opt for L’Oréal Paris EverPure Blonde Shampoo ($7; target.com), a sulfate-free formula you can find at any drugstore.
Wear masks
Your hair will get thirsty more frequently. Use a deep-conditioning mask—such as the Bumble and bumble Overnight Sleep Mask ($49; sephora.com)—about once a week.
Take Your Color Dates in Stride
One of the most significant mistakes colorists make when transforming a brunette client into a blonde is failing to adequately inform her about the process. It is sometimes the case that multiple salon visits are required to achieve the desired result. “Since lightening hair to this level in a single session would cause considerable damage—and in order to preserve its integrity—I recommend taking a slightly more gradual approach. If you are a natural brunette, start with a few highlights and visit the salon every four weeks to add more.”
Go sulfate-free and alcohol-free
Avoid products containing alcohol, as they could further dry out your hair, and use only a sulfate-free shampoo.
Use protection
We aren’t referring to that type of protection—though you should certainly keep that in mind as well. “When people notice breakage, they assume it must be due to the coloring; however, most of the time, it is caused by applying intense heat to freshly lightened hair,” explains Bodt.
You will undoubtedly want to make sure to use a heat-protectant spray before exposing your strands to the heat of a curling iron. Furthermore, be sure to lower the temperature so you don’t burn your hair during the curling process.
Request a Bonding Treatment
When hair is coloured, it often suffers from breakage. This is where a bond-strengthening treatment comes in. “I think the first step is ensuring that the hair doesn’t become excessively dry. Ask your colorist to use a strengthening treatment—such as Redken’s pH-Bonder—that is added directly to the color mixture; this way, as the color penetrates the hair fiber, the treatment helps restore broken bonds and prevent further damage,” explains Bodt. “Redken’s pH-Bonder also includes a take-home treatment ($16; ulta.com) that you can use after your coloring session to provide your hair with extra protection.”