Do you have the urge to go blonde? Before you run to that salon appointment, here’s what you absolutely need to know: going blond is exciting, yes, but it’s also a commitment. We’re here to guide you through everything- from choosing the right shade to maintaining that perfect tone without the very much dreaded brassiness.
Let’s get into it!
Get a Consultation First
Before you dive headfirst into going blond, book a consultation with a stylist you trust. This is your chance to talk about what you want, what your hair can handle, and how to get there safely. Your stylist will assess your hair’s current condition, discuss the time and cost involved, and come up with a game plan. It’s a crucial step to avoid any surprises and make sure you’re both on the same page. And don’t be shy about asking questions. A good stylist will walk you through the process and help set realistic expectations so you can go into it feeling confident.
It’s Not a One-Time Deal
Going blond isn’t just a “one-and-done” situation. It takes time. Depending on your natural color, it may take a couple of sessions to reach that dreamy blond in a healthy way. If you are a brunette or have colored hair, prepare to invest a little extra time and money in the salon. And be patient; hurrying the process could mean hair damage, which we definitely do not want.
Once you have achieved your perfect shade, you’ll also need to plan for regular touch-ups. If your natural color contrasts with your blond, those roots will start to show sooner than you think. Typically, you’ll need to revisit the salon every 4-6 weeks to keep that regrowth in control.
Picking Your Perfect Shade of Blond
You get such a wide variety of blonde shades. But which one is right for you? That depends a lot on your skin tone.
- If you’ve got cool undertones (think blue or pink hues in your skin), cooler blondes like ash or platinum will suit you beautifully.
- Those with warm undertones (more yellow or golden skin tones) tend to glow with warmer shades, like caramel or honey blond.
And if you’ve got neutral undertones, you’re lucky — you can pull off both warm and cool tones with ease. But don’t stress too much about this. Your stylist can help you figure out the perfect shade for you, and bringing along a few reference photos never hurts.
Bleach Is the Real MVP (But It Needs Respect)
Here’s where things get real: going blond means bleach. There’s no getting around it. Bleach is what’s going to lift your hair to that stunning shade of blond, but it can also be harsh on your hair. If your hair is already damaged or fragile, bleach can push it to the breaking point. That’s why going blond is best done with a professional — someone who knows how to safely lighten hair while minimizing damage.
Even with the most skilled hands, bleach dries your hair out. You’re stripping it of its natural oils, which can lead to brittleness, breakage, and split ends. Sounds scary? Don’t worry; there are ways to protect your hair and keep it healthy both before and after your visit to the salon. Hint: It simply means you can be ready for an extra dose of pampering that your hair will require.
Maintenance: The Day-to-Day Reality of Blond Hair
Once you’ve gone blond, the work doesn’t stop there. Keeping your hair looking fabulous takes some ongoing care, but the good news is it’s totally manageable once you know what you’re doing
Moisture Is Your Best Friend
Bleach dries out hair — no question. To fight dryness and keep your hair looking and feeling healthy, you’ll need to get serious about moisturizing. That means regular deep conditioning treatments, hair masks, and leave-in conditioners. Look for products with nourishing ingredients like keratin and oils (argan and shea butter are your friends). Keeping moisture locked in is key to avoiding that straw-like texture no one wants.
Watch Out for Brassiness
Let’s talk about the biggest enemy of blond hair: brassiness. Over time, lightened hair can start to take on yellow or orange tones, especially if you have darker natural hair. To keep that perfect blond, you’ll want to invest in a good purple shampoo. It works by neutralizing those warm, brassy tones and keeping your blond cool and bright. Be careful, though— overusing purple shampoo can dry out your hair, so once or twice a week is usually enough.
Be Gentle with Heat Styling
Heat tools are another thing to be cautious with. Bleached hair is already more fragile, and adding the heat from flat irons, curling wands, or blow dryers can make it even more prone to damage. If you can, try to air-dry your hair as much as possible. But if you do use heat, always (and I mean always) apply a heat protectant beforehand. It creates a shield to prevent some of that heat damage and keeps your hair looking smooth and shiny.
The Right Products Make All the Difference
One thing you’ll quickly learn after going blond is that the products you use matter — a lot. You’ll need to switch up your hair care routine to include the best shampoos and conditioners for blond and color-treated hair. Look for sulfate-free options that won’t strip your color and will keep your hair hydrated. Some formulas even have added UV protection to shield your hair from the sun, which can also cause blond shades to fade. Using salon-quality products might feel like a splurge, but they’ll help protect your investment and keep your hair healthy between appointments.
Final Thoughts
Going blond is a bold move, but with the right knowledge, preparation, and care, it can be a total confidence boost. Yes, it takes effort — the upkeep, the moisturizing, the fight against brassiness. So, are you ready to embrace the blond life? With the right mindset and a little extra love for your hair, you’re about to shine!
