From Brunette to Blonde: Patience and Persistance

At one point or another, you’ve probably looked at yourself in the mirror and craved a change in your hair color. For blondes, going dark can be as easy as 1,2,3. Those luscious locks are the perfect color to absorb dark shades through just one dye job. For brunettes, the story is a little bit more difficult. Going blonde isn’t always that easy, especially if your natural hair color is on the darker side. Getting there is possible, but there’s a lot more effort needed to achieve a lighter look you desire.

• Consult a hair professional to see if going blonde is right for you.

When done properly, anyone can learn how to rock a blonde do. But dyeing your hair a shade of blonde that doesn’t compliment your skin tone or facial features can make you look a mess. Talk to your hairdresser and she’ll let you know if you’re ready for a full dye job, or maybe just a little blonde balayge to start.

• Slowly begin your process.

Slow and steady really does win the race. In order to achieve you look without completely destroying your hair, gradually lighten it until you achieve your desired shade. If you’re starting at a dark brown, begin your process by dyeing your hair to something like a warm mocha. You can then continue onto a chestnut or caramel, and eventually your hair will be ready to go a full honey or golden blonde.

• Boxed dye WILL NOT work.

If only it were as simple as walking into your local drug store, buying your favorite shade, and dyeing your hair at home. Oh but trust me, it’s not that easy (I’ve learned from experience). Unless your hair has never been dyed or chemically processed, the chances of it working are zero to none. Since the pigmentation naturally found in your hair follicles have already been altered and damaged from previous dye jobs, your color can only be replaced with professional hair dye or bleach (and I really wouldn’t recommend trying to bleach your own hair at home). Save yourself the money and schedule yourself a salon appointment with a professional. 

• Careful with copper.

Let your hair dresser know if you’ve ever had any red in your hair. These shades can stay in there for a g e s, and is one of the hardest color pigments to get out. If you’re trying to go blonde but in the past year or so have dyed your hair red, there’s a chance that your golden locks can turn strawberry blonde. Take it from someone who’s left the salon in tears after her blonde ombre ended up in a crimson copper catastrophe. Even professionals make mistakes sometimes. Since the red is so hard to get out, your process might take a bit longer than planned… but at least you’ll be sporting the blonde you expected.

• Take care of your hair.

The upkeep that comes with going blonde is quite large. If you’re dyeing your full head, trips to the salon are going to become a religious activity. In order to compete with the damaging chemicals being exposed to your hair, remember to re hydrate it by using deep conditioners and/or weekly moisturizing hair masks.

By Sara Boutin

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