The Golden Rules of Going Blonde

The decision to undergo a dramatic hair color change requires many things. First and foremost, it requires determination. Keeping up a color that’s naturally foreign to your stands, takes dedication along with many hours of patience in the salon chair. Second, it requires an amazing salon colorist—especially if you are brave enough to go form dark to light. Peroxide, even for the top stylists, is a fickle friend.  

Fortunately, many courageous celebrities have gone before us and taught the beauty world valuable lessons in how to go blonde the right way. If you’re like most and want the color to look natural on you, you will need to go in stages. It’s best to add lighter tones at the base to naturally dark hair, rather than going totally blonde.

Here are the golden rules for going blonde: 

Be realistic

Celebrity colorist Chris Petroff at the Twist by Oliver Salon in Beverly Hills, CA, says going blonde is a journey, not a destination. If you start with dark eyes, dark eyebrows and dark hair, you are not going to be a blonde bombshell over night., especially, if you want your color to look natural. Celebrity stylist Giles Robinson adds that it’s best to add lighter tones at the base to naturally dark hair, rather than going totally blonde.

Not All Blondes Are Created Equal

Brunettes typically have it easier than blondes in the sense that “In general, brunettes can get away with a single tone without highlights and still look very natural,” says Robinson. For blondes, one single color can be harsh and unnatural-looking. “Natural hair color has depth and dimension; so lightened hair should as well,” he says. Work with your colorist to find the best blonde tones that compliment your skin. “Hold up a silver or gold piece of jewelry to your face and see what looks better on you,” says Petroff. This will determine whether you should go for cool shades or warm shades. “If they both look good on you then are a neutral and you can go either way,” he says.

Maintenance is Key

Remember, the lighter you go, the more time you will spend in the salon. Petroff says for a major color change, expect to be in the salon for, in some cases, up to nine hours and back in the salon every month for maintenance. Along with regular solon visits, make sure to stock up on the newest products that protect your hair color at home.