5 Things to Know About Going Blonde For The First Time
Slower is Better: The Path to Your Dream Hair
Achieving your dream hair isn't a sprint; it's a marathon. Whether you're working with virgin hair or hair that's been previously colored, patience is key. Virgin hair, though seemingly an ideal blank canvas, can be resistant to lifting to lighter shades. Rushing this process can lead to significant damage. If your hair isn't virgin, transitioning to a lighter color becomes a corrective color process, where maintaining the hair's integrity is crucial. To protect your hair, ensure your colorist incorporates bonder treatments into the chemicals used. These advanced treatments help keep the hair bonds strong and repair them during the lightening process.
Patience and Gloss: The Importance of Understanding Hair Glosses
It's essential to understand that glosses, or demi-permanent hair colors applied at the end of your highlighting session, are temporary. Glosses cover up unwanted tones and help you achieve your desired look. Popular shades include toffee, caramel, honey, almond, vanilla, and platinum ice. However, glosses typically last about eight weeks, gradually fading with hair washing and sun exposure. Remember, all hair colors above medium brown will develop unwanted tones over time, even the lightest shades. To maintain the perfect hue, have realistic expectations and schedule your gloss services in advance to ensure you never miss a session.
The Power of Regular Trims
Keeping your ends healthy and preventing breakage starts with regular trims. Like a thread that unravels after being cut, your hair ends are the most fragile part and need regular attention. In addition to routine oil applications, trimming your hair every two to three months prevents old, dry ends from splitting. Experience shows that regular trims can actually promote faster hair growth. To keep your hair in top condition, book a trim alongside your glossing service and see your colorist and stylist frequently to keep things in check.
More is More: The Right Hair Care Regimen
Unlike fashion and makeup, where less is often more, with hair care, more truly is more! The more intricate your at-home care regimen, the better your hair will look and feel. Finding your perfect at-home care routine is easy—just ask your colorist for advice. They can help you create a step-by-step regimen tailored to your hair's needs. Your routine should include at least five of the following: shampoo, conditioner, mask, leave-in conditioner, heat protector, UV protector, oil, dry shampoo, and dry conditioner. Love your hair, and it will love you back!
The Importance of Professional Deep Conditioning Treatments
Incorporating professional-grade deep conditioning treatments into your lightening budget is a smart move. These treatments seal the cuticle and provide your hair with the nourishment it needs, reducing the need for daily heat styling. Some top treatments include Hair Plastic Surgery, Keratin Treatment, and Brazilian Blowouts. Consult your stylist to determine which treatment is best for your hair type and preferences. Be warned: these treatments should only be performed by trained, licensed professionals. Incorrect application can cause permanent damage to the hair cuticle and cortex, which can only be remedied by a significant haircut.
By embracing a slow and steady approach, you can achieve the beautiful, healthy hair you've always dreamed of. Take your time, invest in quality care, and trust the process.