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If you have gone blonde before you know how much upkeep and maintenance it takes just to maintain your new golden mane and not taking good care of it can really cause some damage. I have now been a brunette gone blonde for about 11 years now. Going blonde is a commitment and here are some things you should know before taking that leap. If you are already blonde and looking for my personal blonde hair care routine go here.
It is a long process
Going blonde while ensuring your hair stays as healthy as possible takes a long time. Be prepared to put your patience cap on because it can definitely require you to do multiple sessions.
Tip: If you decide to do it in one session, PLEASE ensure to find an Olaplex Certified Stylist to use Olaplex to protect your hair during the bleaching process.
Research! Research! Research!
My first experience trying to go blonde was every girl’s nightmare! I had to chop my hair off because my hair was burned during the bleaching process because of an inexperienced stylist. I did not see any previous work she had done. Don’t make the same mistake. Do your research, check out reviews, and check out previous clients’ results.
It is high maintenance
You will need to take really good care of your hair, so quality hair products, deep conditioners, cleansing shampoos, masque treatments, heat protectants, silk pillowcases or silk bonnets, purple shampoo, and frequent haircuts are a MUST.
No changes with the seasons
If you’re like me, I used to change my hair color with the seasons. During the spring/summer time I go light and fall/winter go with darker shades. However, it is soooooo much work to go blonde that going back and forth drastically I don’t believe to be the greatest idea. You should commit to staying blonde and if you decide to go back you should wait because it causes significant damage to your hair.
Minimal to No heat
To maintain happy and healthy hair I wouldn’t recommend straightening/curling your hair every day. Your hair is already in a fragile state and constant daily heat will not do it well. I like to do heatless curls for everyday use and when I do use hot tools I ensure to always use heat protectant spray. This one is my fav!
Purple Shampoo
If you don’t know already, you will find out that purple shampoo is your hair’s best friend. Especially if you are a natural brunette the toner only lasts for so long before it starts to turn an orange brassy color. Yikes! Purple shampoo is great to keep the orange away and helps maintain the ashy blonde in-between hair appointments. I have tried so so many shampoos and I am obsessed with this one. It is so pigmented and it really lasts much longer than others I’ve tried. I use this one to two times per week with a disposable shower cap for 10 minutes and voila! Good as new! Check out my post where I rave all about this shampoo!
My Blonde Hair Care Routine
- Cleansing Shampoo and Conditioner ( every other day depending on activity level)
- Masque and Scalp Treatment (once per week)
- Purple Shampoo (once or twice per week)
- Olaplex Repair Treatment (once every couple of months)
- Haircut/trim (once every three to four months)
- Salon Visit – Root Touchup and Toner (once every three months)
There you have it beauties! Tips for deciding to go blonde and for maintaining your beautiful hair. All tips and suggestions are from my own personal experience of 11 years going blonde but definitely consult with your stylist before making such a drastic change to see if it is the right choice for your hair.
