How many times have you sat in the hairdresser’s chair and had no clue how to describe the blonde you want? What going blonde means to you, may mean something completely different to someone else. For instance, Marilyn Monroe’s famous blonde locks are a world away in colour from Elizabeth Olsen’s blonde tresses, yet they’re both called blondes. That’s why we’ve gone straight to the source to speak with B.O.B Salon’s Artistic Designer Adele Sylvester. She’s here to explain what colourists need to know from you to help you get the golden hue – or not-so-golden-hue – of your dreams, and how to keep it.
- Take advantage of the free colour consultation
There are thousands of blonde shades out there, so making the most of the free consultation with your hairdresser helps you both get on the same wavelength in terms of the colour you desire. Your colourist should have a vast knowledge of the science that surrounds hair colour and colour placement, so they can help you find the shade that will really compliment your features, skin tone and personal style, all while maintaining the health and integrity of your hair.
- Show your colourist a photo
You can describe the colour you want to your hairdresser until you’re blue in the face, but that doesn’t mean they’ll have the same colour in their mind. Arming yourself with a picture of the colour you want will help your colourist visualise exactly what it is you’re after.
- How much does it cost to go blonde?
This completely depends on your natural colour, the level of blondeness you want to achieve and the condition of your hair. Taking advantage of the free colour consultation and asking your hairdresser will help to give you an idea of the overall cost to get your hair to the desired colour and also the cost of upkeep.
- How long will it take to go blonde?
Again this depends all on your hair’s natural colour, the condition of your hair and the type of blonde colour you are looking for. However, for a light blonde result, do expect your colour journey to be done in stages and with more than one visit. It will likely mean you having to stick with itand trusting the process while you and your hairdresser work towards getting your colour just right.
- Sometimes the answer must be ‘no’
If we know a process will be too damaging for your hair type, structure or condition, or you’re unlikely to ever reach your desired colour, instead creating irreparable damage to your hair in the hopeless pursuit, then on those occasions we must say ‘no’. As hairdressers, the health and integrity of your hair is our number one priority, and pursuing a colour result that will do more harm than good, will likely leave you untrusting of future hairdressers and afraid to try anything else when it comes to your hair. But even if you have had a ‘no’ for the blonde you wanted, with so many blonde techniques out there, it doesn’t mean all blonde colours are off the table for you. Speak with your colourist.
6. What types of blonde techniques are there?
Lots! Highlights, ombre, balayage and colour toners remain a popular choice for many, while all-over permanent or semi-permanent hair colour will always be a prevalent choice too. All you need to do is talk to your colourist about the look you want and they can then recommend the best technique to get that look. Have a read of this post we did previously about some of the varying techniques. Read Blog here
Advances in hair care products mean we can protect and even strengthen your hair during the hair colouring process. At B.O.B Salons we recommend and offer Olaplex treatments designed specifically for use during the hair colouring process to protect your hair. It will add an extra £30 to your treatment but well worth the investment.
A toner or pre-toner is a great tool for neutralising unwanted yellow or brassy tones from blonde hair. Just like a purple or violet-toned shampoo, a toner can neutralise the brassy shades, while also adding shine to your hair and increasing the longevity of your blonde. Speak to your stylist about toning.
ONCE YOU’VE GOT THE BLONDE HAIR OF YOUR DREAMS, HERE’S HOW YOU KEEP IT.
Maintain your mane with the right products
Colour safe shampoos and conditioners are a must
When you lighten your hair, you lose a bit of the structural integrity, so using a shampoo and conditioner designed to help strengthen blonde hair, really is a no brainer when it comes to keeping your hair bright and bouncy. They also help your shade from looking washed out or brassy. Forever Blonde® products put back into your hair what gets taken out during the blonding process. Platinum Blonde products are best for those who want to keep the tone of their hair nice and cool until their next salon visit.
Keep hair hydrated
If you’re not a natural blonde, it generally means your hair will be damaged and extremely thirsty. Nourish it daily with a leave in-treatment. Forever Blonde® Dramatic Repair® repairs and seals the hair cuticle with a moisturising blend of KerActive protein, safflower oleosomes and macadamia nut oil.
Protect hair from heat
Hot tools such as curlers or straighteners are especially threatening to colour-treated blonde hair and can significantly decrease the vibrancy of your colour. Minimise the damage with heat-protection, found in Hot of the Press
Shield hair from the sun
Hats and scarves are the best immediate defence, but if your hair is likely to be in direct sunlight, use products with UV filters. One to try is Color Protect® Locking Spray.
Keep hair safe from chlorine or salt water
You don’t have to completely avoid going for a splash, apply conditioner to your hair before entering the pool or the ocean to create a barrier between your hair and the salt water or chlorine. When you’re done in the water, rinse your hair as soon as possible to remove the residue. If you swim regularly and notice a build up or a greenish tinge, use a clarifying shampoo like Shampoo Three®to get rid of it.
Make your colour last
If you opt for an all-over blonde colour, you will likely want to pop into the salon to have your root regrowth touched up every four to eight weeks. Highlights are much less obvious and you can have a T-section cover-up every eight weeks or so. Balayage is even lower maintenance and you may not need to pop into the salon for even longer, though a glossing treatment or toner to boost your colour after a few weeks will do you and your hair the world of good.
Colour correction
Going blonde is not something we recommend you try on your own. It’s somewhat of a tricky art to master and not for the faint hearted. If you’ve had a hair colour disaster with an at-home hair dye kit, we can help correct your hair colour. Book in as soon as possible for a consultation so we can assess your hair and work on a plan to get it looking healthy and a beautiful colour once more.
HOW DO I BOOK IN FOR MY NEW BLONDE HAIR COLOUR?
Call our salon on 01344 860969 or book online here. Please remember that we offer free hair colour consultations and it is also important you come in for a simple patch test 48 hours prior to any colour appointment.
Adele & the B.O.B Team x