It’s almost summer, and if you’ve been thinking about going blonde, this is the season to do it. Whether you’re dying to go platinum or just lift a couple of shades, there is a blonde to suit just about everyone. But the road to blonde is not always an easy one, especially if you weren't born that way. Below are our tips for going bottle blonde—the safe way.
1. If you've never dyed your hair before, you will require less treatment. It's much easier to lift ‘virgin hair’ and will require a completely different process. Tell your stylist right away if this is your first time reaching for the bleach.
2. Bring a picture to show you stylist, but be smart about it. Look for inspiration on people who have similar eye and skin coloring. Otherwise, your end result may not look as flattering.
3. Do your homework. Don't shampoo every day! And when you do shampoo, be sure to use Schwarzkopf essence ULTIME Diamond Color Shampoo, specially formulated for color-treated hair. Ditch all metal brushes, avoid heat tools at all costs and try to keep it covered in the sun.
4. Be realistic. If you have black hair, don't expect to go all the way to platinum in one visit. You could end up with severe breakage. The further you are from your desired result, the more upkeep will be required. Make your appointments and stick with them!
5. If you're auburn or red you'll probably need to schedule three appointments to healthily achieve blonde. Most natural redheads look good with warmer tones, so ask for a golden or copper blonde, or even all-out platinum. Have your colorist lighten up your natural hair with foils or painting, and then layer the highlights over that.
6. If you're light brown, it should also take about three appointments. Your colorist should lighten the overall base, then bump it a half-level or a full level, depending on how far you want to go. Then he or she should add your full head of highlights, and finish with a gloss. Going blonde is a big change for brunettes—so take it slow! Start a little on the darker side, and then build up from there four to six weeks later. You'll want to live with it for a little bit before you go all out.
7. Dark-skinned and dark-eyed girls should try darker blondes, like a honey color. If you want to, you can add cool, icy tips just on the ends for a burst of brightness. You should expect the blonde process to take four appointments so you don't damage the hair. You could even try stretching the visits, and waiting eight to ten weeks in between. And don't be afraid of a dark root, that look is always in.
Before you take the plunge, stock up on the Schwarzkopf essence ULTIME Diamond Color line, as well as our essence ULTIME Omega Repair line to keep your blonde looking hot throughout the summer!