So, You Want to Go Blonde? 6 Sweet Things You Should Know

Before you start

"Blonde" isn't universal. Bringing a photo for reference is always your best bet. To you, "blonde" may mean the icy white strands of a platinum blonde. To your stylist it may mean golden blonde tones and a deeper base. Bring enough pictures to show exactly what you do and don't want in your hair color, so everyone stays on the same page.

Dark hair may need a transition plan. If your hair is naturally very dark, we may suggest going lighter in stages. We look at your hair's overall health and how well it can lift. Going from dark to bright blonde in one session is possible, but it may not be the best choice for the health of your hair.

1. Your hair will need some TLC

Lightening a lot can weaken your strands. Give them a pick-me-up with a hydrating hair mask and Olaplex. A mask replenishes moisture and helps restore balance to your hair. pH bonders like Olaplex work as part of a system to protect your hair's bonds, so it stays strong and more resistant to damage during the color service. Keep caring for your hair after your visit with Olaplex No. 3, an in-shower treatment that restores and reinforces your bonds between appointments.

2. You have blonde options, but avoid DIY

Staying blonde means spending some quality time with your stylist. For a smaller commitment, ask about balayage. It keeps darker color at your roots and scalp and bright blonde on your ends, so you skip the hassle of root maintenance and still look beautifully blonde.

DIY is great for home décor and not so great for brightening your hair. Nobody wants brassy strands or mismatched highlights. Leave hair color to the professionals and trust them to take your hair to newer, blonder heights without the costly DIY mishaps.

3. You'll need to upgrade your hair care routine

Color-treated blondes know any old shampoo won't do. Once your hair is blonde, it needs its own army of products to stay that way. Custom toning conditioners are a must for shiny, vibrant blonde hair. They're a blonde's best friend for fighting dull ends and brassy roots.

4. Your skin tone and makeup should guide your shade

Not sure which blonde to choose? Look at your skin tone. Paler or cooler skin tones usually look stunning with ashy, pearlescent shades. Warmer skin tones slay with golden hues.

Going blonde may also change your makeup. You might switch your eyebrow pencil shade or try new eyeliner colors. For help, stop by a department store makeup counter for a quick consultation and find the colors that work with your new hair.

5. Your hair texture might change

If your hair is naturally straight, you may notice more volume, because lightening roughens up the cuticle. With our oil-based blonding system, you may find your hair feels healthier.

6. Be honest with your sweet stylist

It may be hard to admit, but your stylist needs to know if you've used at-home hair color before your appointment. Knowing how much your hair has been colored before helps your stylist adjust your formula to get the best result for you.

Is going blonde right for you?

Chat with a Sweet T stylist to find out. Our oil-based blonding with Olaplex in Raleigh, NC is on the Oil-Based Blonde and Olaplex page, where you can book.