Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Are You Ready To Be Blonde?


We talked last week about lightening your hair (and how you should come into Believe to have it done by Lisa, the Master Colorist or one of the talented and trained staff here instead of reaching for the Clairol) but this week we’d like to talk about the different facets to going blonde. Blonde isn’t just a color—it’s a lifestyle.

You may be old enough to remember the commercials that said “If I only have one life, let me live it as a blonde” or the ones that promised blondes have more fun…but what do you really need to consider before you join the bevy of blonde beauties?

No need to go all Harlow—You are probably too mature for platinum hair: Hair color ranges in shade from deep black (level one) to that white blonde of the Nordic race (level 12). Unless someone hails from Iceland, you’ll rarely see anyone past puberty with anything lighter than a level seven. So unless you want to be glaring, think golden, wheat, ash or even the lightest brown. Those shades will look more natural.

Keep the right temperature: Everyone knows now about winter, spring, summer and autumn colors in fashion and how one season suits your skin type best. It is the same with shades of blonde. There are cool and warm shades. Bring in color photos of blonde shades you like (and hate). At Believe, we will use our years of experience to help you pick the shade that will best suit you.

Going blonde is one thing, staying blond is another: Make sure you are ready for the maintenance your new color will require. You might have gotten away with looking a little faded as a brunette or even a tad orange-ish as a redhead, but dark roots in your new blonde ‘do just look trashy. Get ready to have your hair colored (by us at Believe, please) every 4 weeks or so.

Change your hair products: Coloring your hair blonde requires bleaching products that may change the texture of your hair. You may need less shampooing and more conditioning. Use a sulfate-free shampoo like Chromastics Tri-Organic , a conditioner like Iden Treatment and a reconstructive treatment mask at home like Agadir Moisture Mask. Schedule a deep conditioning treatment every month with us here at Believe. When it comes to farm references, you want hair like corn silk, not like hay.

Pay attention during the process: If you have hair that is on the scale (see above) at level seven or higher, you may get to become blonde with just highlights. Darker than that and you need a “single process” or even a “base breaker” or maybe both, depending on how dark your natural hair is---we’ll educate you on this when you come to Believe for lightening. You’ll need to know to allow enough time at each appointment or if <sob> you ever decide to get your color done at some other salon.

Glazing is not just for donuts: There are sheer shade glazes that are a non-peroxide treatment that add the perfect shine to your new blonde look (and seal in that glisten-in-the-sun look).

Stop by your favorite department store makeup counter: Duck the women spraying perfume and ask for a free makeover. Your new hair color will require new lipstick certainly and maybe new brow and lash color as well. The opinion of a stranger is good here as they won’t be “blinded” by the old you—they’ll only see the dazzling blonde you are now.

Everyone’s got a blonde joke: And they are guaranteed to trot it out when they see your new color. Grin and bear it. They’ll soon run out of steam. You’ll have the last laugh knowing you look younger (lighter hair does that), that you can now be that hot blonde your partner is now ogling, and that now when people meet you, they’ll be wondering if you are having more fun. At Believe, we hope the answer is a resounding “yes!”