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!”
