With the weather getting warmer, the season calls for lighter shades from clothing, to makeup and yes, your hair! Always wanted to try your best Marilyn, Elle or Gwen locks on for size? It’s time to take the plunge! Here’s how to go from brunette to blonde the safest way possible.
by Anna McDougall
Blonde is back, and just in time for summer. It seems like every time you turn a magazine page your favourite starlet has opted for a lighter shade in perfect condition (with more then a little help from their entourage!). It’s hard not to be envious of a bevvy of naturally brunette beauties like Marilyn Monroe, Madonna, Mariah Carey, Lady Gaga and Jennifer Lopez who sport multiple shades of voluminous, healthy blonde hair.
So how can us laymen get Marilyn worthy tresses while keeping our strands in top shape? There are a few simple rules to go from black beauty to goldilocks without ending up like Ronald McDonald.
1. Although there is significant economic appeal in trying the DIY job, this is a hair sin, especially when going a lighter shade! When changing your colour from brunette to blonde, always work with your trusted colourist to avoid doing major damage to your hair.
2. Patience is a virtue when it comes to dying your hair blonde. Unless you have never experimented with different hair colours before, transitioning from raven hair to blonde is an arduous task and you must be prepared to take several trips to the hiar salon.
3. Most likely your hair may become more golden then you were originally prepared for, once you start the change. Don’t be alarmed, when colour is removed from the hair there will tend to be a warmth (orange or gold tones) to start with, but this is an important part in eventually achieving the look you desire.
4. Take care. When you transition to blonde from brunette, you have to strip color away first, which can do serious harm if you don’t take care of your hair between steps. At home maintenance is a must to make sure your hair remains moisturised, so it won’t become dry and brittle.
5. As a blonde, keeping up your look takes a lot more effort then when you had your darker tresses. You’ll need regrowth appointments every 4-6 weeks and a great toner for at home maintenance.
Rescu. recommends these products to help keep your new blonde hair healthy, and keep up the desired colour.
Schwartzkopf Nordic Blonde Toner
Neutralises and eliminates unwanted yellow gold tones ($8.99 Woolworths, Coles, Priceline stores, independent retailers and pharmacies)
KMS California COLORVITALITY Blonde Treatment
Fights yellowing and enhances and restores blonde tones ($28.95 1800 506 060)
Redken Blonde Glam Shampoo
Formulated with Redken’s exclusive Interlock Protein Network, for smoothing, softness and conditioning to leave hair more moisturised ($28.00 from Chemist Warehouse)
John Frieda SHEER BLONDE® Go Blonder Lightening Conditioner
Gentle enough for daily use and gently lightens and replenishes moisture to natural or colour-treated blonde hair. ($17.99 Priceline, Target, Woolworths, Coles and selected pharmacy)
