Going blonde is a hair transformation dream for many. The allure of sunny, golden locks is undeniable. However, if you’re starting with brown hair, the journey to blonde can seem daunting. The question, then, is: can you actually colour brown hair blonde? The short answer is yes, but the process is complex and requires careful consideration. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know before taking the plunge, ensuring you achieve your desired blonde shade while maintaining the health of your hair.
Understanding the Hair Colouring Process
Before diving into the specifics of going blonde from brown, it’s crucial to understand the basics of hair colouring. Hair colour is determined by melanin, a pigment found in the hair cortex. Darker hair has more melanin, while lighter hair has less. Colouring hair involves opening the hair cuticle (the outer layer), allowing colour molecules to penetrate the cortex and alter the existing pigment.
Lifting and Toning: The Two-Step Process
Achieving a blonde shade from brown hair typically involves two key steps: lifting and toning. Lifting refers to the process of lightening the natural hair colour. This is primarily achieved using a chemical called bleach, also known as a lightener. Bleach works by oxidizing the melanin, effectively breaking it down and making it less visible.
Toning, on the other hand, involves adding colour to the hair after it has been lightened. Toners are used to neutralize unwanted undertones, such as brassiness (orange or yellow hues) that often appear after bleaching. They also add the desired blonde shade and create a more polished and refined look.
Factors Influencing the Success of Brown to Blonde Transformation
Several factors determine how easily and successfully you can transform brown hair into blonde. Understanding these factors is critical for setting realistic expectations and minimizing potential damage.
Natural Hair Colour and Underlying Pigments
The starting point, your natural hair colour, significantly impacts the lightening process. Darker brown hair contains more pigment and requires more lifting to reach a blonde shade. This often means multiple bleaching sessions, which can be damaging.
Furthermore, the underlying pigments in your hair play a crucial role. Brown hair typically has red and orange undertones. As you lighten your hair, these undertones will become more apparent before you reach a blonde shade. The toner used will need to neutralize these undertones effectively to achieve the desired blonde result.
Hair Condition and Health
The condition of your hair is paramount. Damaged or weak hair is more susceptible to breakage and further damage during the lightening process. If your hair is already dry, brittle, or prone to split ends, it’s essential to address these issues before attempting to go blonde. Protein treatments and deep conditioning masks can help strengthen and hydrate your hair.
Hair History: Previous Colour Treatments
Previous colour treatments, especially permanent dyes, can complicate the lightening process. Colour build-up can make it more difficult to lift the hair evenly, leading to patchy results. It’s crucial to inform your stylist about any previous colour treatments to ensure they can tailor the lightening process accordingly. Dark dyes, especially box dyes, can be notoriously difficult to lift, sometimes requiring colour correction techniques.
Hair Texture and Porosity
Hair texture and porosity also influence how well your hair lightens. Fine hair tends to lighten faster than coarse hair. Porosity refers to the hair’s ability to absorb moisture and chemicals. High porosity hair absorbs colour quickly but can also lose it just as fast. Low porosity hair, on the other hand, is resistant to absorbing colour. Understanding your hair’s texture and porosity is crucial for choosing the right bleaching products and techniques.
Choosing the Right Blonde Shade
Blonde is not a one-size-fits-all colour. There’s a wide range of blonde shades, from platinum and ash blonde to honey and strawberry blonde. Selecting the right shade depends on your skin tone, eye colour, and personal preferences.
Understanding Skin Tones and Blonde Shades
Cool skin tones (with pink or blue undertones) generally look best with cool blonde shades, such as platinum, ash blonde, and icy blonde. These shades help neutralize any redness in the skin and create a harmonious balance.
Warm skin tones (with yellow or golden undertones) tend to complement warm blonde shades, such as honey blonde, golden blonde, and caramel blonde. These shades enhance the skin’s natural warmth and create a radiant glow.
Neutral skin tones can generally pull off a wider range of blonde shades. However, it’s still important to consider your eye colour and personal preferences when making your selection.
Considering Maintenance and Upkeep
Different blonde shades require different levels of maintenance. Platinum blonde, for example, requires frequent touch-ups to maintain its bright, even colour and prevent brassiness. Honey blonde, on the other hand, is more forgiving and requires less frequent touch-ups. Consider your lifestyle and how much time and effort you’re willing to invest in maintaining your chosen blonde shade.
The Process of Going Blonde From Brown
The process of going blonde from brown typically involves several steps, which may vary depending on your hair colour, condition, and desired blonde shade.
Consultation and Strand Test
The first step is a thorough consultation with a professional hair stylist. During the consultation, the stylist will assess your hair’s condition, discuss your desired blonde shade, and explain the lightening process. They will also perform a strand test to determine how your hair will react to the bleach and toner. A strand test involves applying the bleach and toner to a small, inconspicuous section of your hair to assess the lift and tone. This helps the stylist determine the appropriate strength of the bleach, the processing time, and the best toner for achieving your desired results.
Bleaching or Lightening the Hair
The next step is bleaching or lightening the hair. The stylist will apply the bleach to your hair, carefully sectioning it to ensure even coverage. The bleach will lift the natural pigment from your hair, revealing the underlying undertones. The processing time will vary depending on your hair colour and the desired level of lightness.
It’s crucial to note that multiple bleaching sessions may be required to achieve a very light blonde shade from dark brown hair. However, it’s important to space out these sessions to minimize damage to the hair.
Toning the Hair
Once the hair has been sufficiently lightened, the stylist will apply a toner to neutralize any unwanted undertones and add the desired blonde shade. The toner will deposit colour into the hair shaft, creating a more polished and refined look. The stylist will select a toner that complements your skin tone and achieves your desired blonde shade.
Deep Conditioning and Treatment
After the toning process, the stylist will apply a deep conditioning treatment to help restore moisture and strength to the hair. Bleaching can be drying and damaging, so it’s essential to replenish the hair’s moisture levels and repair any damage.
Potential Risks and Considerations
Going blonde from brown is a chemical process that can potentially damage the hair. It’s important to be aware of the risks and take steps to minimize them.
Hair Damage and Breakage
Bleach can weaken the hair shaft, leading to dryness, brittleness, and breakage. The extent of damage depends on the strength of the bleach, the processing time, and the condition of your hair. Over-processing can lead to severe damage, resulting in hair loss.
Scalp Irritation and Sensitivity
Bleach can also irritate the scalp, causing redness, itching, and burning. Individuals with sensitive skin are more prone to scalp irritation.
Uneven Colour and Patchiness
If the bleach is not applied evenly, it can result in uneven colour and patchiness. This is more likely to occur if you attempt to bleach your hair at home without professional assistance.
Brassiness and Unwanted Undertones
As mentioned earlier, bleaching brown hair can reveal unwanted undertones, such as orange and yellow. If the toner is not effective at neutralizing these undertones, the hair can appear brassy.
Maintaining Your Blonde Hair
Maintaining blonde hair requires a commitment to regular care and upkeep.
Using Colour-Safe Shampoo and Conditioner
Regular shampoos can strip the hair of its colour and moisture. Colour-safe shampoos and conditioners are formulated to gently cleanse the hair without fading the colour. Look for products specifically designed for blonde hair to help maintain its brightness and prevent brassiness.
Incorporating Purple Shampoo
Purple shampoo is a must-have for blonde hair. It contains purple pigments that neutralize yellow tones, keeping your blonde shade bright and fresh. Use purple shampoo once or twice a week, or as needed, to combat brassiness.
Deep Conditioning Regularly
Bleached hair tends to be dry and brittle, so it’s essential to deep condition it regularly. Use a deep conditioning mask or treatment at least once a week to replenish moisture and strengthen the hair.
Minimizing Heat Styling
Heat styling can further damage bleached hair. Minimize your use of heat styling tools, such as flat irons, curling irons, and hair dryers. When you do use heat styling tools, apply a heat protectant spray to shield your hair from damage.
Getting Regular Trims
Regular trims help remove split ends and prevent further breakage. Aim to get a trim every six to eight weeks to keep your hair healthy and strong.
Protecting Hair from the Sun
Sun exposure can fade hair colour and damage the hair shaft. Protect your hair from the sun by wearing a hat or using a UV protectant spray.
Going blonde from brown hair is achievable with the right knowledge, professional guidance, and proper care. By understanding the process, considering the potential risks, and committing to a maintenance routine, you can achieve your desired blonde shade while keeping your hair healthy and vibrant.
Is it always possible to colour brown hair blonde in a single session?
Achieving blonde from brown hair, especially darker shades, in one session isn’t always guaranteed. The process heavily depends on your hair’s current colour level, condition, and the type of blonde you desire. Darker browns typically require multiple lightening sessions to reach the desired level of blonde without causing significant damage. Attempting a drastic colour change in one go can lead to breakage, uneven colour, and compromised hair health. Professional assessment is crucial to determine the feasibility and optimal approach.
Factors such as previous chemical treatments (dyes, perms, relaxers) can also influence the outcome. Pre-existing damage or uneven porosity can make lifting the colour more challenging and unpredictable. A skilled colourist will consider these factors, conduct a strand test, and recommend a gradual approach to achieve the desired blonde while preserving the integrity of your hair. Patience and prioritizing hair health are key to a successful transformation.
What are the potential risks involved in bleaching brown hair blonde?
Bleaching brown hair blonde inevitably involves using chemicals that can weaken the hair shaft, leading to dryness, brittleness, and increased susceptibility to breakage. The bleaching process strips the hair of its natural oils and proteins, compromising its elasticity and strength. Over-processing can result in split ends, frizz, and a dull, lifeless appearance. Regular deep conditioning treatments and protein masks are essential for mitigating these effects.
Beyond the immediate effects, repeated bleaching can cause long-term damage that requires significant time and effort to repair. In severe cases, hair loss or scalp irritation can occur. It’s crucial to choose a reputable salon with experienced colourists who prioritize hair health and use high-quality products. They can assess your hair’s condition, perform strand tests, and recommend appropriate aftercare to minimize the risks and maintain the health and appearance of your hair.
How can I prepare my brown hair before bleaching it blonde?
Preparing your hair properly before bleaching is essential to minimize damage and ensure a more even and predictable result. Start by deep conditioning your hair regularly for several weeks leading up to the appointment. This will help hydrate and strengthen the hair shaft, making it more resilient to the chemical processing. Avoid heat styling and other potentially damaging treatments during this period.
Also, refrain from washing your hair for a day or two before your appointment. The natural oils on your scalp act as a protective barrier against the harsh chemicals in the bleach. Communicate openly with your colourist about any previous chemical treatments or sensitivities you may have. This information will help them tailor the process to your specific hair type and condition, further reducing the risk of damage. A trim to remove split ends before bleaching can also promote healthier-looking results.
What is the difference between balayage, highlights, and a full head of blonde?
Balayage involves hand-painting the bleach onto the hair, creating a natural, sun-kissed effect with gradual transitions between the dark roots and lighter ends. Highlights involve strategically placing lighter strands throughout the hair, often using foils, to add dimension and brightness. A full head of blonde entails lightening all of the hair from roots to ends, resulting in a uniform blonde colour.
The choice between these techniques depends on the desired look and the level of maintenance required. Balayage offers a more low-maintenance option with softer regrowth, while highlights can provide a more noticeable contrast. A full head of blonde requires frequent touch-ups to maintain the even colour and avoid visible roots. Your colourist can help you determine which technique best suits your hair type, colour, and lifestyle.
How often should I touch up my blonde roots after bleaching brown hair?
The frequency of root touch-ups depends on how quickly your hair grows and how noticeable the contrast between your natural brown roots and the blonde hair is. Generally, root touch-ups are recommended every 4 to 6 weeks to maintain a seamless blonde look and prevent a harsh line of demarcation. Delaying touch-ups for too long can make the process more challenging and increase the risk of banding or uneven colour.
If you’re opting for a more low-maintenance blonde look, such as balayage or shadow roots, you can extend the time between touch-ups to 8 to 12 weeks. This allows for a more gradual and natural regrowth. Consistent use of purple shampoo and other colour-safe products can help keep your blonde hair vibrant and prevent brassiness, reducing the need for frequent salon visits. Consult your colourist for personalized advice on the best touch-up schedule for your hair.
What is the role of toner in achieving the perfect blonde?
Toner is an essential product used after bleaching to neutralize unwanted yellow or orange tones in the hair. Bleaching lifts the natural pigments from the hair, often revealing underlying warm tones. Toner deposits colour pigments that counteract these warm tones, resulting in a cooler, more neutral, or ashy blonde shade. It helps create the desired final colour and enhances the overall vibrancy and shine of the blonde.
Toner also helps to even out the tone across the hair, correcting any inconsistencies in the colour lift. It comes in various shades and formulations, allowing colourists to customize the result based on the client’s specific hair colour and desired blonde tone. Toner is not a permanent colour and typically fades over time, requiring periodic reapplication to maintain the desired blonde shade. Regular use of purple shampoo can help prolong the effects of toner and keep the blonde looking fresh.
What kind of aftercare is necessary to maintain blonde hair after bleaching?
After bleaching brown hair blonde, a dedicated aftercare routine is crucial to maintain its health, colour, and shine. Invest in high-quality shampoos and conditioners specifically formulated for colour-treated hair. These products are designed to be gentle on the hair and help prevent colour fading. Regular deep conditioning treatments and hair masks are essential to replenish moisture and repair damage caused by the bleaching process.
Minimize heat styling and use heat protectant products when using styling tools such as blow dryers, curling irons, and straighteners. Avoid excessive sun exposure, as UV rays can fade the colour and damage the hair. Use a leave-in conditioner with UV protection when spending time outdoors. Consider using a silk or satin pillowcase to reduce friction and breakage while you sleep. Regular trims to remove split ends will also help maintain the overall health and appearance of your blonde hair. Purple shampoo used once or twice a week will help neutralize brassiness.