How to Prep Your Hair to Go Blonde This Summer
Go blonde the right way this summer. (Photo: Liz Collins - Trunk Archive)
With summer just around the corner, it’s a time when many start to think about going lighter—and blonde ambition is not something to ignore. But before you go and book that appointment to go platinum, there are a few things you can do to get your hair ready. Joel Warren, a master colorist master colorist and co-founder of Warren-Tricomi Salons and Aura Friedman, a celebrity colorist at Sally Hershberger Downtown in New York City, are sharing their blonde prep tips with us. With their advice, you’ll be ready for a beautiful blonde that’s healthy and will last all summer long.
Assess your situation. Should you do it? “Each case is different, but there are people with hair too damaged to bleach,” cautions Friedman. “If your hair is breaking, you should definitely avoid bleaching for a while and get on a regimen to repair your hair. Also, if your colorist is advising you not to go platinum or bleach your hair, I would take that advice.”
Get your hair in shape. Ok, you’re doing it. “First of all, take care of your hair with a good regimen that infuses moisture and strength,” says Warren. “Fine hair needs strengthening products and a leave-in conditioner to prevent dryness when heat styling. Curls and waves require hydrating products. Chemically-processed hair needs to stay hydrated and repair any breakage with protein.” Friedman uses Olaplex during processing and recommends it to clients for at least two weeks before going blonde. “It adds links to the disulfide bonds and prevents hair from breaking down as much when it’s being bleached,” she says. Friedman suggests clients apply Olaplex before bed, leave it in overnight, and then shampoo in the morning. Also, the usual damaging suspects like excessive heat styling are a no-no before lightening up.
Make time for masks. Hydration is key to hair health, and Warren says masks are the way to get it. “Masks are great for all hair types before and after a color service,” he says. Whatever your hair type, you should apply hair masks on dry hair, not wet. “Dry hair absorbs more nutrients and benefit than if the hair is already saturated with water,” says Warren.
Invest in the right tools. Protect your investment by getting products for color-treated hair, and mimicking your stylist’s tools for maintenance: wide-tooth combs, boar bristle brushes, etc. Both experts recommend the Shu Uemura Color Lustre Line for daily care, as well as conditioners specifically designed for blonde hair. “Davines Alchemic Conditioner Silver and Davines Alchemic Golden ($29) are great,” advises Friedman. “Generally, the more yellow in your hair color, the more silver the conditioner, but mixing the two together equally creates a great neutral.”
Treat it right. “Going blonde, particularly platinum, changes everything,” cautions Friedman. “When you step out of the shower, pat your hair dry, never rub.” Friedman says to avoid heat styling if at all possible, “But, if you do, protect your ends with an oil, like Shu Uemura Essence Absolue ($69.)”
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