Agyness Deyn
We have to admit: Ever since we saw Beyoncé in her short hairdo, it wasn’t the fact of whether or not she was wearing a wig that peaked our interest (okay, maybe a little) but her adorable pixie blonde hairstyle!
The jump from brunette to blonde is making its way through Hollywood, appearing on other notable style mavens such as Miley Cyrus (aka Hannah ‘Twerk’tana) and Anne Hathaway, who are also rocking this light look.
While this switch offers an eye-catching appeal, the process for achieving it must be approached with care in order to avoid draining ones mane of moisture, which can cause unsightly breakage.
To assist those who are intrigued by the growing trend and are planning to join in on the blonde brigade, Mario Russo, owner of Salon Mario Russo in Boston, has assembled the following tips for how to go about achieving a blonde bob with your stylist.
First Thing’s First: Consult A Stylist
Before taking the plunge, it is best to always consult your stylist about your decision to switch to a lighter color. The steps to achieve this look will vary on a case-by-case basis, taking into account multiple factors such as your natural shade and hair texture, the thickness of your hair, the length, as well as any coloring that has been done within the past six months.
Learn How To Warm Up Highlights Without Having To Go Completely Blonde —> HERE!
In order to make this drastic shift without over-drying or damaging your tresses, your stylist should consider these variables to determine the following:
A. How light you can go? (not everyone will look great as a total bleach blonde)
B. How many visits it will take to get the end result?
C. What methods to use for achieving the look?
D. What will you need to maintain the look?
The Shade
Not all shades of blonde will suit everyone, Mario points out, and your stylist should always consider your complexion and original hair color when determining just how light you can go.
Michelle, you started it all!
While some may look great as a bright blonde, others may be better suited for a honey shade. Keep in mind that everything from your skintone to your bone structure can change the way it appears on you. Also, if your hair fiber is delicate, your hair may not be well-suited for multiple treatments.
The Process
Once you and your stylist have agreed upon the shade, the next step is planning the course of action. Mario suggests making this a transition versus going all-out in just one visit.
Think you can pull off the pixie? Find out the Best Face Shapes To Wear A Pixie Cut —> HERE!
The time it takes to get your desired shade can also vary, depending on your natural hair quality and color, as well as the shade you want to achieve. Regardless, spreading out the transition will allow you to ease into the new hue and avoid damaging your hair.
Carey Mulligan
Mario also points out that you should ask your stylist which color system their salon uses, because certain dye products are harsher than others.
The Best Types of Pixie Cuts for Your Hair: Overlay, Pixie, Shag Cuts for Your Face Shape found —> HERE!
The Method
Additionally, your stylist will need to determine the best approach to getting you there, such as:
Single process coloring
Permanent glosses
Foil highlights
Balayage
Balayage is a French freehand-technique where the color is applied by hand rather than using the traditional foiling or cap highlighting techniques. Many times, multiple tactics will be applied to create dimension and contrast versus a uniformed color, which can look flat.
The Maintenance
Being a blonde bombshell means maintenance. Mario says your hair needs to be oiled regularly to sheathe the hair and smooth cuticles, helping to preserve quality and shine. Mario suggests using Kérastase Sérum Oléo-Relax ($40.00)
In addition to oil, Mario suggests applying Oribe Beautiful Color Hair Masque ($59.00) hair masks per month and using a moisturizing, color-protecting conditioner after every shampoo, like Oribe Beautiful Color Shampoo ($37.00) and Conditioner ($39.00).
Get To The Root Of The Problem
In addition to re-establishing and maintaining moisture, staying ahead of your roots is a must! Mario says top-up dyes for the roots should ideally be applied every 4 to 6 weeks, depending on your hair, to avoid unattractive dark patches.
Again, this depends on the technique used to get your shade, but typically you should follow the “color refresh, color refresh and color refresh and touch-up” routine.
This means before leaving the salon after your first appointment, you should book the following: color refresh sessions at weeks 4 and 6, as well as a root touch-up at 8 to 10 weeks.
Sticking to this system will avoid two things: 1. Having to apply heavy amounts of dye during applications and 2. Having to invest time and money into a full-color appointment at each visit.
Are any of you beauties thinking about going full blonde? Have you already? What steps do you take to have your blonde hair looking its best?
Let us know by commenting below (you might win a free sample)! Make sure to check out our Pinterest page by clicking HERE! And don’t forget to get the latest beauty and skincare news by following us on Twitter @BeautyStat!
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