How to Switch From Brunet to Blond Hair

By eHow Fashion, Style & Personal Care Editor

Rate: (42 Ratings)

We've all heard the rumor about the connection between having blonde hair and having fun. Tempted to find out if it's true? The upkeep may be well worth it. Follow these few steps to get blonde hair like Pamela Anderson, Paris Hilton and the like!

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

Step1
Consider your options. If you have light- to medium-brunet hair, you may make it to blond. If you have dark-brunet hair, you may need to go to a lighter shade of brown and add blond highlights.
Step2
Examine your coloring and choose a shade that will enhance your beauty. Go for golden and sunny tones if you wear warm colors well, and opt for beige and ash shades if cool colors complement your complexion.
Step3
Remember that the color you see on the box will not be the color you end up with. To go within two shades of your natural color, select a shade lighter than what you desire, which when blended with your natural color will create the shade you're after. (You can then skip step 5.) To go more than two shades lighter than your natural hair color requires that you lift or strip your natural color, thereby creating a base on which you can deposit a new color.
Step4
Deep condition your hair a few days prior to your treatment. Before your process, wash hair with a clarifying shampoo or a mix of vinegar and baking soda. The former will strengthen your hair while the latter will remove any buildup or deposits.
Step5
Strip your natural color using a bleach or product specifically designed to lift color from your hair. The more dramatic the color change the more intense the stripper should be. Follow the directions exactly, especially the time limit, and remain calm as you see your hair turn a very strange color.
Step6
Proceed with the application of your desired permanent color - you cannot go lighter with semi-permanent color. Begin your color application about 1 inch from your crown and distribute to ends, saving the roots for last. For long or very curly hair you might need to buy two kits, as well as enlist a friend to assist you with the process.
Step7
Keep a detailed journal of your process, citing color names, application process and application time. This will come in handy for your touch-ups, or if you need professional advice on adjusting your shade.
Step8
Tend to your roots every three to four weeks for seamless color.

Tips & Warnings

  • Get professional advice from a trained colorist or your stylist. Most will advise against doing such a dramatic change at home, but salon prices for the initial process and upkeep may put a dent in your budget.
  • Always test a small patch of your hair before you proceed with your entire head. This will give you a chance to see how your color will look, and give you a chance to consult with a company representative about making any adjustments.
  • Use well-known brands that specialize in at-home color treatments for the best results. Call the 800 number on the package to discuss your plans and get suggestions about which products are best suited to your needs.
  • Pregnant? Get your doctor's OK before proceeding with any hair color treatment.
  • If you have applied henna to your hair in the last year, remember that you cannot perm it or use a chemical color over it.
  • Avoid chlorine and salt water for a few days after coloring your hair, as this contact may cause adverse reactions to your new color. Remember that the sun's rays will cause your color to fade faster.

Comments

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on 4/15/2008 can you just use hair stripper for a color?

thumperj

thumperj said

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on 9/4/2007 I am gray hair and white hair mixed. I dyed it golden brown and would like to go to a ashy blonde. I thought about jus dyeing it. Do you think I should use bleach or jus dye it 3 shades down?

thumperj

thumperj said

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on 9/4/2007 I am gray hair and white hair mixed. I dyed it golden brown and would like to go to a ashy blonde. I thought about jus dyeing it. Do you think I should use bleach or jus dye it 3 shades down?

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on 4/16/2007 Use a 30 or even a 40 developer (but be warned the higher the number the better the chances of burning the scalp) Try using your 30 developer with a level 10 base gold 12g blonde die. (ask at sally's they will know what it is-about $5 for the die and $7 for the developer) After placing on strands and what not then do roots. ROOTS LAST! Cover with a plastic bag for about 20 mins. Follow with a pull through. (making sure you got all of your hair and it will help with the natural look of highlights if wanted) Replace cap and set for another 15-20 mins.
Rinse well and use a color treated level condisener. Dry hair and take a look.
It not liked, wait at least 4-5 days before redying....you never know, you just might grow to like it.
Good Luck
Brandon (Pensacola, FL)

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 8/15/2006 Someone from Sally's will let you know if you need to strip your hair first and/or use a filler and also how to mix the hair color. You'll at least need to purchase their recommended blond hair color, 30 developer, a couple bowls, brushes, and a good conditioner - about $30. Ask for gloves and an extra bag to cover your hair with at the counter. Getting highlights to apply after the color (and washing and drying) may be a good idea also so your hair isn't just one solid color.

If your hair has been colored, but you have fresh roots make sure to put your hair color on the bottom part of your hair first, leave on for 15-20 minutes (depending on how dark it is) and then apply it to the roots, cover with a plastic bag or shower cap and leave on for 20-45 minutes. Your roots will absorb the color much faster than your processed hair. Buy too much dye if you have to and drench your hair in color.

If you're making a big change to several shades lighter, wait at least 5 days and wash it a couple times before panicking, attempting to correct it, and making it worse. It may grow on you. If it's still too brassy, dye it again with an ash based blonde and this will neutralize the red. Whatever you do, don't attempt to dye your hair back to brown after you dye it blond- it will turn green.

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eHow Article: How to Switch From Brunet to Blond Hair

eHow Fashion, Style & Personal Care Editor

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