Going from brunette to blonde is doable, but the darker your starting color, the more planning it takes. You may need more than one salon appointment, especially if your hair has been dyed before, and keeping your new blonde looking good takes work. I learned that much before a single drop of bleach touched my head.
I’m naturally dark-haired, so I am either rocking jet black or dark brown hair. Suffice to say, when I was a brat child, I forced my mother to buy me all the brunette Barbies. Redheads were acceptable, black hair was preferable (but rare), but blonde was a no-go. I felt, as one of the only dark-haired children in my friend group, I needed toys or characters that represented me. At one point in my very angst-y, gothic teen years, I swore off blonde because I thought dark hair magically equated to brain size or an innate capacity for deep thinking.
I was wrong. These days, I’m all for it. So, I (stupidly?) asked my social network for their thoughts on my blonde ambition. Some people were excited for me, but most responded with confusion. I was told I was “too dark,” “too Italian,” “too weird,” or “too pale” to go blonde. It was disappointing, but I guess I asked for it. The thing is, I believe the responses were rooted in that “dumb blonde” stigma I would so like to see just stop.
I just have to say: the haters made the rebellious glam girl in me want to go blonde even more.
So, here’s a picture of me as a “blonde,” after playing with the Facetune app a little too enthusiastically:
In my adventures to gain knowledge about this quest, I had hair consultations at two fancy salons, asked friends who went blonde, and did some research of my own. Note: I haven’t dyed my locks yet, but it’s happening, I swear! Here’s what I learned before going from brunette to blonde.
1. Back away from the dye aisle.
Unless your hair is only a shade or two away from blonde, going much lighter is best handled by a professional. Dark brown hair often needs lightener to reach blonde, and putting a blonde box dye over previously dyed dark hair won’t simply turn it blonde. Your color history matters as much as the shade you start with.
When I had my consultations, it was made immediately clear to me that certain shades would look better and that I would need a lot of upkeep, as I have 1) gray hair, 2) thick, dry hair, and 3) rather quickly growing hair. Tell your colorist about any previous dye, bleach, or other chemical treatments, even if they happened months ago. Ask whether a strand test is needed and what result is realistic for your first appointment.
2. Know what you like.
I’ve been fantasizing about a nice honey blonde shade à la Jennifer Lawrence, but how in the hell would I know that unless I pored over countless pictures of celebrities (it’s a tough life)? I recommend saving a dozen or so pictures of hair colors that you’re interested in and some that you’re not.
My consultant was honest enough to tell me exactly which hair colors he thought would work best and the process by which we’d achieve that color. He also let me know how we’d handle brassy tones and limit damage. Know whether you’d like highlights, lowlights, or one all-over shade, and whether you prefer warmer honey tones or a cooler blonde. If you don’t know, ask! Photos make that conversation much easier.
3. Don’t skimp on quality or price.
Sometimes what you pay for is what you get. First off, do your research. Ask your friends with gorgeous dye jobs where they got their hair done. Reviews are helpful, Instagram is telling, and a salon’s before-and-after photos can speak volumes. Look for examples of dark-to-blonde work, not just gorgeous blondes who started out blonde.
If Salon A has convincing results and a colorist who explains the process, while Salon B just promises to make you platinum by lunchtime, I know which consultation I’d trust. Price alone isn’t proof of skill, though. Ask for an estimate that covers lightening, toning, any follow-up sessions, and maintenance. You want to feel comfortable trusting someone with your mane.
4. Play it gradually.
You know what’s not cute? Hair falling out, extreme breakage, or wonky dye jobs. Going from dark brown to light brown to blonde over multiple appointments may be worth it, especially if your hair has been colored before or feels dry and fragile. A lighter result in one sitting isn’t always a realistic or sensible goal.
Ask your colorist how many sessions your particular hair can handle and what to expect between visits. Highlights or balayage can also let you try a little blonde before committing to a full transformation. I’m a bit of a baby, so I’d probably take it slow just to give my brain time to catch up with my reflection.
5. Upkeep can be a bitch.
The reality is that lightened hair can change, sometimes for the worse. It may feel drier, more brittle, or harder to detangle, and your roots will eventually announce themselves. How often you need a salon visit depends on how blonde you go and whether you choose all-over color or a softer, grown-out look. Ask about that schedule before you commit.
Conditioner, gentler detangling, and less heat styling can help you manage dryness and breakage. Purple shampoo can tone down yellow-looking brassiness, but it isn’t a substitute for conditioner or a salon toner, and using it too often may leave some blondes looking dull or violet. Friends who went blonde mentioned these products to me, although I haven’t tested them myself:
- John Frieda Colour Renew Correcting Shampoo, aka purple shampoo
- WEN Sweet Almond Mint Cleansing Conditioner
- Living Proof Restore Shampoo
Don’t assume a product is better for bleached hair just because it’s labeled paraben-free. What matters more is whether the formula works for your hair and scalp. And before any color service, follow the product’s allergy-test instructions and tell your stylist if you’ve had a reaction to hair dye.
6. Prepare for a new look altogether.
A change in your hair color might make you want to change your palette, too. For me, I imagine a day when I can rock a slick black outfit with light hair and red lips. With dark hair, red lips, and a black dress, I feel a bit rock-n-roll when I’m really trying to come off as a Hollywood starlet. With the new hue, I’ll get to experiment with colors and styles I haven’t tried before, which is probably half the reason I want to dye my hair. Change can be a good thing.
Good luck, Godspeed, and go blonde!
