So you want to go blonde? They do say blondes have more fun. What they fail to mention is how much of a commitment it is to maintain those lovely locks of blonde hair. I made the switch to going blonde once, and I’ve learned a thing or two throughout the years about what it’s really like to maintain blonde hair. As a former brunette, I’m giving you 8 Things Every Dark-Haired Girl Should Know First!
8 Things Every Dark-Haired Girl Should Know First
1. It’s Not a One-and-Done Process
Did you know it takes about a few days for your eyes to adjust to any drastic changes you make to hair? If you’re thinking about making the change, I recommend that you make those changes to your hair slowly. Start off with highlights, then graduate to balayage, and then full-on blonde.
Going blonde from dark hair usually takes multiple lightening sessions (sometimes over months) to keep your hair healthy. Expect gradual color lifts: rich caramel, then honey blonde, then an even lighter blonde.
2. Choose the Right Blonde for Your Skin Tone
- Warm skin tones: Golden or honey blondes.
- Cool skin tones: Ash or beige blondes.
- Neutral skin tones: You can go either way, but still consider maintenance.
3. Budget for Maintenance
Blonde hair requires regular toning, root touch-ups, and at-home care. Think:
- Weekly masks for moisture.
- Salon toners every 6–8 weeks.
- Color-safe shampoo and conditioner.
4. Brassiness WILL Happen
Dark hair has strong warm undertones, so brassiness is inevitable without the right care. Prevention:
- Use purple shampoo (yellow tones) or blue shampoo (orange tones).
- Tone your hair using this guide!
- Avoid excessive heat styling.
- Protect from sun & chlorine.
5. You’ll Need to Change Your Haircare Routine
Lightened hair is more porous and fragile. Switch to:
- Sulfate-free shampoo.
- Bond-building treatments like this one from K18. It’s expensive but 100% worth it!
- Microfiber towels to prevent breakage.
6. The Damage Factor
Even with the best stylist, bleaching damages the hair cuticle. Be prepared for:
- More tangles.
- Dryness at the ends.
- Needing trims more often.
7. The Commitment Is Real
Going blonde is like getting bangs. You need to want the upkeep. If you can’t commit to maintenance, consider balayage or face-framing highlights for a lower-maintenance blonde vibe.
8. Have a Plan for Going Back
If you decide blonde isn’t for you, transitioning back to dark hair can also require careful color correction to avoid flat, muddy tones.
Related post: How to tone your hair at home.
Going blonde can be an amazing confidence boost, but it’s even better when you know exactly what you’re getting into. Take your time, protect your hair, and invest in the right products so you can keep your blonde looking fresh and healthy.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, meaning that any clicks may result in a small commission to keeping XoxoKayMo blog running at no additional cost to you.