This post is for my fellow blondes, although you’ll find healthy hair tips for any hair color sprinkled throughout. Although I’m naturally dark blonde, I’ve been coloring my hair to be blonder since high school! I just wanted to share a few blonde hair care tips I’ve learned along the way – including my favorite shampoo and ways to fight the brassiness that discolors hair.
I also want to talk about doing a hair gloss at home. Have you ever had a hair gloss at your stylist? Hair gloss, or glaze, repairs hair damage, is less harsh than hair dye, and provides intense shine and conditioning. Thanks to the wonders of the internet, you can buy hair gloss supplies easily on Amazon and save yourself a ton of money!
See my tips after the jump!
Blonde Hair Care Tips
1. Go to a color specialist :: Starting in college, I went to a salon where my hair stylist did everything – wash, cut, color and style. Then my hair stylist moved and had to find a new person. I bounced around from salon to salon and had so many bad experiences! My hair was orange and brittle. I hated looking in the mirror.
Then we moved to San Francisco. Fresh city, fresh start. I searched Yelp reviews to help me choose a new place. My new salon has a dedicated colorist. All she does all day long is color peoples’ hair. She does an awesome job and every time I go I know my hair is going to look great at the end. There’s just something so comforting about knowing that I’m going to an expert! A color specialist will also know how to make your blonde hair look natural. Because hair lightens over time, you don’t need to bleach the ends, meaning you spare your hair the extra damage.
2. Get frequent trims :: My rule is frequent trims, infrequent colors. I only get my hair colored four times a year but I get trims almost double that. Dye is hard on your hair so the trims help keep the ends from splitting.
3. Use the right shampoo :: To make it easier to space my colors, I use a special shampoo for blonde hair. My secret is Naissant – it corrects that brassy tones that develop between dyes and brings out the blonde tones. It also leaves my hair soft and smelling nice! I’m talking that ‘just leaving the salon my hair looks perfect’ look! It’s been a total game-changer for my hair. I use both the shampoo and the hair treatment.
4. Layer it up :: Have your stylist add layers to your blonde hair. It creates movement and highlights the shine of your blonde hair.
5. Wash less :: Less showers = less damage. It’s as simple as that. Make dry shampoo your friend instead. Dry shampoo is especially great for light hair since it lightens up dark roots. I’ve tried many, many dry shampoos and have two favorites that I think are worth every penny – DryBar and Julep. Less showers are also good for the environment and an easy way to do your part.
6. Swim Smarter :: Rinse hair off right after swimming, and get your hair wet before so won’t soak up chlorine.
7. Sun Protection :: Oh man, sun is hard on your hair. If you’re going to be in the sun, use a UV protection spray. You’ll look stylish in a sunhat that has built in UV protection!
8. Tie One On :: This one is for all hair colors, but use a soft elastic with no metal. You can also make your own hair ties with this easy DIY.
9. Do an at-home glaze :: If you go to any colorist worth their salt, they probably finish your color with a glaze, which locks in your hair’s shine. Did you know you can do a glaze at home between colors? Doing an at home hair glaze is easy once you know the steps. To do the glaze you need the following supplies:
Clear Gloss
Gloss Processing Solution
Disposable Gloves
Wide Tooth Comb
Color Applicator Bottle
Hair Clips
Shower Cap
1. Start with dry, brushed hair. Cover shoulders with a towel to protect your clothes.
2. Clip hair into four or five sections. Mix gloss and processing solution in a color applicator bottle according to package directions.
3. Squirt activated gloss into each section of hair, avoiding the roots, which are already naturally shinier than the rest of your hair thanks to natural oils. Use a wide tooth comb to comb gloss through hair and distribute evenly.
4. Wrap hair up and cover with a shower cap. Blow dry on low heat with the cap on for three minutes. Allow to set for 30 minutes.
5. To finish, shampoo and condition as you normally would. You can/should gloss your hair once per month.
// Satya Twena SPF Sunhat // Redken Clear Gloss // Redken Clear Gloss Processing Solution // Naissant Perla Beige Tone Refreshing Shampoo // Naissant Perla Beige Tone Correcting Mask // Naissant Protection and Deep Reparation Elixir // Metal Free Hair Ties // Wide Tooth Comb // Julep Dry Shampoo //
Thanks so much for reading A Side of Sweet! For more Sweet in your life, you can find me on Instagram, Pinterest, Bloglovin’, Facebook, or Twitter, or subscribe to receive a weekly email with new posts (see sidebar).
Amy Hodgdon says
Great tips! I am all about the dry shampoo, and although I don’t color my hair…I totally agree about frequent trims! It just keeps your hair healthier all around!
Kelly @A Side of Sweet says
Thanks! Dry shampoo has literally changed my whole morning routine! It’s the best!
Ashley @ A Lady Goes West says
Hi Kelly! My hair seems to lighten, so I have to color it to keep it dark, so I try to follow many of these tips. Also, washing your hair less is the way to go! Dry shampoo = the best thing ever! 🙂
Kelly @A Side of Sweet says
I had no idea you colored your hair! It looks so natural!
Tiffany Ingram says
Very fun post! I’ve never had to dye mine but recently I have been using John Frieda’s ‘Go Blonder’ Shampoo and I have definitely seen a notice in the brightness of my hair. I’ve never done a at home glaze, thanks for the tips!
Xx, Tiffany | http://www.sunshinedaydreamphotography.com
Kelly @A Side of Sweet says
I grew up using the John Frieda shampoos! You should definitely try the Naissant line – it’s like John Frieda on steroids! 🙂
Ashley Dodson says
adding my tip:
blue conditioner! I find it works better than your run-of-the-mill purple shampoo.
also, I’ve been meaning to try my own glaze but always chicken out. I have a habit of ruining things… like hair
Kelly @A Side of Sweet says
Agreed! The Naissant mask is actually a blue conditioner. You should try it! And glazing is easy! You should definitely try it. If you want to borrow some from my big bottle let me know!
Carla (@charliesue) says
Hee, I’m no blonde. But that doesn’t mean I don’t appreciate a good trim. Yay, long haired ladies, unite! 🙂
Kelly @A Side of Sweet says
Yes! Mine is getting a bit ratty – you’ve reminded me that I need to make an appointment! 🙂
Terry says
Love the fashion and the hair style. I envy that blonde hair. I enjoyed reading this post and viewing your photos. Thanks for sharing.
Paige says
I always had problems with my hair. I was born In Sweeden and now I leave in New Zeeland … maybe my hair is not used to this heat. Thank you for the tips … I will try to apply them.
Bglam Hair studio says
S it’s true hair care is more importent.