The Truth About Hair Colouring: What You Need to Know Before Going Blonde
Have you ever had that moment when you catch a glimpse of a stunning blonde in a magazine or scroll past a golden-haired goddess on Instagram, and suddenly, you’re itching to reach for the bleach? We’ve all been there, dreaming of sun-kissed locks that turn heads everywhere we go. But hold up! Before you go blonde, let’s dish out some real talk about hair colouring to help you commit to this bold decision.
Is hair colouring safe?
Generally speaking, yes, hair colouring is safe when done correctly. However, it’s not without its risks. The chemicals in hair dye can cause allergic reactions in some people, and frequent colouring can lead to hair damage. So, always do a patch test before applying any new hair colour and follow the instructions to a T.
What if you’re pregnant? Is hair colouring safe during pregnancy?
This is a hot topic, and opinions vary. While most research suggests that the chemicals in hair dye aren’t absorbed in large enough quantities to pose a risk to your baby, many doctors recommend waiting until the second trimester to be safe. If you’re pregnant and craving to go blonde, consult your healthcare provider first.
Is it OK to go the DIY route?
While DIY might be great for crafts and home décor, it’s best to leave going blonde to the pros. Besides, it often requires multiple sessions to achieve your desired shade without damaging your hair. Your stylist will likely use a combination of bleach and toner to create your perfect blonde.
What if you don’t want to use bleach? How can you colour your hair without bleach?
If you aren’t ready for the commitment of bleach, there are other options. Hair lightening sprays, high-lift colours, and even natural methods like lemon juice can subtly lighten your hair. However, bleach is usually necessary if you’re after a dramatic blonde transformation.
How much hair colour do I need?
This depends on your hair length and thickness. For shoulder-length hair, you’ll typically need about 120ml of hair dye. If your hair is longer or thicker, you might need two boxes to ensure full coverage. Don’t fret because the best stylist will guide you through this question during the consultation part of your hair colour treatment.
Apart from the amount of hair colour, you may also need some guidance on picking the right hair colour. For instance, what hair colour is best for pale skin? The answer is cool blonde shades. Platinum, ash blonde and other cool blonde shades can help create a striking contrast. On the other hand, warmer skin tones might prefer golden or honey blondes. Just remember that it’s all about complimenting your skin tone.
How long does hair colour last?
Blonde hair colour typically lasts about four to six weeks before needing a touch-up. But with proper care, you can extend the life of hair colour (more on that later!).
What about the product itself? Does hair colour expire?
Yes, hair colour does expire! Most hair dyes have a shelf life of about three years unopened or one to two years after opening. Using expired hair colouring products can lead to unpredictable results & potential scalp irritation. So, check those dates before you colour!
How should you take care of dyed hair?
We’ve talked about how to dye your hair blonde. Now, it’s time to zero in on taking better care of it so your hair remains healthy and vibrant while sporting a blonde colour. Here are some specific hair care tips you can follow:
1. Use colour-safe products.
Invest in shampoos and conditioners specifically formulated for coloured hair. These products help seal the hair cuticle and prevent colour fade while maintaining shine. Give the following products a try:
- Bio Botanic Oil Shampoo for Coloured, Damaged and Dry Hair: Packed with shea butter and botanical oils, this shampoo gently cleanses while providing intense nourishment to coloured hair.
- Professional Keratin Shampoo for Dry, Damaged, Dyed Hair: This gentle yet effective shampoo cleanses while nourishing your coloured hair. It is formulated with amino acids that effectively penetrate your hair fibre to strengthen and renew it, especially if it has undergone chemical treatment.
- Bio Botanic Oil Hair Conditioner for Dry & Coloured Hair: With this nourishing conditioner, you can keep your dyed hair healthy, moisturised and vibrant. It is innovatively formulated to hydrate and protect blonde or coloured hair.
2. Embrace deep conditioning.
Coloured hair tends to be drier, so regular deep conditioning treatments are necessary. Use such treatments once a week to keep your hair soft, smooth, and healthy. Here are our product recommendations:
- Talia Coloured Hair Deep Conditioning Mask: This high-performance mask is a godsend for coloured and dry damaged hair. Enriched with keratin, collagen, and essential oils like avocado & argan oil, it strengthens hair, improves elasticity, and prevents future damage.
- Jericho Mud Haircare Mask: Infused with Dead Sea mud and natural oils, this mask deeply nourishes and revitalises dyed hair. The result? You’ll enjoy having soft, shiny, and easily manageable blonde hair for a long time.
3. Turn down the heat.
When washing your blonde hair, rinse it with cool water to help seal the cuticle and lock in colour. Excessive heat styling can fade your colour faster, too. When you do use heat tools, always apply a heat protectant first. Also, protect your hair colour from UV rays. Wear a hat or use hair products with UV protection before going out.
