The Brunette’s Guide to Going Blonde (Without Frying Your Hair)

by Jessica Martinez
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After more than a decade behind the chair, I can tell you one thing for sure: the most requested transformation is adding blonde to brown hair. It’s a classic for a reason! When it’s done right, it adds this incredible dimension, brightens up your whole look, and just gives your hair life. But oh boy, I’ve also seen the confusion it can cause. So many people walk in with a Pinterest board, unsure if what they want is balayage, highlights, or something in between. They hear all these fancy terms but have no idea what they mean for their hair, their wallet, or their schedule.

So, let’s cut through the noise. I want to walk you through this just like I would if you were sitting in my salon chair for a real consultation. We’ll talk about what’s actually happening to your hair, what to ask your stylist so you sound like you know your stuff, and—most importantly—how to keep your hair from feeling like straw once you get home. This isn’t about chasing trends; it’s about empowering you to make a choice you’ll love for months to come.

brown hair with blonde highlights, soft shoulder length, light brunette wavy hair, with light blonde streaks, worn by woman seen from the back

First Things First: Let’s Talk About Your Hair

Before we dream of blonde, we have to get real about the canvas we’re working with—your hair. Every single head of hair is unique, and its starting point dictates how it’s going to handle the lightening process.

Think of a hair strand like this: it has a protective outer layer (the cuticle) that looks like shingles on a roof. Inside that is the cortex, where all the natural color pigment lives. To get you blonde, we have to gently open up those ‘shingles’ to get to the pigment. This is why lightened hair can feel a bit rougher at first; its protective layer has been lifted.

In the salon world, we talk about color on a scale from 1 (jet black) to 10 (lightest blonde). Most brunettes are somewhere between a Level 2 (think black coffee) and a Level 5 (rich milk chocolate). Figuring out your starting level is step one.

hand holding a strand of wavy, light brunette hair, with natural looking blonde streaks, shoulder long and soft, brown hair with blonde highlights

And now for the most critical concept for any brunette wanting to go lighter: underlying pigment. When we lift brown color out of your hair, it doesn’t just vanish. It reveals other colors along the way—first red, then orange, then gold, and finally yellow. You literally cannot get to blonde without passing through these warm stages. It’s basic hair chemistry. That dreaded “brassiness” people worry about? It’s just that exposed warmth. A good colorist’s job isn’t just to lift your hair, but to know exactly how to neutralize that warmth with a toner to get the perfect shade.

The Main Event: Foils vs. Balayage

Okay, this is where most of the confusion happens. People use these terms interchangeably, but they are totally different application methods that create totally different looks. Neither is “better”—they’re just different tools for different goals.

Traditional Foil Highlights: For Brightness and Control

When you think of getting highlights, you probably picture a head full of foils. This is the tried-and-true method. We weave out small sections of hair, paint them with lightener, and wrap them in foil. This lets us create anything from super-fine, natural-looking “babylights” to chunkier, more defined ribbons of color.

three images of long, curled light brunette hair, with ash blonde streaks, worn by young woman in grey tank top, brown hair with blonde highlights, seen from three angles

The foil is the key here. It traps heat, which helps the lightener process more effectively and gives us way more lift than we could get in open air. If you have dark brown hair and you’re dreaming of a pale, cool-toned blonde, foils are almost always the answer. The control is amazing; we can bring the blonde right up to the root for a pop of brightness from day one. The tradeoff? Maintenance. You’ll see a clear line as your hair grows, so most of my foil clients are back in my chair every 8 to 12 weeks. A full head of foils can run anywhere from $200 to $400+, depending on hair length and salon location.

Balayage: For a Natural, Lived-In Vibe

Balayage literally means “to sweep” in French, which is a perfect description of the technique. Here, we paint lightener directly onto the hair with sweeping, artistic motions. It’s all freehand. We focus the color on the surface of the hair, leaving the underside darker, which creates this gorgeous, soft dimension.

dark brown hair with blonde highlights, long and smooth with curled tips, seen from the back, worn by woman in black hairdresser's robe

Because it’s not cooked in a foil, the lift is much gentler. Balayage is the secret to that “I just spent a summer at the beach” look. Its biggest selling point is the grow-out. Since the color is feathered toward the root instead of starting right at the scalp, you get no harsh regrowth line. Seriously, my balayage clients can often go 4 to 6 months between major appointments. It’s perfect for anyone who wants a low-maintenance style. The upfront cost can be a bit higher—think $250 to $500+—but you save money over time with fewer salon visits.

Getting Fancy: Modern Hybrid Techniques

Honestly, in a modern salon, we rarely stick to just one method. Most of the beautiful hair you see on social media is a custom cocktail of techniques. It’s all about personalizing the result.

  • Foilyage: This is my go-to for the best of both worlds. We use a painted, balayage-style application but then pop the sections into foils. You get the soft, blended look of balayage with the serious lift of foils. I had this one client, a super busy lawyer, who wanted that bright ‘California blonde’ pop but knew she couldn’t live in the salon. Foilyage was her holy grail. We got her super bright while keeping the grow-out soft, so she only needs a major touch-up twice a year.
  • Teasy-Lights: For this, we gently tease a section of hair at the root before painting the ends. When we comb it out, the color is beautifully diffused and melts into the base color. It’s another fantastic way to avoid that harsh grow-out line.
  • Babylights: This is all about placement. We use foils to create hundreds of tiny, micro-fine highlights. The effect is an all-over, subtle brightness that looks incredibly natural, like you were born with it. It’s a ton of work, but the result is stunning.
strawberry blonde hair, brown hair with blonde highlights or balayage, dark brunette curled hair, with dark brown streaks

The Consultation: How to Talk to Your Stylist

The success of your hair color is decided before we even mix the lightener. It’s all in the consultation. Come prepared with inspiration photos, but please understand they are a guide, not a blueprint. I always tell my clients, “We’ll use this photo for the vibe, but your hair will be its own unique, beautiful version.”

Heads up! You need to be brutally honest about your hair history. Have you used a box dye in the last few years? Even if you think it’s gone? What about henna or a keratin treatment? These things can leave behind molecules that react horribly with lightener. I once had a client who forgot to mention a dark box dye from two years prior. Her new growth lifted beautifully, but the old ends turned a stubborn, blotchy orange. We had to pivot our entire plan on the spot. Honesty prevents those kinds of disasters.

young woman wearing brown hair with blonde highlights, natural-looking colors, wavy soft hair, twisted to one side, half-covering her face

And don’t be afraid to vet a new stylist! It’s your hair and your money. Ask them things like:

  • “Can I see some photos of your work on hair with a texture and starting color like mine?”
  • “What’s your game plan for keeping my hair healthy through this process?”
  • “What does the maintenance and cost look like for this look over a year?”

A good stylist will love these questions. If they seem cagey or try to rush you, that’s a red flag. Also, if your hair is dark or has been colored before, a pro should always perform a strand test. It’s the only way to see exactly how your hair will lift and ensure a safe result.

The Unskippable Final Step: Toner

No professional lightening service is complete without toner. Remember how we talked about that underlying warmth? After lightening, your hair is essentially a raw, pale yellow canvas. Toner, also called a gloss, is the magic that turns that raw yellow into a gorgeous shade of beige, ash, pearl, or neutral blonde.

black jumper worn by woman, seen from the back, with arms on her neck, long wavy dark brown hair with blonde highlights

It uses basic color theory: violet cancels out yellow, and blue cancels out orange. A toner deposits these cool pigments onto the hair to neutralize any brassiness. Without it, pretty much every brunette would have yellow or orange highlights.

Good to know: Toners aren’t permanent. They fade with every wash. That’s why your blonde might start looking a little warm a few weeks after your appointment. The secret to keeping it fresh is booking a quick “gloss” or “toner” service between your big appointments. It’s usually a fast, one-hour visit that can cost between $75 and $150, and it makes all the difference.

Protecting Your Investment: At-Home Care

Okay, you’ve left the salon with your dream hair. Now what? Your at-home routine is what determines how long your color lasts and how healthy your hair stays. Here’s your essential shopping list:

  • Sulfate-Free Shampoo ($20-$40): Sulfates are harsh detergents that strip color and moisture. A professional, sulfate-free formula is a non-negotiable.
  • A High-Quality Deep Conditioner ($25-$60): Lightening compromises your hair’s structure. A weekly mask will put that strength and moisture back in. Look for amazing brands like Olaplex or Redken—their masks are worth every penny.
  • Heat Protectant Spray ($15-$30): Hot tools can literally cook the toner right out of your hair. Always spray a protective barrier on first.
  • Purple Shampoo (Used Sparingly!): This is for maintenance, not for daily washing. Use it once a week or so when you notice yellow tones creeping in. Overusing it can make your blonde look dull or even lavender-tinged.

By the way, did you know the water in your shower can make your blonde go brassy? It’s true! Hard water, which is common in many areas, is full of minerals like iron and copper that build up on your hair and dull your color. A filtering shower head, which you can find at places like Home Depot for around $40, can be your hair’s best friend.

two examples of shoulder length hair, with loose curls, dark brown hair with blonde highlights, on two different women, both seen from behind

A Serious Warning: Please Don’t DIY This

I get it. Box lightener kits are cheap and right there on the shelf. But as someone who has fixed countless home hair color nightmares, I have to be direct: lightening brown hair is not a DIY project.

The biggest risk is irreversible damage. Overlap lightener on previously lightened hair, and you can cause a chemical reaction that literally melts it off. We call it a ‘chemical cut,’ and it’s as bad as it sounds. You’re left with gummy, broken strands that can’t be fixed.

Even if you avoid that, you’ll likely end up with splotchy, uneven color and “hot roots,” where the hair near your scalp is bright orange because of your body heat. Fixing this is a ‘color correction,’ and let’s be real: it’s a long, expensive process. Be prepared for it to take 2-3 separate appointments and cost at least twice as much as it would have to just get it done professionally in the first place.

chunky necklace with rhinestones, worn by woman with off-white cardigan, and denim shirt, medium length dark brown hair with blonde highlights, with loose waves

Your hair is worth the investment in a professional. Find someone you trust, have an honest conversation, and commit to the aftercare. When you do, you’ll get the gorgeous, head-turning hair you’re dreaming of.

Inspiration Gallery

mirrored image of a woman with medium length, brunette and strawberry blonde hair, brown hair with blonde highlights, with curled tips
brick wall covered in whitewash, woman with long, dark brown hair with blonde highlights, curled in loose waves, seen from behind, and wearing a black robe
mid length dark auburn hair, with light streaks, styled in loose curls, dark brown hair with blonde highlights, worn by woman in black top
  • Reduced breakage and increased shine.
  • More vibrant, longer-lasting color.
  • Softer, more manageable texture.

The secret? Adding a bond-building treatment to your lightening service. Ask your stylist about including Olaplex or Schwarzkopf’s Fibreplex. It works on a molecular level to repair the hair’s structure as it’s being colored, fundamentally changing the game for brunette-to-blonde transformations.

caramel highlights, on dark brunette hair, cut in a asymmetrical bob, and worn by a young woman, sitting in a hairdresser's salon
balayage brown hair, woman with light brunette, soft and wavy tresses, with honey blonde balayage, wearing white t-shirt
smiling megan fox, with chocolate brown hair, long and wavy, with dark blonde highlights, next image shows young woman, with long layered brunette hair, with blonde streaks

Golden Blonde: Think warm, sun-kissed hues like honey, caramel, and butter. This family of shades reflects light beautifully and often looks more natural on brunettes with warm or olive skin tones.

Ash Blonde: This means cool-toned blondes with hints of grey, silver, or blue. Ashy shades are fantastic for neutralizing unwanted brassy or orange tones and complement cooler skin undertones perfectly.

Ultimately, your stylist can custom-mix tones to create a dimensional look that suits you best.

multicolored streaked hair, dark brunette and chocolate brown, light blonde and platinum, brown hair with blonde highlights, worn by woman in facing to one side
chocolate brown hair, shoulder length and curled in loose waves, with blonde highlights, on woman in black hairdresser's cape, seen from behind

Going from a dark level 4 brown to a level 9 blonde in one sitting can compromise hair integrity by over 50%.

This is why your colorist will almost always recommend a gradual approach over multiple appointments. Patience isn’t just a virtue; it’s your hair’s best friend. Each session allows your hair to rest and recover, ensuring you reach your goal blonde without sacrificing health for haste.

happy young woman, smiling in a white blouse, wearing brunette long wavy layered hair, with blonde highlights
lady in black top, seen from the back, with long brunette hair, styled in loose waves, and decorated with ash blonde highlights, balayage brown hair
medium brown hair, layered and messy, falling over a young girl's face and hiding it, with ash blonde highlights

What exactly is a toner or a gloss?

Think of it as the top coat for your hair color. After lightening, your hair might have underlying yellow or orange pigments. A toner, like the popular Redken Shades EQ line used in salons, is applied to neutralize these unwanted tones and achieve the exact shade of blonde you desire—be it icy platinum, creamy vanilla, or warm honey. It also adds incredible shine and seals the cuticle.

hand holding a strand of curled, long hair with middle parting, medium brown hair with blonde highlights, on girl wearing a denim shirt
wine red and caramel highlights, on dark brunette hair, smooth and styled in loose curls, seem from behind in a mirrored image

To get the most out of your consultation, arrive with your hair styled how you normally wear it, whether that’s straight, wavy, or curly. This gives your stylist a true picture of your hair’s texture and how the color will live in your day-to-day life. Also, be honest about your hair history from the last 2-3 years—yes, even that box dye from lockdown!

loose soft curls, styled on a dark auburn hair, with lighter streaks, dark brown hair with blonde highlights, worn by woman seen from the back
pastel blue nails, on hand holding a strand of wavy hair, medium brown hair, with light blonde highlights, on woman in dark top
milk chocolate brown hair, long and smoothly straightened, and decorated with platinum blonde highlights, seen from the back

Pro Tip: Don’t wash your hair for at least 48-72 hours after your color appointment. This allows the hair cuticle, which was opened during the lightening process, to fully close back down. This simple act of waiting helps to seal in the toner and moisture, dramatically extending the life and vibrancy of your new blonde.

white door and off-white wall, faced by woman with medium length wavy hair, dark blonde balayage brown hair, black long-sleeved top
cable knit sweater in black, worn by smiling young woman, with brown eye make up, and pink lipstick, with messy medium brown hair, and blonde highlights
light brown hair with blonde highlights, young brunette woman, with ash blonde streaks in her hair, wearing white strappy top, with light blue graphic
  • Inspiration photos (3-5 of what you like AND 1-2 of what you don’t).
  • A clear idea of your budget for the initial service and upkeep.
  • An honest account of your daily hair routine (how often you wash, heat style, etc.).
ash blonde streaks, on dark brunette hair, worn by young woman, with faux eyelashes, seen in close up, light brown hair with blonde highlights
layered medium length hair, in mink brown, with light ash blonde streaks, light brown hair with blonde highlights, worn by young woman, in dark grey t-shirt

“The ‘money piece’—a bright, face-framing highlight—is the single most effective way to create a high-impact blonde look with minimal commitment and cost,” says celebrity colorist Tracey Cunningham.

mocha colored hair, with dark blonde balayage and highlights, worn by jennifer lopez and another female celebrity, chocolate brown hair
soft mid length hair, with loose waves, seen in medium shot and close up, balayage brown hair, on girl with pale grey t-shirt
red nail polish, on hand holding a strand of long hair, ombre effect with dark brown top, and caramel highlights at the bottom

Do I really need a purple shampoo?

Yes, but use it wisely! A purple shampoo, like the one from Kérastase’s Blond Absolu range, deposits violet pigment to counteract brassy, yellow tones that appear over time. However, overuse can lead to a dull, lavender tint. Use it once every 1-2 weeks, alternating with a quality color-safe, sulfate-free shampoo to maintain that perfect, crisp blonde.

khaki green jacket, and black top, worn by woman with wavy, medium brown hair, and natural-looking dark blonde highlights, next image shows jessica biel, with a similar hairstyle
smooth and straight, curled and messy wavy, three different hairstyles, with highlights, worn by young women, with brunette and blonde, and chocolate brown hair

Heard the term ‘root smudge’ or ‘root tap’? It’s a game-changer for lower-maintenance blondes. Your stylist applies a toner or semi-permanent color at the root that’s close to your natural shade, ‘smudging’ it down to blend seamlessly with the new highlights. This creates a softer, more gradual grow-out, meaning you can go longer between salon visits without a harsh demarcation line.

light blonde balayage, on long light burnette hair, with loose curls, seen from the back, dark caramel highlights, on brown wavy hair, worn by woman with red lipstick
hair highlights in blonde, on dark brunette hair, with contrasting look, styled in loose curls, and seen from two angles, the back and the side
highlights in dark blonde, on layered wavy, auburn colored hair, next image shows, young girl sitting on a chair, with blonde balayage brown hair

Wondering if you’re a candidate for warm or cool blonde? Here’s a quick guide:

  • Check Your Veins: Look at the veins on the inside of your wrist. If they appear greenish, you likely have warm undertones (go for gold, honey, caramel). If they look blue or purple, you have cool undertones (ash, platinum, and beige will be stunning).
  • The Jewelry Test: Do you find that gold jewelry flatters your skin more? You’re likely warm-toned. If silver is your go-to, you’re probably cool-toned.
collage showing two mirrored images, of a girl with long smooth hair, bottom part curled in loose waves, dark brunette hair, with caramel highlights
sunglasses on smiling woman, wearing a bikini top, with messy long, medium brown hair, with blonde highlights, styled in beach waves, next image shows girl with similar hair, wearing white shirt
looking at a hairstyle from two angles, light blonde balayage brown hair, soft loose waves, worn by woman in black top

The battle of the bond builders is real. What’s the difference between the two titans?

Olaplex No.3 Hair Perfector: This is a pre-shampoo treatment designed to be used at home. It works inside the hair to relink broken disulfide bonds, strengthening it from within. It’s about long-term structural repair.

K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Mask: This is a post-wash, no-rinse treatment. Its patented peptide technology reconnects broken polypeptide chains and is clinically proven to reverse damage in just 4 minutes. It’s about fast-acting, deep molecular renewal.

Many stylists recommend using both in your routine for ultimate hair health.

navy hairdresser's robe, worn by woman, seen from the back, in two mirrored images, dark hair with blonde highlights, smooth loose waves
streaked chocolate brown hair, with contrasting platinum blonde highlights, shoulder length and layered, seen from one side
  • Softer hair with less frizz and fewer tangles overnight.
  • Preserves your hairstyle and blow-dry for longer.
  • Reduces friction that can lead to breakage on fragile, lightened strands.

The secret is surprisingly simple: switching from a cotton pillowcase to one made of silk or satin. Cotton absorbs moisture and its rougher fibers can snag your hair cuticle while you sleep. Silk provides a smooth, frictionless surface that helps maintain your hair’s health and shine.

asymmetrical straight bob, on medium brown hair, with light blonde contrasting highlights, worn by woman in grey top
short voluminous bob, seen from the back, light brown hair with blonde highlights, next image shows one of the kardashians, with long wavy brunette hair, and dark blonde streaks
ombre effect on long hair, dark brown to honey blonde, with curled tips, caramel highlights on brunette hair, long with bangs, and short messy bob

A single swim in a chlorinated pool can strip the toner from your blonde hair and deposit copper minerals, resulting in a greenish tint.

Before you dive in, always wet your hair with clean water and apply a leave-in conditioner. This fills the hair shaft, preventing it from absorbing as much chlorine. Rinse your hair thoroughly immediately after your swim.

side and back view, of long layered hair, with loose curls, light brown hair with blonde highlights, on woman wearing a black leather jacket
straightened smooth hair, with wavy tips, brunette with light blonde highlights, dark hair with blonde highlights, seen from two different angles

Your new blonde hair is more porous and therefore more susceptible to heat damage. Always, without exception, use a high-quality heat protectant before reaching for your blow dryer, straightener, or curling iron. Look for products that protect up to 450°F (230°C), like Redken’s Acidic Bonding Concentrate Leave-In Treatment, which protects from heat while also conditioning and strengthening your strands.

straightened and curled hair, worn by the same girl, seen from behind in two side by side photos, light brown hair with blonde highlights, loose curls and glossy shine
deep chocolate brown hair, with curls and twists, dark blonde long hair with loose curls, and light blonde highlights, brunette hair with light blonde balayage
female celebrity with medium long hair, in light brunette color, with hair highlights in a dark, honey blond shade, and retro-style curled tips

The term ‘foilyage’ is a hybrid technique that combines the painting method of balayage with the use of foils. The color is painted on, just like balayage, but then each section is wrapped in foil. This amplifies the lightening process, allowing brunettes to achieve a brighter, more vibrant blonde than with traditional balayage, while still maintaining that soft, blended grow-out.

ginger and red, curly light blonde, and dark hair with blonde highlights, worn by three different women, all seen from the back
variations of caramel highlights, on medium length wavy hair, on long curled hair, on layered hairstyles, dark and light brunette and blonde tones
burgundy red layered hair, long and straightened, with lighter streaks, next image shows curled long, dark auburn hair, with ginger streaks, hair highlights

Budgeting for Blonde: The initial transformation is the biggest investment, but upkeep is a recurring cost. Balayage typically requires a touch-up every 3-5 months, while traditional highlights may need attention every 6-8 weeks. Discuss a maintenance plan with your stylist so you know exactly what to expect financially. A glossing service between full appointments is a more affordable way to refresh your tone.

ideas for long hair, in six images, light brown hair with blonde highlights, curled and straightened, dark brunette hair, with waves and curls, seen from the front and back
patterned strappy bustier crop top, in dark inky blue and white, worn by young made up woman, with brunette hair, and dark blonde hair highlights

My hair feels dry. Should I use a protein or a moisture mask?

It’s crucial to know the difference. Lightened hair needs both, but in balance. If your hair feels mushy, gummy, or overly stretchy when wet, it needs protein to rebuild its structure. If it feels brittle, rough, and snaps easily, it’s thirsty and needs a moisture mask. A great routine is to alternate weekly between a protein treatment and a deep-conditioning moisture mask.

natural-looking hair highlights in dark blonde, on long brunette hair with loose curls, worn by woman in pale blue strappy dress, seen from the back
feathery brunette hair, swept to one side, and decorated with blonde hair highlights, on woman in profile, wearing two layered dark tops
bouncy and voluminous layered hair, shoulder length with dark brunette color, medium to light blonde highlights
  • Using purple shampoo too often and turning your hair dull or lavender.
  • Skipping heat protectant, leading to fried, broken ends.
  • Not using color-safe, sulfate-free shampoos, which strip color faster.
  • Expecting to go from dark brown to platinum in a single session.
fine and smooth, straightened and silky hair, light brunette with blonde hair highlights, worn by slim woman, in green top
glossy medium length hair, silky and straight, chocolate brown with platinum blonde highlights, seen from above
hairdresser holding the tips of a woman's hair, brown and blonde hair, smooth and straightened, brunette with blonde highlights

Hard water, common in many areas, is loaded with minerals like calcium and magnesium. These minerals build up on the hair shaft, creating a film that can make blonde hair look dull, brassy, and feel perpetually dry.

If you notice your blonde losing its sparkle quickly, the problem might be your water. Installing a showerhead filter is an easy and highly effective solution. It removes these minerals, allowing your hair to stay brighter and softer for longer.

platinum blonde highlights, on long brunette hair, straightened and smooth, brown and blonde hair, hand holding several strands
british celebrity cheryl cole, with long brown and blonde hair, styled in loose waves, decorated with highlights, she's wearing a black top and smiling

So, you’re ready to take the plunge! Here’s your starter kit for maintaining your investment:

  • A Sulfate-Free Shampoo & Conditioner: We love the Pureology Hydrate line for its gentle cleansing and moisturizing properties.
  • A Purple Toning Product: The amika Bust Your Brass Cool Blonde Repair Shampoo is a cult favorite for a reason.
  • A Weekly Deep-Conditioning Mask: Look for one that balances moisture and protein, like Briogeo’s Don’t Despair, Repair! mask.
  • A Bond-Building Treatment: An at-home essential like Olaplex No. 3 will keep your hair strong.
orange hair streaks, on long wavy brunette hair, dark hair with blonde highlights, on woman wearing an black, grey and white plaid shirt
messy auburn hair, with curls and blonde highlights, and long brunette hair with light blonde balayage, on two women, with brown and blonde hair
summer sun-kissed hairstyle, shoulder length hair parted in the middle, with loose waves, light blonde balayage brown hair, worn by woman in white top

Important reminder: Your journey to the perfect blonde is a process, not a one-stop shop. The stunning ‘after’ photos you see on Instagram often represent the result of several appointments spaced weeks or months apart. Trust your stylist’s plan. Healthy, beautiful blonde hair is a marathon, not a sprint.

layered and curled, dark hair with blonde highlights, on woman wearing a light grey top, seen from the back, loose messy waves
princess curls on dark hair with blonde highlights, silky smooth and long, image next to it shows smiling woman, with honey blonde balayage, on chocolate brown hair

Can I still use my old favorite hair mask?

Maybe, but check the label first. Some masks, especially those not formulated for color-treated hair, can contain oils or pigments that might dull or stain your new blonde. Heavy, unrefined oils (like some coconut oils) can sometimes give blonde hair a yellowish tint. Stick to masks specifically designed for color-treated or blonde hair to be safe.

brown and blonde hair, two photos side by side, showing long brunette hair, with loose curls, and light blonde ombre effect, and a darker brown hair, with loose curls and blonde balayage
girl showing two different hairdos, styled on long and smooth, brown and blonde hair, beach curls and loose waves
dark hair with blonde highlights, young woman in black top, looking to one side, long wavy brunette hair, with dark blonde balayage, next image shows long, curled hair with blonde streaks

Hailey Bieber’s transition from bright blonde to a more natural, mushroom-toned ‘bronde’ showcases a major trend: prioritizing hair health and embracing a softer, more dimensional look that works with one’s natural base color, not against it.

actress with long and wavy, brown and blonde hair, parted in the middle, wearing black top and blazer, and smiling

Don’t underestimate the power of a clear gloss. If you love your color but it’s starting to look a little dull between appointments, a clear glossing service is your best friend. It doesn’t deposit any color but works like a super-powered shine treatment, sealing the cuticle, reducing frizz, and making your blonde highlights pop again. It’s a quick, often less expensive service that brings your hair back to life.

Jessica Martinez

Jessica has spent 14 years in the fashion industry, starting as a stylist assistant and working her way up to Fashion Editor. A graduate of Fashion Institute of Technology, she has styled celebrities, worked backstage at Fashion Week, and contributed to major fashion publications. Jessica believes fashion should be fun, accessible, and expressive.

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