Going blonde is a bold move and, let’s be honest, not a decision to take lightly (pun intended). Whether you’re after icy platinum, a soft honey blonde, or sun-kissed highlights, the journey to blonde often involves the use of lightening powder. If you’ve ever wondered how this magical powder works and what it does to your hair, let’s dive in. As an experienced colourist I’m here to walk you through the process of lightening your hair and offer some professional advice on how to keep it looking healthy and beautiful.
What is Lightening Powder, and How Does It Work?
Lightening powder (often called bleach powder) is one of the most powerful tools in the world of hair colouring. But, like anything potent, it needs to be handled with care. The primary purpose of lightening powder is to remove your hair of its natural pigment – in other words, it removes the melanin that gives your hair its colour.
When mixed with a developer, usually a cream peroxide, the powder starts a chemical reaction that opens the hair cuticle and dissolves the natural colour pigments inside the hair shaft. The result? You get lighter hair. The strength of the developer (often 10, 20, 30, or 40 volume) will determine how light your hair can go and how fast the process will happen.
Is Lightening Powder Safe?
While lightening powder is an effective tool for making hair blonde, it’s a strong chemical agent. If misused, it can cause damage like dryness, breakage, and scalp irritation. That’s why it’s best to leave this process in the hands of a professional. A trained stylist knows exactly how to balance the lightening powder and developer, ensuring you get the blonde you want without sacrificing the health of your hair.
The Science Behind Lightening Hair.
Let’s get a little scientific, shall we? Hair has three main layers: the cuticle (outer protective layer), the cortex (which contains the melanin that determines your hair’s colour), and the medulla (the innermost part). When you apply lightening powder, it works by opening the cuticle to reach the cortex, where it breaks down the melanin. The more melanin it breaks down, the lighter your hair becomes.
It’s important to know that dark hair contains more melanin, so it often takes longer to lift to blonde. Depending on your starting point, you may need more than one session to get the desired level of blonde.
The Different Shades of Blonde You Can Achieve with Lightening Powder
Not all blondes are created equal, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to bleaching hair. Depending on your natural hair colour, texture, and desired result, there are various shades of blonde you can achieve using lightening powder:
- Platinum Blonde: The lightest of the light! Platinum blonde is a nearly white shade that requires extensive lightening, often taking a few sessions if your hair is naturally dark.
- Ash Blonde: A cooler, greyish blonde that’s great if you’re after a more muted, sophisticated look.
- Golden Blonde: This is a warm, sun-kissed blonde that adds brightness without the icy cool tones of platinum or ash.
- Honey Blonde: A rich, warm blonde that’s perfect for those who want a natural-looking, low-maintenance colour.
- Strawberry Blonde: A soft, reddish blonde that combines warmth with the lightness of blonde.
Your stylist will work with you to determine the best blonde for your skin tone, personal style, and how light your hair can go in one sitting.
The Importance of Hair Health During the Lightening Process
You might be thinking, “That’s all well and good, but what about my hair health?” Going blonde can be stressful for your hair, especially when lightening powder is involved. But fear not! With the right care and precautions, you can achieve stunning blonde hair without wreaking havoc on your locks.
1. Deep Conditioning Treatments
Before and after your lightening session, invest in some serious hydration. Lightening strips your hair of moisture, so it’s important to keep it nourished. A deep conditioning treatment (either in the salon or at home) will help restore moisture and reduce breakage.
2. Bond-Repairing Treatments
Bond repair treatments are many now and a real game changer when it comes to protecting your hair during bleaching. This works by protecting existing bonds in your hair that are broken during the lightening process. Ask your stylist to add a bond-repairing treatment to your lightening session to keep your hair strong and healthy.
3. Avoid Over-Processing
As much as we all want to go blonde in one day, sometimes it’s not possible. Over-processing can lead to severe damage. It’s better to take your time and do the process gradually, allowing your hair to recover between sessions. Especially when starting form darker base colours.
4. Hydration is Key
Blonde hair needs extra moisture to keep it soft and shiny. Regular use of moisturising shampoos and conditioners is a must. You might also want to add a weekly hair mask to keep your strands in tip-top condition.
The Role of Toner in Blonde Hair
After lightening, your hair might look a bit yellow or brassy, especially if you have naturally dark hair. That’s where toner comes in. Toner is a crucial step in the blonde process – it neutralises unwanted warm tones, giving you a more even and cool finish.
For example, if you want a platinum or ash blonde, your stylist will use a purple or blue toner to cancel out any yellow or orange undertones, resulting in that cool, icy blonde look.
VIP Note ***If you haven’t lifted the hair to the correct level, then no toner is going to get you the result you are after, your hair must be lifted to the correct level first and foremost***
How to Maintain Your New Blonde Hair
Congratulations – you’ve gone blonde! But now comes the maintenance. Blonde hair requires a bit more upkeep than darker shades, but with the right products and routine, you can keep your blonde looking fresh for weeks.
1. Purple Shampoo
Invest in a good purple shampoo. Purple pigments in the shampoo help neutralise brassy, yellow tones, keeping your blonde looking cool and vibrant. Use it once or twice a week to maintain your colour.
2. Regular Conditioning Treatments
Blonde hair can get dry quickly, so keep up with your conditioning treatments. Use a hydrating mask or leave-in conditioner once a week to lock in moisture and prevent breakage.
3. Protect Your Hair from Heat
Blonde hair is more vulnerable to heat damage, so it’s important to use a heat protectant spray before blow-drying or styling with hot tools. Try to limit the use of heat styling to keep your hair healthy.
4. Schedule Regular Salon Visits
Blonde hair can fade and lose its vibrancy over time. To keep your blonde fresh, schedule regular touch-ups with your stylist. The regularity and consistency of your visits help to maintain an even blonde, this is often overlooked by those who choose a full head of blonde on scalp services.
Depending on how fast your hair grows, you might need to visit the salon every 4-8 weeks for a root touch-up and a toner refresh.
FAQs About Going Blonde with Lightening Powder
1. How long does the process take?
It depends on your starting point. If your hair is dark or previously coloured, it might take a few sessions to reach your desired blonde shade. Each session can last between 2 to 4 hours.
2. Can I lighten my hair at home?
While home kits exist, I don’t recommend using lightening powder at home. It’s a strong chemical, and if not used properly, it can cause serious damage to your hair. Always consult a professional stylist who can tailor the process to your hair type and condition.
3. What’s the difference between lightening powder and bleach?
Lightening powder is a form of bleach, but it’s typically used with a developer to lift the hair’s natural colour. It’s often stronger than other lightening products, so it’s essential to use it with care.
4. Will lightening powder damage my hair?
If used incorrectly, yes. However, in the hands of a skilled stylist, lightening powder can safely lift your hair to blonde with minimal damage. Make sure to follow up with proper hair care, including hydration and bond-repair treatments, to keep your hair healthy.
Ready to Go Blonde? Book Your Appointment Now!
Going blonde is an exciting transformation, and with the right care and guidance, you can achieve your dream blonde while keeping your hair healthy and strong. At Public Hair Studio, we specialise in professional blonde transformations using the highest-quality lightening powders and treatments to ensure your hair stays in top condition throughout the process.
Why not take the plunge? Our expert stylists are here to guide you every step of the way, from consultation to maintenance tips. So, if you’re ready to embrace the blonde life, book your appointment now and let’s get started on your transformation!