Tips for Dyeing Your Hair Blond

Basic Tips for Going Blonde

Unless your hair is naturally light brown or dark blonde, you will likely need to undergo a two-step process of bleaching out your natural color, then applying your desired shade of blonde. The most common bleaching agent is hydrogen peroxide. Permanent hair color begins as small molecules that penetrate the hair shaft, then combine to form larger molecules that are too large to leave the hair shaft. This process is permenent. If you later change your mind and decide to return to your original hair color, you will need to dye your hair again or letting your hair grow out and cutting off the colored sections.

Very dark hair requires a higher concentration of bleach combined with an akaline solution, along with repeated applications to remove all the melanin. However, if your hair is naturally light, you may be able to get away with using a single-process coloring solution, such as those advertised to men that claim to color gray hair only. These products coat the hair with color rather than penetrating the hair shaft. You may also gradually lighten dirty blonde or light brown hair by spraying it with hydrogen peroxide, then combing your hair and allowing it to dry in the sun.

Any hair coloring process has the potential to damage your hair. Be careful when styling your hair. Harsh brushing and combing can damage the tips of your hair, making them more porous. Always use a conditioner. Unless you refresh the color with color enhancing shampoos or other agents, don't expect your hair to retain that just-colored look for more than one or two shampoos.

Tips for Women of Color

Many women of color find that golden brown or carmel colored shades are more flattering than ash or platinum blonde hues. Use a one-step color all over to achieve a dark blonde, combined with highlights. Asian women may need a stronger solution to penetrate coarse hair. African American women who use chemical relaxers on their hair should consult with a stylist to avoid adverse chemical reactions, and consider using a semi-permanent dye to minimize possible damage, according to the FDA.

Tips for Pregnant Women

Many pregnant women avoid coloring their hair to prevent possible harm to the baby. However, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists states that this risk is minimal. Nonetheless, it's best to avoid coloring your hair during the first trimester. You should also wear gloves, rinse your scalp throughly and use the shortest possible coloring time.