Caring for Blonde Hair

Platinum, honey or golden blonde, no matter what shade of blonde you choose, it takes a robust hair care regimen to help keep your colour vibrant and long lasting.   

We know the commitment it takes to achieve and maintain a beautiful blonde hue. From 'bronde' through to platinum, those lighter strands can demand a little extra attention and TLC. Apotecari Salon Owner, Natalie Cutlack of Bebe's Hair has a wealth of experience when it comes to hair, and she has shared her top tips and insights to help you care for your blonde hair.

Going blonde is a process

Going from dark to blonde in one session is a no-no. This is because hastening the lightening process will result in hair damage. Patience is key when you are going blonde. It will take you multiple sessions to get your hair the right shade of blonde as it has to be done in stages to preserve the health and integrity of your strands. 

If you regularly colour or lighten your hair, whether it’s with box dye or permanent colour, it is important to disclose this information to your stylist so that they are better able to assess your hair condition. The hardest colours to lift out are black, dark brown or anything lower than a level 4 (level 1 is black). For those with virgin (untreated) hair, it is much easier to achieve the desired blonde because the hair is untouched by chemical or colouring agents. 

TLC at home

Anytime you lift or lighten your hair, there is always a risk of damage or dryness. Blonde hair can be high maintenance as it calls for an ongoing hair care plan to keep your mane healthy and moisturised. Invest in a good quality shampoo and conditioner that is specifically formulated for colour-treated hair.  Since bleaching can strip the hair of vital oils and nutrients, use a hydrating hair mask once a week to combat dryness and prevent breakage.  Leave-in treatments are a must for blonde hair - they nourish the strands while repairing and sealing the cuticle.

Tip: We recommend using a purple shampoo to ensure your hair colour doesn’t turn brassy. The purple tone can help your hair maintain its glossy, vibrant colour for longer.

Try the Apotecari 5-in-1 Scalp & Shampoo Brush to detangle your conditioned hair effortlessly while also massaging the scalp and enhancing circulation.

Protect your hair from the elements

No matter how well you take care of your hair, environmental elements can play havoc with your perfectly coloured locks.  UV exposure can fade your colour or turn your beautiful blonde hair into a brassy shade of orange.  Consider using products that are formulated with UV filters and reach for a floppy sun hat when you know you’ll be spending an extended amount of time in the sun. Chlorine from the pool or salt water can give blonde hair a greenish tinge. Before you dive-in, apply conditioner generously on your hair before throwing on a swimming cap to protect your hair colour from the chlorine or saltwater.  Regular swimmer?  We suggest using a mild clarifying shampoo for coloured hair, to remove chlorine build up.

Tip: Reach out to a colour specialist to help you retouch your colour and maintain the proper blonde tone. 

Be mindful of heat and styling tools

When it comes to blonde hair, the less heat styling, the better!  Using an excessive amount of heat styling on the mane, on top of the chemical process, can really damage the hair cuticle and dull your shine.  If you must use a blow dryer or any heat styling tools then we suggest prepping the hair with heat protectant spray to prevent hair damage. Try to wait until your hair is 80% dry before using a blow dryer. 

Keep those regular trim appointments

The lightening process inadvertently leads to more damaged ends. A hair trim can salvage your hair and reduce split ends. Get a cut or trim at the time your hair colour appointment to seal the ends. Once your ends are compromised, the damage continues to work its way up the strands. Most stylists would advise trimming the hair every 6 weeks or so to remedy split ends and keep it healthy.

Find a colourist you love

When deciding to go blonde, we urge you to seek a blonde specialist who will guide you through the process and help manage your expectations (find our recommended salons here). Going blonde takes time, multiple appointments and a comprehensive post-colour hair care regimen to ensure that your hair remains healthy. 

There are many variables at play during the lightening process. Turning to a professional helps ensure you don't end up with damaged hair or a shade of blonde that you didn't want. An experienced colourist will assess your hair and recommend how much highlighting is suitable. They can also suggest a complementary blonde tone to suit your skin colour/undertones and can also help you with a personalised home hair care routine. 

Invest in a shower filter

Water contains a lot of minerals, including chlorine and fluoride. Depending on where you live, the concentration of these minerals can vary significantly. Chemicals in the water can change the tone of your blonde hair. A shower filter can neutralise or remove these minerals helping your colour last longer. Invest in a high-quality shower filter to prevent the colour from fading and preserve the integrity of your mane. 

Step up your nutrition

To counteract the damaging effects of bleaching, we recommend incorporating a nourishing hair supplement in your hair regimen. A supplement will support your scalp and hair from within and help it grow healthy. A hair supplement can strengthen hair, improve scalp health and fight issues like dryness, breakage and dullness. 

Tip: A daily dose of Mane Event can provide your hair with the much-needed amino acids, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants to support healthy hair growth and fight future damage.