From Dark Brunette to Blonde: A Hair Stylist’s Guide to the Perfect Hair Color Transformation
Hey everyone, I am Meg Ann Lee and this week I am taking you to the salon with me to do a huge color correction. If you're wondering if you can go from dark brown hair to blonde hair in ONE SESSION…This week's blog is for you.
One thing about me is I think I can do anything to hair… the second thing about me is I'm usually right… I AM JOKING. (kinda). So, when this client came to be with a BIG project, I started making a game plan. Let's go through everything we did!
Step One: Consult & Test Strand
First, you have to make sure the hair can handle the amount of stress a huge project like this can cause. A test strand is your road map. I always tell clients that in scenarios like this, you are choosing a color OVER the "health" of your hair. Obviously it's my job to keep your hair integrity manageable but you choosing platinum white blonde as a goal WILL sacrifice some of your hairs integrity as you wear it. I don't make the rules, it's just science. Do you know that the color we see is just reflected light? Bleached white or platinum hair reflects almost all visible wavelengths of light, which is why it appears so bright and light-colored. For this client, we stopped doing color on her for a few months in advance and she kept her hair healthy and hydrated at home.
Step Two: Treatments: Malibu & K18
Starting off any color correction with a Malibu is the way to go! This treatment gently lifts oxidized color molecules, buildup, and minerals from the hair without using bleach or harsh chemicals. Sometimes you don't see the difference with your eyes but it provides a cleaner canvas for you to color or lift.
Step Three: Full Platinum Card
Thin sections, full saturation and low volume. PERIOD.
Step Four: Another Round of Lightener
Because road bumps happen and breaking though old color (even demi) is a B. We applied a 2nd round to her mid hair shaft
Step Five: Mask & Toner
Toning OVER the k18 leave in or a bond stabilizer is one thing I love to do. I also opted for a more alkaline toner over an acidic toner.
Step Six: Extension Install, Cut & Style
The best part! I chose a two-row braided install because if the clients hair is long enough, I prefer a braided base over beads. Then a blending cut and style.
This transformation took us 8 hours total from start to finish. If you are wanting a big transformation just to know MOST things are possible with enough time, money and skill. The problems usually occur when one of those three categories gets minimized.
We decided to schedule a follow up session to go EVEN BLONDER 4 weeks later because her hair still felt good, and her goal was WHITE. This is her after her second session <3
Looking for a big change?? You can book your hair consultation with me at moss hair salon HERE !