Lighten Up!

Written by June Krause

While going blonde is a fairly easy process there are some things to keep in mind. With the wide array of products available many are opting to do this process at home. From local stylist June K., here are some tips for getting the color you want.

Choose your color carefully and ask for advice, the rows of options can be quite intimidating. Take into account the color, texture and condition of your hair and shop appropriately. Don’t just grab the same box of color your friend uses — what looks great on her hair might have dramatically different results on yours.
Don’t go it alone – especially if you are lightening medium to dark brown virgin hair (hair that has not been colored before) it’s good to have someone help you. The first time lightening application should be applied approximately one half to one third of an inch from the scalp to the ends. Follow processing time instructions and then apply the lightener to the roots 15-20min before time is up. Heat from your scalp speeds up the process and can bleach the roots lighter than the rest of your hair. Leaving the roots to the end will even out your color and help to avoid hair that is orange on ends.

Always late? Take our time management Life Lesson
Are you struggling in your work life?: Talk to a mentor

Check the color before you wash it out by towel drying a stand of hair. If it is not the desired shade, leave the color in an extra 10-15 min and then wash out.
Color three to five weeks in advance if you are coloring your hair for your wedding to allow time for corrections, if necessary. If you are going to be in a wedding , check with the bride BEFORE you color.
If you are using KoolAid to get those really dramatic colors, remember that the lighter your hair, the harder it is to get out. Shampooing is often not enough. KoolAid and Jell-o dying should not be considered temporary as the color gets right into the hair shaft, especially if the hair has been bleached.
Sun will bleach out your natural pigment, whether or not you color, especially the ends of your hair. Conditioning is important to protect your hair and an absolute necessity when you color or lighten your hair.