7 Things you Need to Know before Going Blonde

Christel Lundqvist runs Stil, her own highly successful salon in London, as well as being TIGI Global Creative Technical Director. We talked to her about the questions every client needs to ask before going blonde.

This is not a decision that should be taken lightly. Go blonde and you’re in it for the long-haul – it requires determination and commitment. Going light really is a big deal. To explain why, Christel Lundqvist, Director at Stil Salon and TIGI Global Creative Technical Director, focuses on 7 key points:

1. Going blonde: Is it really for everyone?
It’s a big commitment going lighter as it’s important you look after the hair after a lightening service. Investing in a shampoo and conditioner that contains moisture and protein will not only repair the hair it will also make sure your blonde looks super shiny.

2. What is the best technical and psychological shape to be in before taking the plunge?
There are so many different blonde services to choose from, depending on the hair condition; it’s essential that you work a blonde technique that will suit the length and condition of the hair. For a woman it’s often a big deal going lighter so mentally it’s important be open to the change and commitment.

3. What are the before and after factors that most need to be considered?
Often you don’t need to prepare the hair for going lighter. If, however, it’s in very poor condition you will need to treat the hair beforehand with aftercare products that will repair over-sensitized, damaged hair – this can take anything from 4-8 weeks. Afterwards it can be anything from 6-8 weeks upkeep if you are opting for a high contrast blonde. If you opt for a Balayage effect where the root area is darker and therefore much softer on the re-growth, it can be anything up to 10 weeks or more.

4. What about the total cost?
It’s very difficult to put on overall price on a blonde service as costs can vary enormously from salon to salon. However, it’s important to charge in accordance with the time you spend on the hair, factoring-in your skill and experience as an important added-value. 

5. How does the actual hair physically change during the coloring process?
The hair structure changes as you remove pigments and other components from the cortex. In some cases, this actually helps clients with very fine limp hair as it can give at feeling of more fullness and depth to the hair.

6. What is the main must-have in term of aftercare?
A must-have would be to have a conditioning treatment that either replaces moisture or protein. It’s so important to look after blonde hair in-between salon visits as the coloring procedure is different to other services. If you do look after your blonde hair it will feel strong and look super shiny. 

7. Once blonde, what about make-up?
Sometimes clients needs less make-up, or, in some areas, even a little more. It all depends on their natural complexion and skin tone, so there are no exact rules when it comes to make-up.