Ask a Hairstylist: How to Go Blonde When You Have Dark Brown Hair

Q: I have naturally straight hair that is dark brown right now, but I want to go lighter—maybe a light blonde. 

I've never been blonde and I really don't know what shade of blonde will look good with my skin tone. 

My other challenge right now is growing it! I feel like my hair has been the same length for a while now. Hopefully you can help me! — Tiera

A: Tiera, you look so beautiful in these pictures but I can not see enough detail in your natural colour. These pictures are too fuzzy and your hair is not well lit.

What I am seeing is that the fine hair around your hairline looks lighter than your ends.

If these hairs are as delicate as they look to me, I would never use bleach on those strands. Bleach will melt them off or damage them beyond belief.

I have a rule that I will not turn dark hair to blonde EVER. I know there are many colourists that will do this for you, but I advise against it.

When you see stars changing up their colour frequently, this is not their hair—it is usually wigs.

That said, I understand the thirst for change… so if you must, get a strand test done first. 

Do this on a piece of hair underneath, and see how light the colourist can get it without melting your hair. Get them to tone it if need be. If the outcome is to your liking, then proceed to add more.

Here are some examples of what might work for you:

No bleach on your delicate hairline—only on the mid-shaft to the ends.

After you have the ends the colour you like, and don't mind the condition, then add more to the top as you see fit.

WARNING: If you do bleach your hair, you will most likely not be able to get your hair longer because it will be fragile and possibly break.

My suggestion is to leave well enough alone. Nourish your hair, grow it and enjoy your natural beauty.

billyxoxo