If you currently have dark hair and are excited to go blonde, you may wonder if you can make the transition in one day. In this article, we will discuss whether you can go from dark to blonde in a day and what is the best way to transition your hair.
Can I go from dark hair to blonde hair in a day?
Going from blonde to black in a day is not recommended, as it can cause serious damage to your hair.
Typically, it can take 2 to 4 or more sessions to go from dark hair to blonde, depending on the length of your hair, whether you’ve previously dyed or bleached your hair, and your current hair color.
Why is it not recommended to go from dark hair to blonde hair in a day?
Lightening your hair is a complex chemical process that involves dyeing or bleaching. Most hairstylists use semi-permanent or permanent hair color for lasting results.
These types of colors require mixing with a key to activate them. The key is hydrogen peroxide or ammonia, or both. They inflate the cat’s nails to open them and for the color pigment to be deposited.
The process of opening the nail stresses your hair strands. If you do this repeatedly in a short time, it causes the hair nails to not close completely. Open nails are more porous, meaning they lose water easily. As a result, the hair becomes dry and tends to break. The open nails also make the hair strands rough and frizzy.
Furthermore, applying the colors sequentially does not allow enough time for the color pigments to set. Therefore, you may end up with a different color than expected, or have tints.
Besides, a gradual transition gives you more control over the results. In each treatment, the hair stylists can evaluate the desired result and make all the necessary changes.
The best way to go from dark hair to blonde
The transition involves multiple visits to the hairdresser. The first visit should be a consultation. whereby the hairstylist evaluates your hair to determine if it can withstand the hair treatments. Be transparent with your hair history to find the best strategy for achieving your preferred hair color.
For example, if you apply box dyes for a long time, the residual dye pigment in your hair strands may affect the result. Your hair may also be damaged, in which case your hairstylist may advise you to hold off on the color change until your hair is healthier.
If you bleached your hair before, the lifting process may have been uneven. Therefore, the hairstylist should conduct a strand test to determine which parts to apply the lightener.
During each dying or bleaching session, the nails are lifted. It is necessary to close them each time to seal in paint. For example, the hairstylist may apply gloss after washing off the color at the close of the nails, followed by a treatment to smooth the nails, making your hair soft.
The hairstylist will also advise on the level of lightening you can achieve without damaging your hair. Depending on the condition of your hair, they may recommend some hair products to strengthen your hair and prepare it for treatment.
Tips for successfully changing your hair from dark to blonde
Have a professional stylist lighten your hair
Although at-home color kits for lightening hair are readily available, it is best to have the procedure performed by a professional stylist. They know the best products to use, depending on your hair condition, color and history, to achieve your favorite color without damaging your hair.
The lighting process is also complex, and specific steps must be performed. As such, coloring your hair yourself can lead to serious damage. However, once you’ve achieved your favorite color, you can touch it up at home or freshen it up with a purple shampoo.
Prepare your hair for color changing procedures
Keep your hair moisturized and nourished in the weeks before the first lightening session. Use deep conditioning treatments and hair masks to promote optimal hair health.
Healthy hair lightens more easily. It is also less prone to damage from handling lightning. Also, reduce the heat styling to avoid drying out the hair strands.
Do not wash your hair before lightening treatments
Do not wash your hair on the day of lightening. This leaves the scalp exposed to direct contact with the products, which can cause irritation. In addition, the natural oils are used as a carrier for the lightening products.
However, you don’t want your hair to be too dirty. Excess dirt, milk, oils and hair product residues create a barrier on the hair, making it difficult for the lightening products to penetrate the hair shaft. It is better to wash your hair 2-4 days before the lightning session.
Use toner after each whitening session
It removes undertones and makes the hair color look vibrant. A semi-permanent toner like purple shampoo can be used to remove the undertones and refresh the hair color without damaging the hair.
You can use the purple shampoo once a week and follow up with a purple conditioner for better results.
Be sure to properly care for dyed/bleached hair after treatment
For example, do not wash your hair for the first 72 hours after treatment. After 72 hours, you can wash it off with a sulfate-free shampoo and then a deep conditioner. Limit your washes to two to two times a week.
Minimize heat styling and apply a heat protectant when you blow dry or flat iron your hair. Also, set it deep and apply lip gloss or toner at least once a week.
The darker your hair and the lighter your preferred color, the more visits you will need to your hairstylist. For example, you may be able to go from brown to honey blonde in one day. However, it will take several hair treatments to go from black or dark brown to platinum blonde.