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 if 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 to Blonde Hair in a Day?
Going from blonde to black in a day is not recommended, as it can cause severe damage to your hair.
Typically, it can take 2 to 4 sessions or more to go from dark hair to blonde depending on the length of your hair, if you had previously dyed or bleached your hair and the current hair color.
Why You Shouldn’t Go Dark to Blonde in One Day
Lightening your dark hair is an intricate chemical process involving dying or bleaching. Most hair stylists use a semi-permanent dye or a permanent hair dye for lasting results.
These types of dyes require mixing with a developer to activate them. The developer is either hydrogen peroxide or ammonia, or both. They swell up the cuticles to open them and for the color pigment to be deposited.
The process of opening the cuticle is stressful for your hair strands. If done repeatedly within a short time, it causes the hair cuticles not to close up completely. Open cuticles are more porous, meaning that they lose water easily. As a result, the hair becomes dry and prone to breakage. The open cuticles also make the hair strands rough and frizzy.
Furthermore, applying the dyes in succession does not allow ample time for the color pigments to set. Therefore, you may end up with a different color than anticipated, or there may be undertones.
Besides, a gradual transition gives you more control over the results. With every treatment, the hairstylists can assess the desired outcome and make any necessary changes.
How to Transition From Dark Hair to Blonde
Transitioning from dark hair to blonde can be a challenging and time-consuming process, but with patience, proper planning, and the right care, you can achieve your desired blonde shade.
Going from dark hair to blonde requires multiple visits to the hairstylist, beginning with an essential consultation. During this initial visit, the stylist will assess your hair’s health and ability to withstand the necessary treatments. It’s important to be transparent about your hair history so that the best strategy can be devised to achieve your desired color.
For example, if you’ve been using box dyes for an extended period, residual color pigments in your hair strands may impact the final result. If your hair is damaged, the stylist may advise waiting for your hair to recover before proceeding with the color change.
If you’ve previously bleached your hair, the lifting process could have been uneven. In this case, the hairstylist will conduct a strand test to determine where to apply the lightener for optimal results.
Each dyeing or bleaching session lifts the cuticles, so it’s crucial to close them afterward to seal in the color. The hairstylist may apply a gloss following the dye removal, effectively closing the cuticles. Conditioning the hair afterward will further smooth the cuticles, leaving your hair soft and healthy.
Your stylist will also recommend the extent of lightening achievable without causing damage to your hair. Based on your hair’s condition, they may suggest specific hair care products to strengthen and prepare your hair for the upcoming treatments, ensuring a successful transition to your desired blonde shade.
Tips for Successfully Transitioning From Dark to Blonde Hair
Let a Professional Stylist Lighten Your Dark Hair
Transitioning from dark to blonde hair can be a complex process. A skilled hairstylist will evaluate your hair’s health, assess your desired shade, and create a personalized plan to achieve your dream blonde while minimizing damage.
Although at-home box dye kits for lightening hair are readily available, it’s best to do it by a professional stylist. We often see hair color disasters and so consider visiting a beauty salon if possible. They know the best products to use depending on the condition of your hair, different color shades and how to achieve your preferred color without damaging your hair.
The lightening procedure of dark hair is also intricate, and specific steps should be followed. Dying the hair yourself can lead to severe damage. However, once you have achieved the preferred color, you can do the touch-ups at home or refresh it with purple shampoo.
Prepare Your Hair for the Color Change Procedures
Keep your hair hydrated and nourished in the weeks leading up to the first lighting session. Use deep conditioning treatments and hair masks to promote optimal hair health.
Healthy hair lightens up more easily. It is also less prone to damage from lightening treatment. Also, minimize heat styling to prevent drying up the hair strands.
Do Not Wash Your Hair Ahead of the Lightening Treatments
Do not wash your hair on the day of your lightening session. It leaves your scalp exposed to direct contact with the products, which can cause irritation. In addition, the natural oils serve as a carrier for the lightening products.
You do not want your hair to be too dirty. Excessive dirt, sebum, oils, and residual hair products create a barrier on the hair, making it difficult for the lightening products to penetrate the hair shaft. It is best to wash your hair 2-4 days before the lightening session.
Use a Toner After Each Bleaching Session
To counteract brassiness and keep your blonde looking fresh, use toning shampoos and conditioners specifically designed for blonde hair. These products help neutralize unwanted warm tones and maintain your desired shade.
You may use a demi-permanent toner such as purple shampoo to remove the undertones and freshen the hair color without causing damage to your hair.
You can use the purple shampoo once every week and follow up with a purple conditioner for better results.
Protect your hair from heat
Limit the use of heat styling tools, and always apply a heat protectant spray before styling. Excessive heat can cause further damage to already lightened hair.
Take Care of Your Hair After Transitioning to Blonde Hair
Follow proper post-care guidelines for colored or bleached hair to maintain your hair health and vibrancy.
For example, avoid washing your hair for the first 72 hours after a treatment session. Once this period has passed, use a sulfate-free shampoo and follow up with a deep conditioner. Limit hair washing to once or twice a week to preserve color and prevent damage.
When it comes to heat styling, it’s best to minimize its use. If you need to blow-dry or flat-iron your hair, always apply a heat protectant to safeguard your tresses.
Additionally, deep condition your hair and use a gloss or toner at least once a week to maintain color, boost shine, and keep your hair healthy.
Be Patient
Going from dark to blonde usually takes multiple sessions, especially if you have very dark hair. It’s important to be patient and allow for gradual lightening to maintain the integrity of your hair.
The darker your hair and the lighter your preferred color, the more visits to your hairstylist you will need. For instance, you might be able to move from brown to honey blonde in one day. However, it will take several hair treatments to transition from black or dark brown to platinum blonde.