What makes a blonding specialist a specialty? Clients who have had their blonde hair botched understand that there are differences in hair colorists and blonding specialists. Lightening the hair can be very complicated because it requires not just artistry in placement and color, but understanding the different chemicals used for lightening the hair and how they affect the color and health of the hair. There are also additives that can be used when blonding hair to either create fake bonds to keep the original hair bonds intact. Your blonding specialist must understand how these bond additives work and the maintenance they may require. Chemicals to lighten the hair can be very damaging and caustic to skin and hair. You want a stylist that is aware of the dangers of these chemicals and will make sure to stay around if you have these applied directly on scalp, or are using artificial heat sources.
When first choosing a blonde specialist it is good to figure out what “type” of blondes do they specialize in. Do you want to be an all over “global blonde” where your entire head of hair is lightened scalp to ends? Do you want a lived in blonde where the blonde is left a few inches from the scalp? Or do you prefer a lived in blonde that starts as close to the scalp as possible, feels very bright, but grows out softly so that it is low maintenance? Do you like the 90s chunky blonde stripes? These are all very unique techniques. It is rare to find someone who can do them ALL well. Many find it helpful to look at a stylist’s portfolio online to see what their strength in blonding is.
Another factor to consider when choosing a blonde expert, is to consider how dark your natural hair is. Are you naturally light, medium brown, or almost black hair? Sometimes stylists that can beautifully blonde light-medium brown hair, have no idea how to highlight a dark brunette since there is a lot more color pigment to remove. So consider your natural starting point color, find inspiration photos of other women with your natural starting color that have highlights that you like, and then look for stylists with similar work in their portfolio.
If your hair is naturally light and you would like to add darker lowlights, a blonde specialist should know to explain that: 1) color darker than your natural will NOT grow out well 2) darker color will be harder to bleach through so your highlights are more likely to grow out brassy 3) if you lowlight over already bleached hair and it is bleached again later, it will almost certainly damage it.
Always have a color consult with a new stylist before booking an appointment. Bring photos of what you would like so they can see if your goals are realistic or not. Explain and show what tones of blondes you like or dislike. Ask for a test strand to be done if you have had any previous color done, or are on medications that may affect your hair. If you have had an extreme health condition that has drastically weakened your hair, it may be better to skip lightening your hair at all until it is in stronger condition.
If Atlantis Salon seems like a good fit for you, feel free to go to out “contact page” and fill out the contact form to book your color consult and begin those hair goals!
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