Like it or not (trust us, in 24 hours there’s been a lot of opinions), Kim Kardashian and Jared Leto’s platinum statements are but a mere glimmering reflection of what we’re all craving: warm weather. “Summer is around the corner and everyone wants a little sunshine in their life,” says Stacey Staley, the founder of Blonde Salon in Toronto. Naturally, lightening your “hair is the easiest way to achieve that.” But before you head to the drugstore and stock up on DIY-hair-colouring kits featuring your favourite shade of golden, there are three things you need to know.
Achieving the right shade is trickier than you think
So unless you’re a hairstylist and know what you’re doing, keep the box jobs for darker ‘dos and leave your blonde ambitions to the pros. (Need we time-travel back to the mid ’80s and backyard Sun-In sessions gone wrong?) “Not only will the result be better than at home, but so will the tone,” affirms Staley. “An expert can pick the right shade for your skin.”
Being blonde is a commitment
“An all over blonde like Jared’s is going to take a long time in the salon to get it to that degree of lightness,” warns Staley. Word to the wise: the darker your current hair colour, the longer it will take to transform your look as your pigment (natural or not) must be removed from the hair shaft first, before it can be replaced with the blonde colour. And this process isn’t always easy, especially if you’ve been chemically dependent for a while. Remember the hair bleaching/scalp burning rumours that swirled around the Material Girl during her Blonde Ambition tour? Yup. Sometimes you pay to be that pretty. “Lightening can hurt your scalp little,” affirms Staley. And your wallet. “Be prepared to invest a lot of time and money,” says Staley. Going blonde typically costs between: $65 to $250. “It’s a process, and sometimes it takes multiple visits to do it right. A rush job will leave your hair with irreversible damage.”
Keep your colour current
At home care is a must, says Staley. “A demanding colour demands professional aftercare.” That means investing in a good shower head with a filter to remove chlorine, metals and organic compounds from the water to prevent your hair from looking like a tarnished penny. You’ll also want to look for shampoos and conditioners specifically designed to protect and maintain your hard-earned hue. Adding a hydrating mask to your regime is also a smart idea as it can counter the dehydrating effects of the lightening process. But at the end of the day, it’s all worth it, says Staley. “So get ready for the attention! Blondes do have more fun and always get noticed.”
AmongMen recommends: Joico Colour Endure Violet Shampoo and Conditioner, from $13, available at hair salons and online at www.joico.com; and Moroccanoil Intense Hydrating Mask, from $55, available online at www.moroccanoil.com.
