Countless years have gone by since I last coloured my hair – 14 to be exact. It wasn’t until high school did I experiment with every colour under the sun, red, blonde, purple, jet black, you name it. After what felt like years of torture for my hair, I figured it was high time to give it a break.

Fast forward to today, we’re ready for a shakeup. But the PTSD from the thought of broken hair has got me wanting answers, one being, how can you go lighter without the damage?

We spoke to Nic Shiun, Schwarzkopf Professional Guest Artist and owner of Eclat Atelier to tell all on how to keep our locks as healthy as possible through the process.

Is there a right way to go blonde?

First things first, you need to be clear on the “type” of blonde you’re trying to achieve. There isn’t a “Right way or… wrong way, but (it’s) more about what product we use to lighten the hair,” Nic says.

Bleach vs Powder Lightener vs Highlifts

• Natural Light Brown to Platinum Blonde: Highlifts are best used to get the desired colour which is more gentle than Bleach.
• Dark Brown | Asian Black to Blonde: it’s important to “Lift the hair slowly, and mindfully choosing the correct developer and application method.”

That being said, if you have really dark brown or Asian black hair, it is best to go lighter in multiple sessions. See more on this below.

do you need to prep your hair before coming into the salon?

Short answer, no.

Whether you’re a new client or an existing client, Nic advises that any kind of treatment needed before going lighter will be managed on the day. Treatments to rebuild bonds and repair your hair on the day are included for those with broken, damaged, or compromised hair.

do you recommend going lighter in stages?

This all depends on the result you are trying to achieve.

Nic explains that for those who are wanting to go lighter, multiple sessions are required if you fall under any of the below categories:

• You have very dark hair and are trying to achieve a very light blonde
• If you have artificial colour or pigment build-up in your hair
• If you have damaged hair and not to cause any more damage
• Time and investment are one of the main reasons, going lighter requires a pretty penny.

One session is more than enough if:

• Your hair is already naturally light
• You have uncoloured, virgin hair

does hair type determine how you lighten hair?

“Absolutely! In the consultation process, this is the first thing that is assessed.  We look at density, texture, natural colour, artificial colour, hair diameter, white hair, hair porosity, length, elasticity etc.”

Every type of hair, be it curly, straight, thick or coarse is treated differently and with the use of differing products.

POST colour treatment recommendations

The aftercare post lightening is essential! “The importance of a specialised home haircare routine for lightened hair is paramount in caring for blonde hair post colour.”

It’s almost certain your hair will be damaged to a degree and Nic recommends home treatments to help to rebuild those broken bonds, specifically the Schwarzkopf Professional BLONDME Restoring Balm.

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