Blonde Highlights: What to Consider When Consulting with a Hairstylist
Blonde highlights can be the perfect way to add brightness, dimension, and a sun-kissed look to your hair. But before booking your appointment, it’s important to have a detailed consultation with your hairstylist to ensure you get the results you want. Here’s what you should consider:
- Your Natural Hair Color and Texture
Your starting point matters! Blonde highlights can look different depending on your natural hair color, whether you’re a brunette, redhead, or already have a light base. Darker hair may require more lightening processes, while finer hair may take the lightener or color more easily. Let your stylist assess your hair’s natural color and texture before deciding the best technique.
- Choosing the Right Shade of Blonde
Blonde is not one-size-fits-all. During your consultation, your stylist will help you choose a shade that complements your skin tone, eye color, and personal style. From cool, ashy tones to warmer honey or caramel hues, the right blonde can bring out the best in your complexion. Be sure to ask your stylist what shades will suit you, and bring inspiration photos for reference.
- Highlighting Techniques
There are several ways to achieve blonde highlights, each giving a different effect. Some common techniques include:
– Traditional Foil Highlights: Best for structured, defined highlights. The foils allow for greater control and more precise placement.
– Balayage: A freehand technique where the stylist paints highlights onto your hair for a more natural, sun-kissed look with softer regrowth.
– Foilyage: A modern hair coloring technique that combines elements of traditional balayage with the precision of foil highlights.
– Babylights: Fine, subtle highlights that blend in with your natural hair color for a softer, more delicate look.
During your consultation, discuss the differences between these techniques with your stylist so they can choose the one that aligns with your desired outcome.
- Maintenance Level
Blonde highlights can require maintenance, especially depending on how light you go. Ask your stylist how often you’ll need touch-ups, glosses, and whether you’ll need to invest in specific products like purple shampoo to keep brassiness at bay. If you’re not looking for high-maintenance color, consider going for a more natural blonde or lowlights to minimize upkeep.
- Hair Health
Lightening to achieve blonde highlights can be taxing on your hair, so it’s crucial to have a conversation about your hair’s current health. A stylist may recommend strengthening treatments, like Olaplex, K18, or a deep-conditioning regimen, before and after the process to keep your hair strong and healthy. If your hair is prone to damage or breakage, ask your stylist how to protect it during and after the coloring process.
- Timeline and Commitment
Be realistic about the time and process. Going from dark to blonde can take multiple sessions to achieve the desired look while minimizing damage. During your consultation, your stylist will assess your hair and let you know how many sessions might be necessary to get your perfect blonde highlights without compromising hair health.
- Budget
Blonde highlights can vary in price depending on the technique and the amount of lightening required. For example, it may cost more depending on the amount or lightness of blonde your desire due to the time involved. Be upfront with your stylist about your budget, and ask about maintenance costs as well.
- Bringing Inspiration Photos
Photos can speak volumes! Bring in a few photos of blonde highlights you love so your stylist can better understand the look you’re after. Remember that every person’s hair is unique, so the result may not be an exact match, but the photos will give your stylist a clear idea of your vision.
Conclusion
Consulting with your stylist before getting blonde highlights is essential to ensure you’re both on the same page and that your hair stays healthy throughout the process. Discuss your hair goals, the technique, shade, and aftercare needed for your new look. At Salon San Carlos, we specialize in helping clients achieve their dream hair while keeping it healthy and radiant. Book a consultation today to start your blonde journey!
