How do you go blonde gradually?

Highlights are the best way to go blonde gradually. “Start off slow with a small amount so your hair and eyes can get used to it and slowly add a little more each time until you are at the blonde you’re looking to achieve,” Garrone advises. This is a great option for less damage, but requires more time (and patience) to make the change.

Balayage, in which”highlights are hand painted all over your head,” Garrone says. “This look will give you more of a pop and a bigger contrast between highlights that also grows out gradually.”

Ombré, where “the highlights are focused more on your ends and around your face, leaving your natural brunette color at the top,” Garrone explains. “This is a good way to meet in the middle because you get some blonde, but still have your natural color to complement your skin and eye color, and it’s also pretty low maintenance and less damaging to hair.”

Can you dye brown hair blonde at home?

Not usually, all of our pro colorists agree. There is a lot of room for error and you could end up damaging your hair. “Box dye would be fine for a gradual transition but not brunette to blonde,” Solano says. “It’s tricky because it tends to cause damage, often leaves brunette shades brassy, and can be hard to work with afterwards.”

Instead, use box dye for DIY touch-ups at home, after you’ve gotten your initial color done in salon. “You can start by adding some lighter pieces throughout your ends,” Lee says. “Take small sections and tease them, painting the ends with the lightener so you won’t have any harsh lines in your hair.” She recommends using Garnier Nutrisse Ultra Color Blondes Balayage Lightening Creme for this look.

Can you go from brunette to blonde without bleaching?

All of our colorists agree: Not easily. “Color (without bleach) can lift your hair, but only a few levels, which will most likely leave your shade looking orange and brassy,” Garrone explains.

How can you maintain your blonde hair and keep it healthy?

Cut down on heat styling and let your hair air dry as much as possible.

Lower the temperature on your hot tools to prevent damage and always apply a heat protectant all over strands prior.

Try a shower filter, like Raindrops, to help keep your blonde from getting dull.

Introduce purple shampoo and conditioner, like Solano’s favorite Kérastase Blond Absolu, into your haircare routine to fight brass and orange tones.

Use deep conditioners and hair masks weekly to keep your hair hydrated. Lee recommends the warm and cool blonde that will treat the hair and bring back vibrancy.

Try a toner, a treatment that will make the blonde color cooler and cancel any brassy tones. Sometimes, immediately post-color, it may take two toners to get the right effect.