My secrets to going icy blonde.
I get a lot of questions about my hair– I get it, it’s got a life of its own– and specifically, how I’ve been able to go so blonde over the past year or so without having to cut more than a few inches off. I rocked a warm ombré for several years, but really wanted something different. Like platinum blonde, almost-gray, super iced-out different.
Here’s my journey with some tips + tricks I’ve learned along the way.
Get a stylist you trust.
My stylist, Stephanie, is a master. No, really– she’s a master stylist at Beauty Brands. This means she knows hair. As obvious as it sounds, it’s important that your stylist is skilled in what he/she does in order to ensure your hair is taken care of during the lightening process. (We touched on that in this post.) You have to have an open line of communication with your stylist, first and foremost. That’s the key to getting what you want: you have to talk about it and make sure you both are on the same page.
The stylists at Beauty Brands are pros. You can sit down their chairs and know you’re in good hands. However, know it’s a collaborative process– you can’t just show up and say, “I want Blake Lively’s hair,” and then bury your head in a magazine. Come with pictures, come ready to answer questions– why do you like Blake’s hair? The length? Color? Style? That it’s so shiny? What about her hair do you want for yourself? A mindset like that sets you up for success.
Work that patience muscle.
You cannot go blonde as fast as a Kardashian. Unless you have a crazy amount of cash to spend on product and celebrity stylists, going super light + super fast is going to wreck your hair. And who cares if you’re uber-blonde if your hair is breaking at the root?
Protein gives hair its color, so when you bleach, you are stripping protein– and removing strength. The lightening process has to be slow in order to prevent serious hair damage. I started going blonde about two years ago! It takes time, guys. That’s not always what you want to hear when you’re looking to make a change– but trust me, doing it right is better than doing it fast.
Keep in mind, how long it takes you to go blonde will depend on what color you are now (I was a pretty dark brunette up top, so we had to kick that timeline out) and your hair’s strength (mine is pretty dry + coarse, so while it’s healthy, Steph and I have to be careful when lightening).
Products are important– both in the salon and out.
Beauty Brands uses the Redken pH Bonder system to help them add protein back into the hair while lightening it (very similar to Olaplex). This means that your stylist can be more aggressive with the bleach during a salon visit because the pH bonder is protecting the hair shaft. Steph will also occasionally add in a moisturizing treatment to boost my hair health. Yes, these products add to the bill– but they’re worth it. If your stylist recommends a product, he/she is doing so because your hair needs it.
I also ask Steph what products I should stock my shower with in order to keep my hair healthy between salon visits and then hit the Beauty Brands product floor to stock up. (We covered a few of our must-haves in this video.) For example, I get the non-pro version of the Redken pH Bonder; it’s a pre-shampoo treatment I use about once a week. Quite frankly, you can wash all that money you spent at the salon right down the drain if you don’t treat your hair right. Some other tips:
- Limit hot tools. I usually only blow out the front pieces of my hair and then let the rest air dry. (Hence, lion waves.) I keep straightener and curling iron use to a minimum.
- If/when you do use hot tools, protect your hair. We cover some of the best products here, but you should swing through a Beauty Brands and grab this blow dry spray immediately.
- Moisture, moisture, moisture. Your hair needs moisture to stay healthy. Healthy hair not only looks good (bonus), but it doesn’t break and your color stays vibrant, longer. I love this mask and it smells divine.
- For blondes, grab those toning products. My hair pulls quite warm, so I use a lot of purple shampoo (love this one) and toning masks (this one is Holy Grail Status) to cancel out any brassiness and keep things icy. Note: these products can contribute to dryness, so double up on the moisturization!
Vitamins + collagen are your friends.
I take a prenatal vitamin and a biotin vitamin every day. (No, I’m not trying to get pregnant- they’re more affordable than most hair vitamins and have the same ingredients.) I get the gummy versions (because I’m a child) from Amazon on auto-ship so I never run out. I also add marine collagen to my coffee/smoothies/protein shakes at least a few times a week (if not every day). Collagen is the stuff that keeps your skin, hair, and nails healthy + young, and adding collagen to your diet is nourishing those areas from the inside out. I love this brand; again, Amazon for the win.
Don’t be afraid of a refresh.
I was obsessed with keeping as much length as I could for ages. As it turns out, a little chop really breathed new life into my style. Hello, blunt almost-lob! Not only did this totally change my look, but it also made my hair that much healthier. And healthy hair grows faster, which means I’ll have mermaid hair again in no time!
Linking up with Elegantly Dressed and Stylish, Walking in Memphis in High Heels + The Fashion Canvas, I Do DeClaire, Straight A Style + On the Daily Express, Get Your Pretty On, Rosy Outlook + Seeking Sunshine, and Pumps and Push Ups.
*This post is in partnership with Beauty Brands; all thoughts and opinions are my own.
I can’t believe how blonde its gotten!! Love this icy shade on you babe!
Shauna
http://www.lipglossandlace.net
SO blonde, right? I’m all about that icy life! 🙂
Your hair got so blonde over time. Taking good care of your hair is important for sure.
http://sugarcoatedbears.blogspot.com/
Thanks, Courtney!
You look amazing with the blunt cut. So sophisticated and chic!
xo, Whitney and Blaire
Peaches In A Pod
Thank you, Blaire! I was so nervous because I haven’t had a blunt cut in ages- but this is so fresh!
Ashley, I am not going to lie, since you have had your hair transformation it’s all I can think about. I love it so much and you have inspired me to get a shorter blunt cut and go super blonde…. not sure my eyebrows can handle it. You seriously look amazing!
xx, Elise
http://www.sparkleandslippers.blogspot.com
LADY, OMG, you are so sweet! I would LOVE to see you as a mega blonde! Honestly, I haven’t touched my brows- I keep ’em dark because I think the contrast is cool. You are so sweet to swing by, babe! Hope you’re having a great week!
Great tips! And your hair looks wonderful!
Thank you, Nancy!
You are definitely a blond bombshell! Love all of these tips!
<3 Shannon
Upbeat Soles
You are too kind, sista! Hope you’re having a great week!
I’m naturally blonde and started dyeing it darker when I was in a teenager. Since then I’ve gone back to blonde twice and the thing that always foiled me was not having enough patience to fully wait out the transition without utterly frying my hair. Yours looks soooo amazing!
Courtney ~ Sartorial Sidelines
The patience is TOUGH, for real- and I’m not the most patient person, haha. But trusting the process has meant my hair is still super healthy and we can now start focusing on length! 🙂
This blonde suits you great and you look awesome with it .-*
Melanie / http://www.goldzeitblog.de
Thanks, Melanie!
Lol, I take prenatal vitamins too. I have for decades for the same reasons as you. Great tips for keeping your hair healthy while lightening it.
LaToya
http://www.toyastales.blogspot.com
And they’re sooo much cheaper than true “hair” vitamins! Thanks for swinging by, babe!
You really do have amazing hair Ashley. And I love how you explain that we need to communicate what we want and why to our stylist!!
The best thing about hair is that it’s so changeable!!
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Thank you so much, Jodie- and this tip comes straight from my stylist. She says that lots of communication is the key to hair success! You and the stylist have to get on the same page!
If I were ever to do something like this with my hair I would totally go to a salon and have a professional do it. Hair color can be damaging so you def want to make sure it’s done right. And I love your tip about vitamins. Also, the blonde looks fantastic. Suits you well!
You gotta trust a pro- that’s for sure. Coloring can be SO damaging! Thanks, babe!
I have thought about going blonde lots of times. I didn’t realize it was such a long process, but I definitely don’t want to wreak havoc on my hair. I could use a little trim, too! My hair is getting so long and sometimes it just feels so good to get a good 3″ cut off. I LOVE your hair blonde!
Carrie
curlycraftymom.com
Thanks, lady! And I agree- a hair refresh feels so good!
Wow!! Really I love your blond color 🙂
Thanks, lady! Happy Tuesday!
I love you and this icy white blonde!! It looks so amazing on you! PLUS… it add such depth to your looks now 🙂
Thank you for always stopping by! xo, Jessica || The Petite Diaries
Thanks, Jessica! Depth is a great word- you are too kind!
Love your transformation and great tips!
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Thanks, lady!
You have had quite the hair transformation! I loved it before, and I love it now! I also really love the new length. Looking good, friend!
Thanks, lady! It’s been quite the journey… I’m loving the shorter style for now- curious to see if we can add length with it being this blonde!
great!!! kisses
http://moonluns.blogspot.it/2018/03/jjshouse-dresses-bridesmaid.html
Thanks, Luna!
Wow, how lovely Ashley!!! You look beautiful and it frames your pretty face so well!! I have colored my own hair blonde for years and I know how important it is to get exactly what you want.
It is such a process, right? You gotta have some serious patience!
I love this icy shade of blonde on you! You look gorgeous!
xo,
Angela
Thank you so much, babe!
Your patience has definitely paid off, the finished result looks incredible in a short, sleek bob – beautiful!
aglassofice.com x
Thanks, girlfriend! I am loving it!
That blonde is gorgeous on you girl! Love the straight style too!
http://www.mylittlenest.org
Thank you, doll! Yes- the blunt cut looks so sick straightened! I love it!
Loving your hair and the color….it looks great on you.
http://www.comfycozyup.com
Thanks, babe!
Yes better safe then sorry. And wow what a journey. You look great with blonde hair and the blonder the better, it really looks good on you and you are right you stylist rocked it!
Allie of ALLIENYC
http://www.allienyc.com
Thanks, lady! I didn’t know how well I could pull off the super platinum because I had never been THIS blonde before- but I am loving it!
I’ve loved watching your hair transition the past several months, looking gorg! <3
Green Fashionista
Thanks, sista! Hope you’re having a great week!
I never realized it until you shared this photos how much blonder your hair got. You are right and patience is the key! You def rock the blonde so well!
http://www.rdsobsessions.com
Thanks, Rach! It’s been a journey- but I’m soooo happy with the results! Now it’s time to add some length!
You look amazing in any hair color but I am loving the icy blonde on you! What a fun look!
Thank you so much, Laura!
I love your hair! The cut and color are so chic. I didn’t realize the process was so long, but the results are worth it!
Nicole
Nicole to the Nines
It’s probably a little longer for me than most, because I was pretty dark up top initially and my hair was pretty dry + coarse, so we had to be conservative. I’m glad you love it! 🙂
I love that icy blonde Ashley! Super cute cut too!
xx
Jonathan
Thanks so much, Jonathan! I’m super into the icy lately!
You are a fab blonde😍
A blonde hair need extra care you re right. I loved to see your past hairstyles…
Xoxo from Portugal
marisasclosetblog.com
Thank you, Marisa! It’s crazy how my hair has changed!
You look amazing with the white blonde and the blunt cut looks really good on you!
xo Yvonne
http://www.aproposh.com
Thank you so much, Yvonne!
Loving this shade on you babe, you look gorgeous!
xoxo
Lovely
Thanks, babe!
Wow!!! It’s such BIG difference compared to before and after picture!!!! I LOVE IT!
Hope you are having a lovely one!
xoxo,
AikA❤︎
★BLOG★
★INSTAGRAM★
★FACEBOOK★
Thank you so much, AikA! Happy Wednesday!
Wow Ashley! You totally rock in this blonde look 🙂 This suits you so so much and you are looking amazingly beautiful <3 You totally nailed this look <3 Lots of love!
Beauty and Fashion Freaks
Thank you so much, Jyoti! Hope you’re having a great week!
I love the new cut and that color is beautiful! So worth all the time and effort! Side note: your makeup is also gorgeous in the last picture!!
Brooke
pumps and push-ups
Thank you so much, lady! I had my makeup done to judge a drag show back in January, and we UPPED the game + double-stacked the lashes, haha. 🙂
It’s so much better for your hair that you did it gradually and now I am just OBSESSED with the color on you!! Total smokeshow!
Rosy Outlook
Ahhhh, thanks so much, sista! It has been a journey but I am LOVING the results!
Your new hair color is so gorgeous though and definitely something different from before, but you work them both so well! Xx
http://www.thefashionfolks.com
Thank you so much! 🙂
Thanks for sharing your hair journey, was an interesting read and good to see pictures from along the way!
Have a lovely day 🙂
Rosanna x
Thanks so much, Rosanna! Happy Thursday!
Great tips, I love your hair
http://www.alessandrastyle.com
Thank you, Alessandra!
You look fabulous as a blonde! I’m loving the blunt cut too. Yay for finally getting to platinum!
http://www.iamchiconthecheap.com/
Thanks, girlfriend! I am loving this change, too!
I love your new blonde! It look so good 🙂
xx Alyssa | STYLE VANITY
Thanks, girlfriend!
Wow! you look amazing Ashley! i really love this hair color on you! You are rocking it!
XOXO
Edwige | http://www.hypnozglam.com
Thank you so much, Edwige!
Dang girl, I just want your hair, can I haz please?!?! – http://www.domesticgeekgirl.com
You’re too kind, babe! Thank you!
I’ve been enjoying your blond journey soooo much. I noticed your last post you were looking very blonde and fabulous. I love the iced almost gray blonde look, I wish i could pull it off. Loving all the tips 🙂
Thanks, lady- the icy almost gray is definitely the goal! Happy Thursday!
Why are you always look so chic? I love the way you mathed them up, it really suits you.
Cheers,
Alexandra – Chic Spring Dresses
You are so sweet, babe! Thank you!
I’m always so jealous of girls who can do multiple different haircolors so flawlessly! Love the blonde on you!!
Annessa
http://www.seekingsunshine.com
Thank you so much, sis! I didn’t know that I could necessarily go THIS blonde, but I am loving it!
It was interesting seeing the hairstyle progression! You have a lot of patience with it! I’ve only ever semi-permanently dyed my hair, and just a couple of times, I don’t think I’d have the patience to do a big change like you did, haha!
Hope you are having a good week so far 🙂
Away From The Blue Blog
Thank you so much, girl! I am loving the results!
Hope you have a great weekend ahead!
You have such beautiful hair Ashley and I love it more blonde. Have a great day!
Gemma x
http://www.jacquardflower.uk
Thank you so much, doll!
Thank you so much, Gemma!
It really suits you! I’m naturally a mousy dark blonde but whenever I try to go light blonde, it’s always orangey as I can never get my hair to go the cool light tones like yours. It just never works, even the stylists have no idea why and the purple toner wouldn’t take for like half an hour lol. Yours looks great!
Raindrops of Sapphire
Oh no! That would be so frustrating. I definitely have had my toner struggles, too- my stylist and I have tried at least 4-5 different mixtures; one night I was in the salon for 5 hours with just toners!
Hi Ashley
I love all of the tips you gave from your experience for keeping hair healthy during this process. LOVE your new hair color and cut! it looks beautiful!
thanks for linking!
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
Thank you so much, lady- it’s been a big change and I’m loving it!
Lovely tips dear. Indeed, finding the perfect stylist that you can trust to take care of your hair is a must! We’ve heard/read about countless horror stories of hair makeover gone wrong. And yes, hair care products are extremely important, especially post-salon.
Jessica | notjessfashion.com
Yesss- you never want to be one of the horror stories, that’s for sure! 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!