As someone who has been highlighting their hair since 5th grade, (thanks for this, mom), I have had my fair share of experience dealing with the upkeep that artificial blonde hair comes with. It is a lot of work and can be at times very frustrating. But, after ten years of learning, this is how I keep my blonde. 

Undertones

First of all, it does matter what color of hair your natural hair is, or what color you are transitioning to blonde from. What ever color lies underneath the blonde plays a huge role in what your color could turn or fade to. For example, my mother has extremely dark brown hair. She has been highlighting her hair for as long as I can remember and is very, very light blonde. However, when she highlights her hair she gets a brassy undertone. Something that she has to work hard to cover, due to her red tinted dark brown natural hair. When I was born, I was born with black hair and eyebrows. It turned to that super cute platinum blonde most kids get and has been retreating to dark ever since.

When I started my highlights in 5th grade, my hair was a darker dirty blonde. Now, I have no idea what it would be if I actually let it grow out. My eyebrows however are a deeper brown, and I always buy “dark brown” when purchasing eyebrow pencil, for reference. I thought about lightening them, but that is a risky game I am not willing to play. 

If you have red-undertones in your hair, like my mother does, you have the chance for your blonde to turn brassy. The best way to combat this is toner, purple shampoo and conditioner. Going in between your usual highlight appointment for a toner and blow dry work wonders to keep your blonde from turning brassy mid-point. My hair does not tend to get brassy, but it does fade from the ashy-platinum I like to keep it at. If I don’t keep up with my current regiment, I will lose the grey-tone I love. 

Blonde Upkeep

I tend to get my hair done every 6-8 weeks. Because my hair doesn’t grow too fast (sigh), I don’t get too bad of roots right away and am able to push it. If your hair does grow nice and quick, I definitiley would recommend every 4-6 weeks, like my mother. If you have very dark natural hair the roots will be more noticeable, and there will be more upkeep. Something to keep in mind if considering making the switch.

In between my hair appointments, I make sure to use quality, healthy hair products. I avoid excess heat and deep condition at least once a week. Blonde. Is. Drying! The bleach will just break your hair down and ruin it if you are not careful. Something that I did when I was younger, which has caused me to learn to be extra careful now, and take even better care of my hair. 

Washing Routine

Every time I wash my hair, the first thing I do is use purple shampoo. Purple shampoo helps to keep the brass out of blonde, and keep the cooler-tone.  I use a budget-friendly brand for shampoo, and a high-end brand for purple conditioner. Leave the purple shampoo in for about 2-3 minutes. I tend to put it in first, then do the rest of my shower stuff like shaving and washing during this time. Rinse, follow with your regular, moisturizing shampoo for a quick extra cleanse, and then pop in a very fatty, moisturizing conditioner and leave it in for a few minutes. I use a Kevin Murphy or Moroccanoil purple conditioner, it is super concentrated and leaving it on for a few minutes will really help if you want to have an ashy tone. All of what I use, is linked below.

If you have the time and patience, follow this condition with a deep-protein rich conditioner and leave it in for at least five minutes. I often put this in, get out of the shower and put on lotion, etc, and stick my head under the faucet when its time to rinse, with cold water. I do this so I’m not bored standing in the shower, wasting water.

Treatments are Essential

I try to not wash my hair more than twice a week, unless I have a really intense workout or something. It can dry out your hair and make the color not last as long. If you have to wash it more than once a week, I love to use a Kevin Murphy Treatment in between washes as a substitute for shampoo and conditioner. It gently cleanses while giving a super nice moisture treatment and helps to revive hair.

Once a month I use Olaplex No. 3. You have to leave it in for a while, anywhere from ten minutes to an hour. Then shampoo and condition after, but it definitely helps to revive the gloss back to your hair. Plus, it makes it insanely soft. My co-worker recommended it to me and I have since bought the entire line of Olaplex products, I absolutely love how they make my dry, damaged hair feel. My new favorite product to treat my dry, blonde hair is the K18 line. This hair oil is a life savor!

Avoid the Heat

When I use heat to style my hair, I often try to use the lowest heat setting I can. I always spray my hair before with a heat protectant. My favorites are linked below, and super budget friendly.

I always use a strong-hold hairspray after to keep the style as long as possible. This is so I can avoid unnecessary extra heat. My favorite one, as recommended to me by my awesome hair stylist, is under $20. It smells incredible! I have linked it below. Plus, its brush-able to avoid crunchy hair! I try to wash my hair when I have a lot of free time, so I don’t have to blow dry it as often. When I wash it in the evenings after a work out, I just let it air dry. The only time I will blow dry is when I absolutely have to, like when I wash my hair before work and can’t wait. 

How I Keep My Blonde

All of what I do to keep my blonde, is simply what works for me. After years of testing and highlighting, I have had time to figure out what works and what doesn’t. What works for me, and my hair, might not necessarily work for you and yours. However, the basis of keeping up with your coloring, using quality hair care products and taking the time to learn what is good for your hair color is essential. Everyone will go through trial and error. Blonde hair is a lot of work! Unless you are blessed with natural, gold locks, you’re going to have to put in work. But, that’s okay, and if you love it then its all worth it in the end. 

Have any tips on how you keep your hair healthy and colored? Leave me a comment below! Plus, check out my post 3 Natural Ways to Keep Hair Healthy for more great hair tips! Don’t forget to subscribe to my Newsletter, you can do so here. By subscribing, you are entered to win the Fall Giveaway, and will have first look at what’s inside! You won’t wanna miss out. 

If you’re in the NE Ohio area and need an awesome stylist who is incredible with blonde hair, check out Vivo Beauty Bar in Cuyahoga Falls and ask for Shelby or Whitney. Naples, Florida residents should contact Mallory at Salon East in downtown Naples. Tell them Tori Putman sent ya 😉

XO,

Tori