Brisbane is the capital of the Sunshine State, so we know a thing or two about creating gorgeous blondes here at White Gold Boutique in Teneriffe.
We can all feel a change coming in the lead up to summer. New clothes for the warmer weather, longer days, and more often than not we crave lighter hair. After all — a change is as good as a holiday.
Excited to go brighter for summer, you pick up the phone or jump online to secure an appointment with your Stylist. You might be considering a few face framing strandlights, or even finally taking the plunge with balayage — the options are endless.
However, like a new boyfriend, going lighter comes with commitments. You’ve got to keep it looking fresh and in optimum health. Your Stylist will take care of your hair during your appointment, but there are a few things you can do to prepare your hair prior to coming into the salon so that it’s in the best possible condition going into the lightening process.
This is super important because to lighten hair, you have to cause damage to it. Yes, you read that correctly!
The lightening process works by breaking through your hair shaft and oxidizing the natural pigment that gives your hair its colour. This process is essentially hair damage.
Now onto the good news — you can prepare your hair for the process to ensure its integrity, and make sure it’s ready.
So here are our Top 3 Pre Lightening Prep Steps (and don’t try and say that out loud fast!)
1) “Sleep with Me” Olaplex №3 Take Home Treatment
Olaplex is the original hair bond rebuilder. It helps to strengthen your hair during the lightening process. Not only can your stylist add it to your colour, but the №3 Take home treatment can be used PRIOR to strengthen hair for lightening. Think of it as training before the race.
In the two weeks prior to your appointment, use the №3 two to three times a week. You can even leave it on as an overnight treatment if you don’t want to wait 10 minutes in the morning to wash it out.
So, repeat after us — shampoo, Olaplex, condition and you are on your way!
Olaplex №3 Take Home Treatment RRP $49.95
2) “Hydrate Me!” Masks
As pretty as blonde is, the process can rob your hair of moisture and hydration. So, just like we try and get our eight glasses of water a day, switch to a hydrating hair mask in the two weeks prior to your appointment. This will turbo charge your mane’s moisture levels, and further prepare it for the process.
Hydration masks are a MUST after lightening hair in order to restore moisture levels and avoid dry, brittle hair.
Some hydration masks we love at the salon:
· Kevin Murphy “Hydrate Me Masque” RRP $49.95
Not only does this smell divine, this masque’s unique formulation features vitamin-charged micro-capsules that explode upon contact to deliver hydration and moisture. Yup, I will have some of that!
· System Profession Hydrate Mask RRP $47.50
This is the most luxurious mask with the highest level of active hydro-deposit ingredients, meaning it will deeply moisturise hair for long-lasting suppleness. It manages to be lightweight while delivering a moisture-punch.
3) “Tools Down!” Say NO To Heat Styling
Banish the hairdryer, curling tong or any other heated hair tool minimum two weeks prior.
As we know, every Stylist loves to utilize hot tools for appointments, but at home less is more. Heat and over using heated tools can dry out hair, which in turn causes breakage.
So, put the tools down to give your locks some love. With this hot and humid weather in Brisbane, now is the time to try braids, top knots and pony tails. You can check out our Instagram or Pinterest board for more inspiration and how tos.
PS - all of these products are available at the salon, so load up next time you're in!
Snap up one of our last available pre-Christmas appointments to get on the path to lighter locks that won’t risk hair health.