How To Dye Your Hair Blonde At Home

We all know the age-old saying, “blondes have more fun” has run its course and that women of all hair colors are living their best lives. And with the introduction of fun new hair colors, such as purple, pink and even green, into the trend spectrum, it isn’t the most standout hair color you can have. With that said, blonde hair is still extremely popular, and if it isn't your natural hair color, you might want to explore the blonde side at some point. 

While switching to blonde hair isn’t always the easiest hair color choice you can make because of the process involved, whether you have black hair, brown hair, or red hair, you can DIY the hue — no salon visit necessary. Read on to learn how to dye your hair blonde right at home and the products you can add to your hair care routine to care for your pretty new blonde shade.

What You Need To Know Before Coloring Your Hair Blonde

At-home hair color is super convenient, but going blonde can be tricky. Typically, dyeing your hair blonde will require the use of bleach to lighten your hair before you can apply blonde dye. Not to mention, the darker your starting color (and the blonder you want to go), the more sessions it will take to reach your desired shade. If you’re looking to make a drastic color change — for example, you want to go from black hair to platinum blonde hair — it’s often best to leave that to the professionals. 

Generally, when it comes to dyeing your hair blonde at home, you should only go one to two shades lighter than your base color. Plus, keep in mind that if you’ve colored your hair before, you may not end up with the color you see on the box.

The Best Shade Of Blonde Hair Based On Your Undertones

There are so many hair colors within the blonde spectrum — and with what seems like endless options, it can be difficult to narrow down which one will look the most flattering on you. There’s definitely something out there for everyone, though. It's all about keeping your undertone in mind. Here's what to know:

If you have cool undertones opt for ashy, cool blonde shades. Hues like L’Oréal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying Shine Permanent Hair Color in Medium Ash Blonde, L’Oréal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying Shine Permanent Hair Color in Medium Blonde, and L’Oréal Paris Féria in Very Light Natural Blonde will be ultra flattering on you. 

If you have warmer tones opt for richer, warmer blonde shades. Blonde hair dyes like L’Oréal Paris Superior Preference in Golden Blonde, L’Oréal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying Shine Permanent Hair Color in Light Reddish Blonde, and L’Oréal Paris Féria in Ultra Pearl Blonde will do the most to complement your complexion.

Want a pretty platinum blonde? The L’Oréal Paris Feria Hyper Platinum Advanced Lightening System Bleach can lift up to eight levels for those with dark brown to light brown hair.

How To Dye Your Hair Blonde

Once you’ve chosen your perfect shade of blonde hair, it’s time to get to work. Make sure to follow the instructions included with the packaging of your at-home hair color kit to get the best results. Remember that it’s a good idea to stick within two shades of your natural hair color when dyeing your hair at home. Keep an extra box of hair dye so that you can touch up your roots when needed. 

For further instructions on how to use one of our at-home hair color kits, read How to Use Superior Preference and How to Use Féria.

How To Care For Blonde, Color-Treated Hair 

Once you’ve dyed your hair blonde at home, the work doesn’t end there. You may need to make a few changes to your hair care routine to help care for your strands.

Use Products For Blonde, Colored Hair 

Any shampoo and conditioner won’t cut it for your new golden tresses. Swap your old shampoo and conditioner for the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Bond Strengthening Color Care Shampoo and L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Bond Strengthening Conditioner. This duo, specially formulated to strengthen bleached hair, also protects your strands against future damage. 

You also want to incorporate a purple shampoo into your hair care routine at least once a week to cleanse, condition, and balance blonde hair, while neutralizing unwanted yellow and orange brassy tones. Reach for the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Brass Toning Purple Shampoo and L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Brass Toning Purple Conditioner for this. And take your blonde hair care regimen up a notch once a week with the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Anti Brass Purple Mask Treatment.

Ease Up On The Hot Tools

Excessive heat styling can do a number on your mane. Consider this your opportunity to embrace your natural texture by air drying your hair. Apply a hair mousse, like L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle CURVE IT Elastic Curl Mousse, to towel-dried hair, scrunch your tresses, then allow it to air dry for perfect curls.

Tone Right At Home

The same way you can color your hair right at home, you can also tone your new color on your own. That means no more monthly salon visits to boost shine and enhance your hair color. Instead, grab the L’Oréal Paris Le Color Gloss One Step In-Shower Toning Gloss to infuse your blonde hair with a fresh hint of color right in the shower in just 15 minutes. It works on all hair types and textures. 

Next: How To Go From Brown To Blonde Hair The Right Way

Written by: Shalwah Evans, Photo Credit: Chaunte Vaughn