How to Go from Red Hair to Blonde Hair

When you have red hair, you’re probably used to people staring—and for good reason. A crimson mane is positively stunning. But what if you’re ready to make an adjustment to your hair color? More specifically, what if you want to test out the theory that those with blonde hair have more fun to see if it’s really true? Go for it! It may be a major modification, but it is possible to make the change to blonde hair, as long as you follow a few key steps. Here’s how to go from red to blonde like a pro.

What to Expect When Going from Red to Blonde

Ready to take the plunge and trade in your fiery red hair for blonde hair? Keep these five pieces of info in mind before you get to dyeing.

1. You’ll have to select your shade. Just like there are varying shades of red hair, from strawberry blonde to scarlet, not all shades of blonde hair are the same. That’s why it’s not quite as simple as walking into a salon and declaring you want to go blonde. Unless you want to be surprised by your new shade, it’s best to be more specific. If you aren’t sure whether you’re better suited to golden blonde or platinum blonde, try looking at images of celebrities with a similar skin tone to yours. Another option: You can make a quick detour to read our article, From Platinum to Dirty Blonde: 7 Stunning Blonde Hair Ideas, for inspiration.

2. It won’t be a one and done scenario. When it comes to making a dramatic change—like going from red to blonde—it isn’t often that it can be accomplished in a single session. Don’t expect to step out of the salon wish all your hair color wishes fulfilled after one appointment; you may need multiple sessions with a colorist to reach the exact color you’ve been dreaming of.

3. Bleach will be necessary. To lighten your hair, bleach is a must. Keep that in mind when you’re deciding just how light you want your hair color to be.

4. Highlights can tie everything together. Still don’t feel blonde enough? Highlights are a great way to achieve a baby blonde look. Add babylights throughout your hair for a youthful, sun-kissed style.

5. It’s up to you to see a stylist or DIY. There isn’t just one way to become a blonde. You can opt to put your hair in the hands of a professional, or switch up your hair color at home. If you’re in the mood to get crafty with your color, try the L’Oréal Paris Féria in Ultra Pearl Blonde or Dark Gold Blonde for a do-it-yourself dye job.

How to Care for Your New Blonde Hair

Once you’re officially a blonde, you’ll need to show your strands some extra love in order to help maintain the color. Follow these steps to keep your shade in shape.

Step 1: Start using products formulated for color-treated hair. No matter how much you loved the products you used as a redhead, those days are a thing of the past. Now that you have blonde hair, you should make the move to a shampoo, conditioner, and hair mask formulated for blonde, color-treated. Try the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Blonde Shampoo, L’Oréal Paris EverPure Blonde Conditioner, and L’Oréal Paris EverPure Blonde Shade Reviving Treatment to help neutralize unwanted brassy tones while hydrating over-processed hair. Gently massage the shampoo into wet hair, then rinse and follow up with the conditioner. Leave the conditioner on for 1-2 minutes before rinsing. Swap out the conditioner for the treatment once a week, and apply it after using the shampoo. Leave it on for 3-5 minutes before rinsing.

Step 2: Embrace air-dried hair styles. Make your blonde hair a little less high maintenance by taking a break from heat styling. After showering, towel dry your hair before applying a hair cream, hair mousse, or hair spray, like the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle AIR DRY IT Wave Swept Spray. Work the product of your choosing through your hair, then let it finish air drying. No matter which type of styling product you pick, you’ll have hair with enviable texture—without ever touching a heat tool.

Step 3: Protect your color from the sun. Don’t forget to switch out your finishing hair spray, too. Look for an option that offers protection from the sun’s UVA and UVB rays, like the L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray Extra Strong Hold with UV filter for Color-Treated Hair. Spritz, spritz and you’re all done.

We’ve got plenty more hair color tutorials for you! Check out How to Lighten Dark Brown Hair next.