Despite the saying, ‘blondes have more fun’, they do have it rough when it comes to maintenance, especially those with bleached-out locks.
But bottle blondes don’t have to struggle through botched dye jobs, bad breakage and seriously questionable texture anymore.
To help the fair-haired among us avoid the aforementioned, we’ve got the scoop on how to maintain it — plus a few tricks from our very own bh bleached to ensure your lighter locks are forever vibrant and miraculously healthy.
Pick your products
When it comes to choosing a shampoo and conditioner, look for formulas designed specifically for maintaining and protecting your colour. Avoid anything harsh or stripping, and opt for sulphate-free products. Brassiness is a common curse of blonde hair, but it can be easily remedied by washing with a purple or blue-based formula once a week.
Aveda Blonde Revival Shampoo, $51 at Adore Beauty
“The bane of my blonde existence is brassiness. It creeps up on me when I least expect it, but using De Lorenzo Novafusion Silver Shampoo ($25.45 at Oz Hair & Beauty) twice a week helps me keep the orange at bay.” – bh’s Kelly
Be protective
Hot tools aren’t great for coloured hair overall, but they’re especially threatening to blondes. Since we’re not advocating a cold turkey ban on heat tools, it’s essential to minimise the damage. Depending on your hair type and preference, try a heat protecting cream, spray or balm to fight damage – and keep colour fading at bay.
Sebastian Professional Trilliant Heat Protector, $41.95 at hairhouse.com.au
“All blondes have brittle dry hair (we can thank bleach for that) so I swap my conditioner for a mask and it works wonders. Keep in mind that product builds up doing this though, so you need to use a clarifying shampoo every now and then.” – bh’s Kelly
Keep out of the sun
You protect your skin, so it’s high time to start protecting your hair – and scalp too. If your hair is going to be in direct sunlight, it’s imperative you prep it using a heat protection product with UV filters. A tortured blonde can point the finger at UV damage, but they really only have themselves to blame.
Bumble and bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil, $63 at MECCA
Stay hydrated
If you’re not a natural blonde, it’s likely your hair is dehydrated and a little damaged thanks to all that maintenance. When your locks are thirsty, you’ve got to nourish them with a weekly leave-in treatment or restoring mask to repair those stressed out cuticles. And never underestimate the power of a hair oil to soften your ends for a shinier finish.
Provoke Touch of Silver Toning Treatment Mask, $10.99 at Chemist Warehouse
OGX Renewing + Argan Oil of Morocco Penetrating Hair Oil, $12.99 at Chemist Warehouse
“It’s weird, I know, but as I have really dry hair, I love exercising and working up a sweat as it helps bring a bit of moisture back into my roots!” – bh’s Ally
Avoid going green
Swimming in chlorinated water can turn blonde hair a shade of green. To avoid this, use a clarifying shampoo once a week for deep cleansing. Before swimming, drench your hair in argan oil or a conditioning treatment, or wear a swimming cap, if you can stand it. These small measures will help prevent chlorine absorbing into your hair and turning it green.
Klorane Scalp Detox Shampoo with Aquatic Mint, $14.99 at Priceline
“Something I’ve learnt that works wonders is putting a mask in my hair before I go in the sun or for a swim, it keeps the moisture locked in and never dries out.” – bh’s Kelly
Do you have bleach blonde hair? How do you maintain it?
Olaplex fixes damage I do and would love to try also some more kerastase