By Letty Seah,
While getting and maintaining healthy blonde hair is no easy feat – especially with jet-black Asian hair –it’s a commitment worth making. From the hours spent in the stylist’s chair to the daily treatments after dyeing, this colour isn’t for the faint of heart. But if you’re ready to put in the effort, the results can be stunning. Just take a look at these stars serving up serious blonde inspiration.
RULE #1: EMBRACE YOUR ROOTS
Twice's Tzuyu proves there’s always a fresh way to rock blonde hair. By sporting a darker yellow hue at the roots, she creates a more natural finish, eliminating the noticeable line of demarcation as the roots grow in. Not only is a shadow root incredibly low-maintenance, but it also allows you to experiment with lighter shades without washing you out. The darker hue near the face beautifully complements your complexion.
RULE #2: GO SLOW
As a rule of thumb, always stay within two to three shades of your natural colour. Due to the high levels of red pigment and the thickness of Asian hair, it can be challenging for hair to retain colour. If you lighten it too much too quickly, you risk ending up with brassy tones. The best approach to going blonde? Take it slow and do it gradually.
RULE #3: SHOW YOUR HAIR SOME TLC
Compared to other hair types, Asian hair has less of a cuticle protecting each strand. That is why it is important to be diligent in maintaining the colour and condition of your hair. Make sure you get a deep conditioning treatment at least once a month for bouncy and shiny locks.
RULE #4: TRY NOT TO SHAMPOO AFTER BLEACHING
Most hair colourists agree that you should avoid shampooing your hair immediately after bleaching it. Shampooing makes your scalp more sensitive. It’s a good idea to stick to dry shampoos for a couple of days after bleaching your hair.
RULE #5: GO EASY ON THE HAIR COLOURS
While your bleached hair is the perfect canvas for playing around with hair colours, you should hold off dyeing your hair until your hair texture is healthier and stronger. This could take between four to six weeks depending on how porous your hair is.
RULE #6: PURPLE SHAMPOO IS AN ESSENTIAL
There is a reason why purple shampoo is an essential in every faux blonde’s arsenal. A purple shampoo neutralises the undesirable orange brassy tones that you get from washing your bleached hair. Besides washing your hair with purple shampoo, you can also create your own leave-in treatment by mixing your purple shampoo with your hair conditioner.
RULE #7: LAY OFF THE HOT TOOLS
If you just bleached your hair, avoid heat styling your hair as the heat from hot tools like curling irons and hair straighteners could weaken the bonds in your hair and damage your hair
RULE #8: THE EYESHADOW HACK
Keep those pesky roots from showing by concealing them by dusting on some eyeshadow that matches your hair colour.
RULE #9: HAVE FUN WITH YOUR BLONDE HAIR
Blondes do have more fun! Aside from being able to change up your hair colour at a moment’s notice, going blonde also gives you more room to experiment with different fashion and makeup styles. There is also something about the contrast between bright red lips and blonde hair that makes it look so effortless and stylish.
This story first appeared in Her World