7 Surprising Tips To Lighten and Brighten Your Blonde Hair

Your hair is your power. But when you’re a blonde, the struggle to keep it bold and bright is real. Even when you’re at your most diligent — You’re using purple shampoo! You’re splurging on deep conditioning masks! — dullness and brassiness can creep in and steal your shine. Want to get your brilliance back? Make sure you're not committing any of the following color-threatening faux pas:

Shower head with flow of water spilling out

1. You’re not using a filter.

A whooping 85% of the U.S. has hard water, which is loaded with color-striping minerals such as copper, chlorine, calcium, and magnesium. While not hazardous to your physical health, it can wreck havoc on your hair, and is notorious for dulling blonde locks. Protect yourself by investing in a shower head filter, which typically cost between $20 to $60, depending on the model. When you're traveling, bring a bottle of spring water into the shower with you and use it for your final rinse.

Woman washing her blond hair

2. You’re shampooing every day.

Shampoos remove natural oils and strip hair of its pigment, so it’s a simple fact that the more often you wash your blonde hair, the quicker it will fade. Limit your cleansing to just two or three times a week, and refresh in between washes with dry shampoo. When you do shampoo, use a formula like John Frieda Sheer Blonde Go Blonder Lightening Shampoo, which does double duty and brightens while it cleanses, making it a great shampoo to lighten blonde hair. 

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3. You’re rinsing with hot water.

Not only does hot water dry out your skin, it also opens up the hair’s cuticles, which can result in fading color. Cold water, on the other hand, does just the opposite — it seals the cuticle, which helps preserve color while adding softness and shine. You don't have to freeze your butt off every time you bathe, but if you can stand it, use cold water when it's time to rinse out your conditioner.

Shampoo hand. Girl master in hair salon squeezes balsam on hand

4. You’re keeping the moisture to a minimum.

Hydrated hair is healthy hair, whether it’s blonde, blue, or pink. But moisture is especially essential for color-treated blondes, since the coloring process is extremely drying and damaging. Using a liberal amount of conditioner after each and every shampoo is crucial — your hair needs constant quenching, even if it's thin or fine. A nourishing product like John Frieda Sheer Blonde Go Blonder Lightening Conditioner will help keep your hair hydrated and happy while also keeping your color bright.

Hairdryer and brown hair isolated on black

5. You’re overheating your hair.

Take a break from heat styling whenever possible, as a heavy reliance on heat tools can drastically shorten the lifespan of your blonde hair. When you do rev up the blow dryer, flat iron, or curling wand, always prep your hair with a heat styling spray. Blow dry on a cool setting (unless your hair is extremely coarse or thick, there's rarely a reason to use maximum heat) and make sure your dryer or wand is constantly on the move — concentrated heat on a specific spot can do major damage.

Portrait of cheerful young beautiful blonde woman

6. You’re not using protection. 

The sun's harmful UV rays don't just damage skin. They can also take a toll on your hair color, particularly if it's blonde —so don't believe the myth that the sun will naturally lighten blonde hair. Don't skimp on the sun hats, and be diligent about applying a UV-blocking spray. That means use it. Often. Each and every time you go out. 

Women's hair is a top view close-up. Blonde woman is wearing shirt isolated on white.

7. You’re ignoring your roots. 

Think there's nothing you can do to minimize those inevitable dark roots? Guess again! One of the best ways to keep your color bright in between salon sessions is to use a hair lightening spray for blondes. Applied to damp hair after you shampoo, they gradually boost life back into your color, usually after just three to five uses. This formula,enriched with chamomile and citrus, subtly blends roots and enhances shine.

 

 

 

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