How To Get Vanilla Blonde Hair Color at Home
Achieving a beautiful way to get vanilla blonde hair color at home is a goal for many who want to lighten their locks with a soft, creamy, and natural look. Whether you’re starting from dark, light, or somewhere in between, there are some essential steps to get the best results. This guide will walk you through achieving a vanilla blonde shade at home, from preparation to maintenance, ensuring you get the perfect color while keeping your hair healthy.
Vanilla blonde is a versatile shade that suits various skin tones, but getting this color can require more than just grabbing any blonde dye off the shelf. It involves a thoughtful approach, including choosing the right products, preparing your hair properly, and understanding the science of hair lightening. By following a careful process, you can achieve a salon-quality look at home.
Understanding Your Starting Point
Before diving into the coloring process, it’s essential to understand where your hair is currently. Your natural hair color, along with any previous treatments or dyes, will affect the outcome. For example, transitioning to vanilla blonde may be easier if your hair is already light. On the other hand, if your hair is dark or has been colored before, it may take more time and steps to reach the desired shade.
Starting from darker hair typically requires bleaching, which lightens the hair several levels before applying the blonde dye. However, if your hair is a light brown or dark blonde, you may only need a mild bleach or high-lift dye to reach the ideal shade. It’s also essential to consider the health of your hair, as processing can be damaging if your strands are already brittle or dry. Evaluating your hair’s current state will help you determine the best approach to achieve a flawless vanilla blonde result.
Choosing the Right Products
Selecting the right products is crucial for a successful at-home coloring experience. There are various options for blonde hair dye, which will depend on your starting point and the level of lift you need. If you’re starting from light hair, a high-lift blonde dye might suffice, while darker hair often requires a combination of bleach and toner to neutralize any unwanted brassy tones.
Bleach is a powerful tool; choosing the right developer strength (measured in volumes, such as 20, 30, or 40) is essential. A 20-volume developer is gentler and lifts the hair a few shades, while a 30 or 40-volume developer provides a more intense lift but can be harsher on the hair. Once the hair is lightened, a toner will help refine the color by removing any orange or yellow undertones, creating the soft, cool vanilla blonde shade you aim for. Many toners come in shades like platinum, ash, or pearl, which blend beautifully into a vanilla blonde result.
When choosing products, look for those that are ammonia-free or have conditioning properties, as these will help protect the integrity of your hair throughout the process. Investing in a quality bleach, developer, and toner will make a significant difference in the outcome of your at-home coloring journey.
Preparing Your Hair for Lightening
Preparation is key when it comes to lightening your hair. In the days leading up to the coloring process, focus on moisturizing and strengthening your hair to minimize damage from the bleach. Deep conditioning treatments, hair masks, and oils can help hydrate your hair and create a strong foundation for coloring. Avoid washing your hair before bleaching, as the natural oils on your scalp will act as a protective barrier.
If your hair is particularly damaged or dry, an Olaplex treatment or similar bond-repairing product may be worth considering. These treatments work by rebuilding the protein bonds in your hair that are broken during bleaching, reducing the potential for breakage. Many at-home bleaching kits also come with protective additives, which can help maintain the health of your hair while lifting the color.
It’s also essential to gather all of your tools before you begin. You’ll need a brush, gloves, a mixing bowl, and a cape or towel to protect your clothes. Having everything ready beforehand will help you apply the bleach evenly and efficiently, minimizing the chances of patchy or uneven coloring.
The Bleaching Process
Once your hair is prepared, it’s time to start bleaching. Remember to follow your bleach kit’s instructions carefully, as timing is crucial to achieving an even lift. Apply the bleach in sections, starting from the back of your head, where the hair is typically darker and coarser. Work your way to the front and the roots, which process more quickly due to the heat from your scalp.
It’s essential to check your hair regularly while the bleach is developing. Bleaching can take anywhere from 15 to 45 minutes, depending on your hair type, the developer’s strength, and your desired level of lightness. Keep an eye on your hair’s progress, and avoid leaving the bleach on longer than recommended, as this can lead to excessive damage.
Once your hair has reached the desired lightness, rinse it thoroughly with lukewarm water. Be sure to use a sulfate-free shampoo and a deep conditioner to replenish moisture lost during bleaching. At this stage, your hair might have a yellow or brassy tone, especially if you started with dark hair, but don’t worry—this is where toning comes into play.
Toning Your Hair
Toning is one of the most critical steps in achieving a vanilla blonde color, as it helps neutralize any unwanted warm tones left after bleaching. Toners are used to refine the color, and choosing the right shade is critical. You’ll want a toner that eliminates brassiness while imparting a creamy, incredible hue for vanilla blonde.
Apply the toner like you applied the bleach, ensuring even coverage throughout your hair. Toners usually process much quicker than bleach, often taking just 10-20 minutes, so keep a close watch on the time to avoid over-toning, which can make your hair look ashy or dull. After rinsing the toner, condition your hair again to lock in moisture and prevent dryness.
Some people may need to repeat the toning process over the next few weeks to maintain the ideal shade. You can also use a purple shampoo between toning sessions, as this helps to counteract yellow tones and keeps your blonde looking fresh and vibrant.
Maintaining Vanilla Blonde Hair
Maintaining vanilla blonde hair requires regular care and attention to keep the color vibrant and your hair healthy. Bleached hair tends to be more porous and prone to dryness, so it’s essential to use nourishing hair products specifically designed for color-treated hair. Opt for shampoos and conditioners that are sulfate-free and packed with moisturizing ingredients like argan oil, keratin, or coconut oil.
Using a purple or silver shampoo once or twice a week will help neutralize any brassiness and keep your blonde looking cool and creamy. These shampoos deposit violet pigments that counteract yellow tones, making them a crucial part of your hair care routine. However, overusing purple shampoo can lead to a slight purple or grayish tint, so it’s important to use it sparingly and alternate with regular moisturizing products.
In addition to shampooing, consider using leave-in treatments, serums, or oils to keep your hair smooth and shiny. Heat styling can further dry out and damage bleached hair, so it’s a good idea to use heat protectants whenever you blow-dry, straighten, or curl your hair. Regular trims will also help prevent split ends and keep your blonde looking fresh.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
When lightening hair at home, several common mistakes can lead to unsatisfactory results. One of the most frequent errors is not lightening the hair enough before applying the toner. If your hair isn’t lifted to a pale enough shade, the toner may not work effectively, leaving behind brassy or orange tones instead of the desired vanilla blonde.
Another mistake is the uneven application of bleach or toner, resulting in patchy or inconsistent coloring. Taking the time to section your hair and apply the products evenly is essential to avoid these issues. If you’re unsure of your ability to bleach or tone your hair evenly, you might want to consider enlisting the help of a friend.
Lastly, it’s important not to over-process your hair. Bleaching is a chemical process that can weaken your hair’s structure, so give your hair time to recover between treatments if it doesn’t reach the desired shade in one go. Overlapping bleach or toner applications can lead to excessive damage, breakage, and even hair loss.
Conclusion
With the right preparation, products, and techniques, you can achieve vanilla blonde hair color at home. By understanding your hair’s starting point, using high-quality products, and following a careful lightening and toning process, you can transform your look without needing a salon visit. Proper maintenance and care after coloring will ensure that your hair stays vibrant, healthy, and stunning for weeks.
