Why Your Dream Blonde Can't Be Rushed
Going blonde typically requires multiple sessions because rushing the lightening process can cause severe damage, breakage, and even hair loss (especially for those starting with dark hair where the high melanin content means bleach must work harder to lift color, and attempting to reach platinum in one session would compromise the hair's structural integrity, leaving it brittle, porous, and unable to hold tone).
Hi, I'm Jennifer, one of the stylists at The Warehouse Salon. Blonde hair is a beautiful and sought-after look. But achieving it can be a complicated process.
It may take multiple sessions to get the blonde shade you want. And there are several reasons why that's the case. Sadly, you may have to wait for your dream blonde. Let me explain why.
Can You Really Go From Dark Brown to Platinum Blonde Without Destroying Your Hair?
A client named Isabelle came to see me last spring with a celebrity photo on her phone. Platinum blonde. Ice cold. "I want this for my engagement photos in three weeks," she said.
She had dark brown hair, natural level 3. The photo was level 10 platinum. "I need this done today."
I looked at her hair, then the photo. "Isabelle, we cannot get you to this color today."
Her face fell. "Why not? Can't you just bleach it?"
"I could," I said carefully. "But your hair would fall off your head or break off at the scalp. You'd leave here with chemical burns and no hair."
"But I've seen people go from dark to platinum in one day on Instagram," she protested.
"Those people have extensions, wigs, or they're showing multiple sessions edited to look like one day," I explained. "Going from level 3 to level 10 in one session would require so much bleach that your hair would literally dissolve."
Her eyes filled with tears. "But my engagement photos are in three weeks. This was supposed to be my transformation moment."
"Dark brown hair contains massive amounts of melanin," I said gently. "To go platinum, we have to remove almost all of it. That takes three to four sessions spaced four to six weeks apart. We're looking at three to five months total."
She started crying. "So I'm stuck with brown hair forever?"
"We start today," I told her. "First session, we'll lift you to golden blonde, level 7 or 8. Safe for virgin hair. Then we'll go lighter. And again. Until we reach your goal."
"But my photos," she whispered.
"Will be beautiful with golden blonde," I assured her. "And for your wedding, you can be platinum. Without damage or breakage."
We did her first session that day. Level 7 golden blonde with Olaplex. She left disappointed. "It's pretty. But it's not what I wanted."
Two weeks later, she texted. "Everyone at work loves my hair. My fiancé says I look like a California girl. But I still want platinum."
Six weeks later, session two. Level 9, brighter and cooler. "My hair still feels healthy. It's not crispy."
Six weeks after that, session three. Level 10 platinum with violet toner. She started crying when I turned her to the mirror. Happy crying. "This is the hair I've wanted my entire life. And it's healthy."
She sent me wedding photos six months later. Platinum blonde, perfectly toned, hair down in waves. "Thank you for not letting me destroy my hair. Thank you for making me wait."
She comes in every eight weeks now for maintenance. Her hair is still healthy, still platinum, still exactly what she dreamed of.
"I tell everyone now," she said at her last appointment. "If a stylist says they can take you from dark to platinum in one day, run. Going blonde the right way takes time. But it's so worth the wait."
Natural Hair Color
One major factor is your natural hair color. If you have dark hair, it can take more than one session to lift the color to a blonde shade. This is because dark hair contains more melanin. Which is a pigment that gives your hair its color.
The process of going blonde involves removing this pigment. It can take several sessions to remove enough melanin to achieve the desired shade of blonde.
Isabelle's natural level 3 dark brown hair required three full sessions to reach platinum level 10. Attempting it in one session would have caused severe chemical damage.
Hair Texture
Another reason is the texture of your hair. If you have coarse, curly, or thick hair, it can be more difficult to lighten than fine or straight hair. The texture of your hair can impact how evenly the color is distributed. Which affects the overall look of your blonde hair.
A good colorist will need to take extra care when working with textured hair. To ensure that the color is applied evenly and consistently.
Hair Health & Current Condition
The condition of your hair is also important. If your hair is damaged, it may not be able to handle the stress of the color lifting process. Bleach can be damaging to hair. Especially if it's already weakened from previous treatments or heat styling.
A colorist will need to evaluate the health of your hair. And determine the best approach to achieve your desired blonde shade. Without causing further damage.
Isabelle's virgin hair was healthy. Which allowed us to safely lighten it over multiple sessions. Previously damaged hair would have required even more time and caution.
Desired Shade of Blonde
Finally, the shade of blonde you want can also impact how many sessions it takes to achieve the look. If you want a very light or platinum blonde shade, it may take multiple sessions to lift the color without damaging your hair. Taking it slow and giving your hair time to recover between sessions can help you achieve a healthy and beautiful blonde look.
Isabelle wanted platinum level 10. The lightest blonde possible. This required three sessions spaced six weeks apart. To protect her hair's integrity while achieving her dream color.
Your Going Blonde Questions Answered
Why can't I go from dark to platinum in one session?
Because the amount of bleach required would cause severe damage, breakage, or hair loss. Isabelle wanted platinum for engagement photos in three weeks. But rushing the process would have left her with no hair. Instead, she went golden blonde for her photos. And platinum for her wedding six months later. With healthy hair throughout.
How many sessions will I need?
It depends on your starting color and your goal color. Dark hair going platinum typically needs 3 to 4 sessions. Isabelle needed three sessions over four months. Going from level 3 to level 10.
How long should I wait between sessions?
Four to six weeks minimum. This gives your hair time to recover and rebuild strength. Isabelle waited six weeks between each session. Which kept her hair healthy and strong.
Will my hair be damaged?
Not if done correctly with proper spacing and bond-building treatments. Isabelle's hair remained healthy because we didn't rush. She used Olaplex during every lightening session. And her hair stayed soft and manageable.
What if I have an event coming up?
Start the process as early as possible. Or embrace a transitional shade. Isabelle's golden blonde looked beautiful in her engagement photos. Even though it wasn't her final goal. By her wedding, she had the platinum she wanted. With healthy hair that photographed beautifully.
Book Your Blonde Consultation at The Warehouse Salon
To sum up, going blonde can be a complex process. That requires careful consideration and the expertise of a skilled colorist. With patience and a well-planned approach, you can achieve the beautiful blonde look you desire.
Seek one of our blonde specialists at the Warehouse Salon. To consult on the next steps closer to your dream blonde. We'll create a customized plan. That protects your hair while achieving your goals.
Because beautiful blonde hair is worth the wait.
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About the Author
Brianna Thompson
Brianna is a highly skilled and licensed cosmetologist, stylist, and color expert at Studio 360 Salon in Chatham, NJ. She possesses a thorough understanding of hair products and the science behind hair and hairstyling.
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