What is it?

Blonding refers to the process of lightening the hair to achieve various shades of blonde. It involves using hair color or bleach to remove the natural pigment from the hair strands, resulting in a lighter, blonde hue. Blonding can range from subtle, natural-looking highlights to bold, platinum blonde transformations. It requires skill and expertise to achieve the desired shade while maintaining the hair's health and integrity. Blonding techniques may include foiling, balayage, or ombre, depending on the desired effect. Blonding is a popular choice for those looking to brighten their hair and create a sun-kissed, radiant look.

There are several different types of blonding techniques that hairstylists use to achieve various shades of blonde. These techniques can create different effects and cater to individual preferences. Here are some of the most popular types of blonding:

1. Highlights: Highlights involve adding lighter strands of color throughout the hair to create dimension and depth. This technique typically uses foils to isolate sections of hair and apply the lightener or color. Highlights can be fine and subtle or bold and chunky, depending on the desired look.

2. Balayage: Balayage is a French technique that involves hand-painting the lightener or color onto the hair. It creates a more natural, sun-kissed effect by focusing on the mid-lengths and ends of the hair. Balayage allows for a softer, blended transition between the darker roots and lighter ends.

3. Babylights: Babylights are very fine, delicate highlights that mimic the natural highlights seen in children's hair. They are typically applied throughout the hair, creating a soft, natural-looking effect. Babylights are perfect for those who want a subtle, low-maintenance blonde look.

4. Ombre: Ombre is a technique where the hair gradually transitions from a darker shade at the roots to a lighter shade towards the ends. This creates a bold, statement-making look. Ombre can be done with various shades of blonde, allowing for a range of possibilities, from a soft, natural ombre to a dramatic, high-contrast ombre.

5. Sombre: Sombre, short for "subtle ombre," is a more subtle version of the ombre technique. It involves a softer transition between the darker roots and lighter ends, creating a more natural, blended effect. Sombre is a great option for those who want a low-maintenance, lived-in blonde look.

6. Platinum blonde: Platinum blonde is a high-maintenance, ultra-light shade of blonde. Achieving this color often requires multiple sessions of bleaching and toning to remove all the natural pigment from the hair. Platinum blonde can be a striking and bold choice, but it requires regular maintenance to keep the color looking vibrant and prevent brassiness.

These are just a few examples of the different types of blonding techniques we offer at Boulder Hair Collective. Each technique offers a unique way to achieve the desired blonde look, whether it's a natural, sun-kissed effect or a bold, head-turning transformation. Book your consultation today so we can help determine the best blonding technique for your individual hair type, color, and desired outcome.

Here at The Collective we believe, as the hair is lightened, it typically goes through a series of color shifts. Initially, dark hair will turn red or orange as the underlying pigments are exposed. This is followed by a stage where the hair appears brassy or yellow. With further lightening, the hair may reach a pale yellow or banana shade. Finally, after multiple lightening sessions, the hair can achieve a very blonde or platinum color. The number of stages may vary depending on your individual hair type, starting color, and the desired end result. It is important to book a consultation with one of our Blonding Experts to determine the best approach for lightening dark hair and to ensure the health and integrity of the hair throughout the process. Below is our take on the varied stages of hair lightening.

Stage 1: Black/Brown. This is where many begin their hair-coloring journey.

Stage 2: Dark Brown. You can often reach dark brown in one bleaching session.

Stage 3: Light Brown. You’ll notice hair’s undertones skewing red or brown in this stage.

Stage 4: Dark Blonde. Similar to light brown but with more yellow pigments instead of red.

Stage 5: Medium Blonde. Where “true blonde” begins, medium blonde hair contains lighter yellow pigments than dark blonde.

Stage 6: Light Blonde. This shade is at the tail end of the color spectrum and is a very dull, pale blonde since the yellow pigment has been stripped away.

Stage 7: Icy Blonde/White: Almost an invisible blonde; hardly any pigment should remain at this stage.

Are you wanting to lighten your hair? Add dimension to your existing blonde? Book a consultation today with one of our Blonding experts so we can determine the best path to your new amazing blonde look.

1. YOUR NATURAL HAIRCOLOR MATTERS: If your haircolor is naturally very dark, your hair stylist may suggest a transition plan for your haircolor journey. When a stylist does this, they are considering your hair’s overall health as well as its ability to lift or lighten. While going from darker strands to bright blonde is possible to do in one session, it might not be the best decision for the overall health of your hair.

2. YOUR HAIR WILL NEED SOME EXTRA LOVE AND CARE: Excessive bleaching can lead to weaker strands. Give them a pick-me-up by treating your hair to a hydrating hair mask. These masks can replenish your hair’s moisture and help restore balance to your strands.

3: MORE TRIPS TO THE SALON: Maintaining your blonde strands will require some quality time with your hair stylist. If you’re looking for a smaller commitment on the blonde spectrum, ask your stylist about balayage. This technique uses darker colors on your roots and scalp, while keeping the ends bright and blonde. It’s perfect for those who don’t want the hassle of root maintenance, while also keeping their strands beautifully blonde.

4. PURPLE SHAMPOO: YOU'LL NEED TO UPGRADE YOUR HAIRCARE ROUTINE : Ask your stylist about your new haircare routine. The best for your hair from this point on. Blondes know that just any shampoo won't do. The right purple shampoo is a must for keeping your blonde locks looking shiny and vibrant.

5. DON’T RESORT TO DIY: While DIYs are great for crafty home décor, they aren’t so great for brightening your strands. While it may seem like a good idea at the time, no one wants to end up with brassy strands or mismatched highlights. Leave haircoloring to the professionals at Boulder Hair Collective and trust them to take your strands to newer, blonder heights without the DIY mishaps.

6. THE TERM "BLONDE" ISN'T UNIVERSAL: When it comes to going blonde, bringing a photo in for reference is always your best bet. While “blonde” may mean the quintessential icy white strands of a platinum blonde to you, for your stylist it may mean golden blonde tones and a deeper base. Keep everyone on the same page during your next color appointment by bringing in photos for your appointment. Be sure to bring enough visuals to show them exactly what you do and do not want in terms of your haircolor.

7. YOUR SKIN TONE SHOULD AFFECT YOUR COLOR CHOICE: If you’re unsure about which shade of blonde to choose, try taking your skin tone into account. Typically, those with paler or cooler skin tones look stunning with ashy, pearlescent shades, while those with warmer skin tones simply slay with more golden hues.

8. A CHANGE IN YOUR MAKE-UP MAY BE COMING: For some, going blonde may mean a change in their makeup choices. Whether it’s swapping out shades of your eyebrow pencil or opting for newer colors of eyeliner, there are plenty of ways that going blonde could affect your makeup look. If you’re wondering what colors work best for your new haircolor, head to your nearest department store for a quick makeup consultation. It’s an easy way to discover what new colors may be right for you.

9. YOUR HAIR TEXTURE MAY CHANGE: Over time, bleaching can cause your natural hair texture to change. Those with curls may notice that their ends are straighter as their strands have become drier. On the opposite end, those with naturally straight hair may notice more volume as their hair’s cuticle has been roughened up.

10. BE HONEST WITH YOUR STYLIST: While it may be hard to admit, your stylist needs to know if you have used at-home hair color before your in-salon appointment. Knowing just how much your hair has been previously colored can help your stylist adjust your hair color formula to get the best result for you.