Going from Brunette to Blonde: 4 Things to Tell Your Clients

There are times when a dramatic hair change is simply fitting. When a client desires a completely new look, it’s important to understand exactly what they expect in terms of results. It’s also the stylist’s job to help them make the most of their fresh new look by providing insight into a hair maintenance routine, post-salon tips and the best professional hair care products to use in order to keep their hair looking like they just left the salon. 

Clients who wish to undergo a big-time color change as part of a new look are without a doubt making a big decision. It’s almost certain that they have put much time and thought into this choice, and now they are taking the leap of faith by trusting their stylist and leaving them in control of this change. Going from brunette to blonde is a popular color change that requires a bit of consultation and communication between the stylist and client prior to any color application. Here’s what clients should know before going from brunette to blonde. 

Scheduling a Consultation

When a client reaches out to request an appointment for a brunette to blonde transformation, it’s important to make sure they know exactly what they’re getting into in terms of care, maintenance and a general timeframe. The more the client knows, the better they can set themselves up for realistic and specific expectations. It can also help them to narrow down the shade range of professional hair color they like best and the specific style of blonde hair they want to have in the end. 

Stylists should take the time to connect with their clients prior to the color appointment. Whether it’s in person at the salon or over the phone, a quick conversation can offer so much clarity for both the stylist and the client, eliminating questions, concerns and any gray area about the upcoming appointment. After the consultation, the stylist has time to prepare for the appointment and the client will know exactly what to expect. Here are a few specific points for stylists to include as talking points during a consultation:

1. Explain the Process: Though it might seem like every celebrity who transforms their hair does so overnight, this really isn’t the case. In fact, the best way to keep hair from getting severely damaged during the brunette to blonde color process is to break up applications of professional hair lightener into multiple salon visits so the hair can get a break between color lifts. The timing of this process can range from one to three or more visits, and it all depends on the client’s unique hair.
2.  Ask About Previous Color: It’s so important to know the client’s hair history before beginning this level of color transformation. Stylists should ask their clients for background on their hair, including past use of both at-home boxed hair color and professional hair color application in a salon. This way, stylists can remove previous or leftover color if needed and formulate the best color mixture moving forward.
3. Discuss Specific Shades: Make sure to solidify a blonde shade or shade range with the client before the appointment as well as whether they would like one shade of all-over color, highlights, balayage or any other specific color technique. It’s great to have brand-specific swatch books on hand to give the client a visual representation of the shades. 
4. Talk About Post-Salon Maintenance: A dramatic hair color change requires a thoughtful care routine in order to keep color-treated hair looking healthy. Make sure to explain the best way for clients to take care of their new hair and recommend professional purple shampoo for their new blonde locks!