Going from Red to Blonde: 8 Things Your Clients Should Know

Every hairstylist has had a client come in who wants to make a big transformation, but doesn’t always know or understand the process they will be undergoing to get their dream hair. Every hair transformation or makeover comes with its own set of steps and risks.

For redheads going blonde, there are quite a few things that can make predicting results hard. Taking any kind of processed hair or dark-colored hair to a lighter blonde shade can be tricky, and the final result largely depends on the individual client’s hair. However, the red to blonde transformation could be one of the trickiest styles to pull off. 

And as a stylist, you never want to over-promise a hairstyle that you can’t deliver to a client. 

That’s why we are going to help you get on the same page as your client so that you can align expectations and give your clients a style they are going to love under realistic parameters. The only thing you’ll have to worry about during this kind of visit is how much salon developer to use.

8 Things Your Clients Should Know About Going from Red to Blonde

We highly recommend having a hair color consultation with your clients before any service, but especially before a transformation like this. 

What makes the red to blonde transformation difficult is that previously-dyed red hair can be hard to lift and the harsh red undertones don’t always come out of the hair’s cortex. 

Here are some of the things you should be clueing your clients in on before you start the hair transformation.

1. An Honest Prediction of Color Outcome
   Depending on the client’s current color, the amount it’s been processed previously, the health of the hair and the desired color outcome the client wants, you will need to calculate more realistic expectations for your client. It’s very important to start with this because it can tailor a client’s expectations before you get started. 
   
2. The Cost of the Service
   Before you start applying professional hair color, it’s important for the client to understand how much the service will cost — especially when it comes to a service that will require time and a lot of product. 
   
3. Multiple Processes Might Be Necessary
   It’s guaranteed that this style will require a double process since you will have to lighten and tone the hair. However, if a client decides to go through multiple processes in one sitting, they will need to understand the time and money that it will take to get them through this appointment. 
   
4. This Could Take a Few Months 
   Of course, you can try and take a client from dark to light in one session, but it’s not always the most financially feasible thing for clients and it’s also really unhealthy for their hair. You can create a plan with your clients to accomplish their desired color in three to four visits over a certain period of time.
5. Damage May Be Unavoidable 
   Every client wants to maintain their hair length and health, but undergoing an extreme process like this could result in damage. It’s important to be transparent about the potential outcomes of this. You can always ask your client if it’s okay to give them a trim or a cut after the hair has been dyed to maintain a healthy look and get rid of dead ends.

6. Highlights Are a Great Option
7. If your client is looking to go full blonde, you may want to suggest highlights. While red hair with blonde highlights may not be what your client was expecting, you could offer a balayage service that gets their hair looking naturally multi-dimensional without damaging it too much. 
8. Aftercare Is Critical
   For any client who is newly blonde or has lightened hair, aftercare should be top priority. To keep blonde vibrant and fresh, clients will need to use a purple shampoo once a week. Your clients should also be filled in on expectations for deep conditioning. Lightening hair can cause damage, which could make hair feel dry and brittle. As long as your clients leave your chair knowing how to deep condition their hair, they will be in good shape. 
9. Blue Shampoo Can Help
   For clients who have new blonde hair — especially those who were previously redheads — blue shampoo can be a huge asset to them. Your clients can use blue shampoo to tone out the orange and brass that will usually stick around after taking hair from red to blonde. 

We feel that you are prepared to take your clients from red to blonde in a successful and transparent way!