How to Keep Your Blonde Looking Fresh

Hello, again! I'm back this week and feeling creative. One of the questions that I get asked super often as a hairdresser is "Okay, are there any products that you recommend for me to use at home?" YES. If you use the right products, the tone you leave the salon with can still be the tone you have even after weeks go by. If you've ever lightened your hair before, you know the struggle. Your blonde/ brown is beautiful at the salon, but after a few washes it starts to dull out and look yellow or orange. It also loses its shine. The following tips are a MUST if you want to keep your hair looking and feeling fresh, like you just walked out of the salon.

|| Toning Shampoo ||

If you have blonde or any light brown pieces in your hair, this will change your life. Okay, maybe that's a little dramatic. But, seriously. Game changer. This will prevent your hair from getting a yellow or orange hue, and will also brighten it up.

Let's talk about the color wheel- do you guys remember learning about the color wheel in elementary school? Probably not, because it was taught in, like, kindergarten, but it explains why we use a tinted shampoo to cancel out brass.

As you can see, blue is the opposite of orange. Purple is the opposite of yellow. If we use the opposing color of the tint that we have, we can cancel it out. BOOM. 

So, if you find your hair always fades more yellow, use a purple shampoo. If your hair always has an orange tint, use a blue shampoo. If your hair is extremely warm in general, you can't stand it, and you don't mind being a little extra then I suggest alternating between blue and purple. For icey and ashy tones this is a MUST. You will not have an icey tone longer than two weeks if you don't do the work at home.

Once a week, use your toning shampoo. They can be very drying if you use them more than once or twice a week, so try to spread it out. Lather it all throughout your hair and let it sit for 5 minutes. Shave your legs, wash your face, and then rinse.

Favorites:

• Matrix So Silver
• This is my favorite purple shampoo because it doesn't make your hair feel like shit but it's also pretty strong. Some purple shampoos tone really great but make your hair feel like straw. (cough, Shimmer Lights, cough)
• Matrix Brass Off
• So far, this is the only blue shampoo that I recommend. I've tried one from Joico and my clients have as well but it made absolutely no difference and didn't lather. This one is amazing.

|| Deep Conditioner ||

This applies to everyone! I have people ask all of the time if I offer a deep conditioning treatment at the salon because their hair is feeling dry. Yes, I can do that, but that is only a bandaid. Deep conditioners need to be used on a regular basis at home to make a difference long term. I suggest making a deep conditioner or mask a regular part of your weekly routine. This will help prevent breakage, dryness, and split ends.

Now, deep conditioning is great but there is such a thing as overdoing it- especially if you have fine or thin hair. Make sure you're only doing it once or twice a week, otherwise it can weigh your hair down and you will lose volume.

Favorites:

• It's a 10 Potion 10 Miracle Repair Hair Mask
• This mask is to die for. Super creamy, and makes my hair feel like absolute silk. It's a little pricey, but it's worth the splurge.
• Wella Luxeoil Keratin Restore Mask
• Also pricey, but also amazing. 
• Kristin Ess Reconstructive Moisture Mask
• I'm currently using this on my own hair, and I do love it! It's very affordable, and you can grab it at Target. It smells like perfume (in a good way) and it's super lightweight. It's not the same quality as the other two, but it does the job. 

|| Heat Protectant ||

If you are someone who uses heat styling, you need a heat protectant. Not only will this protect your hair from damage but it will keep your color from fading faster. Having that product barrier between your hair and the hot tools keep your cuticle from being blown open and releasing the color as much.

Favorite:

• Enjoy Protect and Shine
• That's right, just one. This is my ride or die holy grail product. It smells better than anything I've ever used, adds shine, and doesn't leave your hair feeling crunchy like every other heat protectant that I've used. It's a little pricey but a little goes a long way so you won't go through it very fast. Use it on dry hair before you style. 

I've linked all of these products to the bottom of the blog page through Amazon. If you're reading this on your phone, scroll to the bottom of my blog page and click View Web Version. Scroll to the bottom of the page and you will see all of the products that I've linked. You can also find them at Touch of Class Salon in Tulare or ULTA. The only product not available at ULTA is the Protect and Shine.

If you guys have any questions, as always feel free to ask!

lovelovelove,
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