Different Types of Blonde: What You're Actually Asking For

We hear it every day. "This is what I want!" Nine times out of ten, it's some version of blonde. But here's what most people don't realize - there are so many different ways to go blonde, and the technique matters way more than you would think!

What service you need depends on what look you're going for, how much maintenance you're willing to upkeep, and your budget. We are going to break down some of the different options to help you get a better idea to know what you're actually asking for!

Full Highlights

This is what most people picture when they think of going blonde. We put foils all over your head, from the bottom at your nape all the way to your hairline.

This is the best way to get maximum brightness and a dramatic all-over blonde look.

It's perfect if you're starting from a darker color and want a big change, or if you already have highlights and want to refresh everything for a major impact.

This is typically a three to four hour appointment, and you'll need touch-ups every eight to twelve weeks to keep it looking fresh!

Partial Highlights

If you don't need to be fully blonde, one of our minimal blonding services might be better for you. We focus the color on the top section of your hair and around your face, the areas that are most visible. The hair underneath stays closer to your natural color, which creates depth and dimension. You get that blonde feeling without the full commitment.

This appointment can typically be anywhere from an hour and a half to three hours depending on how many foils are used, and grows out really nicely. Because of this, you can usually go ten to fourteen weeks between appointments.

All-Over Blonde

This is the big commitment. An all-over blonde, sometimes called a double-process or a platinum card, is when you want solid, uniform blonde from root to tip - platinum, icy white, or a consistent creamy blonde.

To get this, we first lighten all of your hair, then apply a toner to create the exact shade. It's the most dramatic option and the highest maintenance.

You're looking at four to six hours for the initial appointment, and you'll need root touch-ups every four to six weeks. Not eight weeks, not ten weeks. Every four to six weeks. We always make sure people understand this before we start. If you can't commit to that schedule, then this isn't the right blonde for you!

Dimensional or Lived-In Blonde

This is easily the most popular request we get! A dimensional blonde uses techniques like balayage or foilayage to create a super blended, natural-looking color that grows out seamlessly.

Instead of uniform strands of blonde, we create a custom mix of lighter pieces and deeper tones. It mimics how the sun would naturally lighten your hair! It looks sophisticated and expensive.

The best part? It's the lowest maintenance! A lot of guests go twelve to sixteen weeks between appointments. That's a huge difference from every four weeks.

Babylights

Within dimensional color, babylights are their own thing. These are super fine, delicate highlights woven throughout your hair, especially around the face and part line. They create a soft, subtle glow. Think of how kids' hair looks after spending all summer outside. That's babylights!

This is perfect if you're nervous about color or if you just want to enhance your natural shade with a little shimmer. It's subtle. People will know your hair looks great but they won't be able to pinpoint exactly what you did.

How to Actually Choose

The honest answer is you don't have to figure it out alone. That's what the consultation is for!

When you come in, we sit down and have a real conversation. We need to know your hair history. What color is on your hair now? Have you colored it at home? All of that affects what we can do safely.

We talk about your lifestyle. Are you someone who loves being in the salon every few weeks, or do you want to stretch appointments as long as possible? We talk about budget. We're transparent about what the initial service costs and what the upkeep will run you. Nobody likes surprises! And we, of course, look at your inspiration photos and figure out what's realistic for your hair. Sometimes what you want needs to be done over multiple sessions to keep your hair healthy. Sometimes we can do it all in one day.

A lot of times, the best approach is combining techniques. Maybe a partial service around the face for brightness, then balayage through the ends for that lived-in feel. That's the art of it!

Keeping Your Hair Healthy

Going blonde is a chemical process. It can damage your hair if it's not done right. That's why we use professional products, incorporate bond-building treatments into the color, and never rush the process.

Our team is trained in protecting hair while lightening it. We're not just slapping something on and hoping for the best.

We use Oribe and Kérastase products because they're luxurious and effective. And if your hair is already compromised, we might recommend doing some repair treatments before we even start coloring. Better to wait a few weeks and do it right than rush it and over-process your hair! Prevention is way easier than correction.

If You're Ready

Come in and let's talk about what you want! We can look at your hair, understand your goals, and tell you what's realistic. Going blonde can be amazing when it's done right for your hair and your lifestyle. Let's figure out what that looks like for you!

We can't wait to see you!

Hyde Chapin: 803-723-2410

Hyde Vista: 803-667-9606

Check out our take on Different Types of Blondes here!

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These are some of the products our team loves and recommends for this look: Oribe Bright Blonde Shampoo for Beautiful Color | Oribe Bright Blonde Conditioner for Beautiful Color