Thinking of going lighter?
Let’s do it! But before embarking on this journey, it’s crucial your stylist fully understands your expectations and your commitment level. Your stylist will guide you through the experience with a consultation including prices, possible complications and long-term care. This is the moment you’ll know what you’re up against in the trek to your dream hair.
The cold, hard truth is that unless you have naturally light blond hair, the process to grey, pastel, vibrant or platinum hair is time consuming and expensive. Depending on the desired results, current hair quality and how your hair responds to lightening, you should keep in mind possible complications. You may experience scalp irritation, dryness, breakage or damage impacting the integrity of your hair. Your hair will feel different, be more fragile and possibly become thinner. You will get to know your stylist well as you might need multiple sessions and will need regular haircuts to keep it healthy. You’ll also need to purchase quality take-home products to maintain results. With all this said, coloring hair is a unique process that is not the same for everyone. Look over this guide to better assess what you’re envisioning versus what is possible for your particular hair and budget.
All Over
Going lighter all over (roots to ends) is often the most time-consuming and expensive hair color service provided at BANG. Because of this complexity, it’s often referred to as color correction and could be required if your hair has been previously colored. Other common reasons for color correction include: uneven bands of color, uncolored roots that are longer than 2”, hair that is too dark/light or hair that is too warm/cool. Color correction services are often charged at a per hour rate and scheduled in multiple appointments. Patience and commitment are key for achieving lighter hair.
Stages of lightening
1. Natural uncolored hair
2. One session of all-over lightening plus toner
3. Second session of all-over lightening plus toner
Even Lighter Platinum, Grey or Pastel
Lightening hair to platinum will require multiple sessions to remove all warmth. Once an ideal blond is achieved, the hair can be toned to silver, grey or pastel colors. In addition to the cost of the lightening/toning service, there will be an all-over color charge.
Grey, vibrant or pastel colors can last up to 14 days or approximately three to four shampoos. Achieving hair this light may lead to unexpected or undesirable effects during any stage of the process.
Maximum lightening
1. Three sessions of all-over lightening plus toning
2. Three sessions of all-over lightening and tone plus all-over color in grey
Naturally
The majority of clients go lighter using the most common lightening techniques known as balayage and foil. Your stylist will help you determine which of these will be the best for your desired result. A natural, vibrant blond will likely require a combination of both. If your hair is dark or has been previously colored, you’ll probably need additional appointments to obtain very light results. Multiple sessions also create dimensional color with varying shades of lightness and depth.
Dimensional lightening
Two sessions of balayage
Plus Direct Dyes
Achieving pastel, grey or vibrant hair requires the addition of direct dyes after hair has been lightened and toned. Direct dyes are not permanent and often begin fading with the very first shampoo. The lighter the color the faster the fade. Very pastel colors such as lavender and pink often last just a shampoo or two and require at-home applications of BANG Color Maintenance to ensure longevity. Direct dyes can also fade with the use of heat styling tools such as flat and curling irons.
Addition of color
(on hair that has been previously lightened and toned to a very pale blond)
1. Grey root stretch with multiple shades of pink and purple direct dye
2. All-over light grey plus green, teal and purple direct dye
Suggested Home Maintenance
* EVO the Therapist Shampoo and Conditioner for dryness. * A once-a-week masque such as EVO The Great Hydrator to improve hair texture or Mane Attention for protein repair. * EVO Fabuloso Platinum to minimize yellowing. * BANG Bond Multiplier Plus Color Maintenance to restore damaged hair. * A Wet Brush to reduce tension and damage on fragile wet hair when detangling.