How to Dye Hair Blonde at Home?

Do you dream of having the perfect blonde hair? Maybe you’re ready to switch things up a bit? No matter your motivation, we're here to help you learn how to dye your hair blonde at home so you can make your dreams a reality. Sound interesting? Keep reading! 

First, find out if you need a bleach. The most important step is first understanding what your starting point is and what your desired end results of blonde is. Remember the rule: "Color can't lift color." If your hair is already color-treated, then that means it cannot be lightened using a blonde color on top. The only way to lighten it is to use bleach lightener or color removers.

Another gentle approach to going blonde at home and avoid bleach is to use Prime For Perfection. This is a gentler route to go than other harsh color removers or lighteners. This treatment gently shifts and removes artificial color pigments from the hair in an effort to reveal a lighter shade. It is not a drastic color change like bleach, but with repeated applications, you may start to see your hair color go one (sometimes two) shades lighter, which is a great, less-aggressive way to go lighter.

Next, if you determine you do not need bleach to create a blonde result, you are then ready to select the blonde shade to use. It is recommended to stay within two levels of your natural hair color. Permanent color can only lift the hair so much, so it is best to not attempt going too significantly lighter than your natural root color. For instance, if your hair is naturally a medium brown (level 6), it is best to stick with a dark blonde (level 8) hair color.

Another factor is to think about what tones you want to see in your blonde (cool ash, warm golden, strawberry, etc.). The natural hair will always expose warm tones when lifting/lightening. So, you’ll need to decide if you want to embrace the warmth or minimize the warmth. If you'd rather stay away from warm tones, then choose a shade that has cool or ash undertones. If you want to embrace the warmth, then choose something with golden tones. 

Still don’t know which color to choose? Take our Color Advisor Quiz to get matched to the right level of blonde. You can also check out our Virtual Hair Color Changer and test various blonde shades virtually to see which tones look good on you. Or, shop all of our hair color shades:
- Brown Hair
- Blonde Hair
- Red Hair
- Black Hair

How to Dye Your Hair Blonde at Home – a Step-By-Step Guide

You’ve chosen your hair dye, so let’s get to the process. We know that it might be tricky, especially if it’s your first time, so we’ve prepared a guide for you – dyeing your hair blonde at home step-by-step.

Apply the Hair Color

There are two main application methods, depending on your hair type:

- if your hair is already color-treated

- if your hair is all-natural and has never been dyed

For Color-Treated Hair

When going blonde at home on pre-colored hair, be extra careful - your ends may darken more than expected due to prior chemically processing. 

PREPARE:

- Mix the color and activator solution – you want to shake your solution well to ensure the ingredients mix properly.

- Divide your hair into four sections (quadrants) – two in the front on each side and two in the back on each side. This will make your color application so much easier and aid in a much more even color result.

APPLY COLOR TO THE LENGTHS AND ENDS FIRST: 

This is important! The lengths of the hair need more time to process, whereas the roots have the heat from the scalp which help it to process easier and faster. Start applying the color about 2” away from the scalp. Take thin enough sections that you can easily saturate the hair. Saturation is everything! Make sure the hair is evenly coated with color and there are no dry spots. After the color is applied to the lengths, go ahead and apply color to the roots. 

How to Apply Balayage Highlights at Home Using Bleach

If you plan to use a permanent color as listed above, then it is best to apply that first and then apply your highlights after. This way, your base color is all done and you have a fresh canvas to work from. 

When applying the bleach, focus the product on your mid-lengths and ends. This is where you want the majority of the lightness for a natural effect. Use sweeping motions as if you are painting on top of the hair to create blended highlights without harsh lines. Wondering how to go blonde at home, but want results that like you just walked out a salon? Our Light Works Balayage Kit comes with a unique wishbone applicator to provide foolproof salon-quality highlights. 

How to Keep Your Hair Looking Healthy with a Toner

Now that your hair is blonde, toners and glosses are your new best friend. These are a must to keep your tones looking refined and brass-free. They are semi- or demi-permanent products that are used when your highlights are looking dull, or you need to eliminate any unwanted yellow or orange tones. Color Reviving Gloss in Crema is a violet shade that will help counteract brassiness.

Is Dyeing Your Hair Blonde at Home Always a Good Option?

If you are staying within a few levels of your natural color, going blonde at home is perfectly achievable.

If you want more of a drastic change or if your hair is significantly darker than your desired level of blonde, it may be best to visit a professional colorist. After that initial coloring session, you may be able to maintain the color yourself at home. If you are unsure which route is best for you, contact our Color Crew to speak to a professional colorist who can guide you in your journey to being blonde.

Final Thoughts: How to Get Blonde Hair at Home with Confidence

We've covered everything you need to know about how to dye blonde hair at home - from preparration, product selection, to step-by-step instructions. Whether you're going for subtle highlights or a full transformation, going blonde at home is absolutely possible with the right tools and guidance.

If you think that it’s too much to handle solo and you’d rather have it done by professionals in a salon, visit one of our Hair Color Bars. Our licensed colorists will make your fresh locks shine!

Do you have any additional questions? Feel free to ask them in the comments section below. And remember to check our other articles, for example: How to Care for Your Hair When Coloring.