Buzz
Ever since I was young, I’ve dreamed of going blonde. However, the countless bleach-related horror stories from friends made me hesitant. For years, I stuck to the lightest shades possible without bleach—chocolate brown being the limit for my naturally dark hair. Eventually, my desire for blonde hair won, and I stepped into the salon ready for the transformation.
I was determined to approach this carefully. My long hair, which I consider a kind of safety net, required extra attention. Maintaining long blonde hair is notoriously tricky, so I aimed for the least damaging method possible. Thankfully, I had the expertise of incredible colorists like Michelle Hong, a professional colorist and founder of NYC The Team Hair Salon, who guided me in keeping my hair both blonde and healthy.
Below are the questions I asked and the insights I gained.
How long does it take Asian hair to go blonde?
If you have naturally dark hair, the first thing to understand is that achieving blonde hair won’t happen in a single session. For first-timers, walking out of the salon with fully blonde hair isn’t realistic. However, this is beneficial—spacing out the bleaching process over multiple appointments helps maintain hair health and prevents significant damage.
Hong explains, “The number of sessions required to go blonde depends on whether your hair is colored or naturally virgin. Asian hair tends to be very dark and thick, which means more red pigment needs to be lifted to achieve a neutral blonde tone without brassiness.”
My hair after the first session.
My hair after the second session.With medium-thick black hair and some existing color, it took me around four sessions to reach my desired blonde shade. It’s advisable to wait at least two weeks between sessions to let your hair recover and rehydrate—I opted for a month to be extra cautious.
Why does Asian hair often turn orange or red—and how can I prevent this?
One common issue with Asian hair is its tendency to develop orange or red undertones when bleached. Hong notes, “Asian hair naturally contains red and orange pigments, so colorists must carefully plan the lifting process. Factors like the strength of the lightener, timing, and application technique are crucial to achieving the ideal blonde tone.”
It’s essential to research and choose a colorist experienced specifically with Asian hair. Even highly skilled colorists may not be familiar with the nuances of lightening Asian hair, which can lead to unexpected results. To avoid surprises, review salons’ Instagram portfolios and look for before-and-after photos that match your desired outcome.
Gradually making progress.What is the best way to maintain Asian blonde hair?
Bleach, no matter how carefully applied, is damaging by nature. Hong advises, “Expect some dryness and increased breakage. Use bond-building treatments, strengthening masks, and anti-breakage serums to restore your hair. Handle your hair gently during washing, brushing, and blow-drying.” I highly recommend integrating products from brands like K18 and Olaplex into your regular hair care routine.
Another key maintenance concern is brassiness, which inevitably occurs regardless of how stunning your blonde looks when leaving the salon. Purple shampoos and masks are essential for neutralizing unwanted orange and red tones. Incorporate them into your routine two to three times a week for optimal results.
Finally, set up a maintenance schedule with your colorist. Aim to stretch the time between appointments as much as possible (using root sprays can help), but the ideal interval is every six to eight weeks. Since hair grows about half an inch per month, waiting longer can lead to uneven color due to heat differences from your scalp, causing bands or “hot roots” (where roots appear brighter than the rest of your hair).
Hong explains, “The longer your roots grow, the harder they are to lighten. If regrowth exceeds an inch, the hair will need to be lightened twice, increasing damage due to overlapping on previously bleached sections.”
Takeaway
My hair after the transformation.Achieving blonde hair on Asian hair is challenging but entirely possible. Start by researching thoroughly and finding a skilled professional like Michelle to guide you through the process. Be realistic about the timeline—multiple sessions are necessary to achieve the stunning blonde you desire (transitioning from black to blonde is no small task). Finally, be ready for ongoing maintenance. While it requires effort, especially since Asian hair is prone to brassiness, the results are undeniably rewarding, as I can personally vouch for the joy of being blonde.
