Going blond can mean damaging the hair if done incorrectly. "I always err on the safe side," said Kaeding. "I lift Kate to the blond that she desires, then rinse, shampoo, and condition. No gloss or toner needed. The wrong gloss or toner can cause blond to sway too ashy or too gold . . . even orange and green."
When it comes to getting the perfect shade of blond, it's all about timing. "If the hair lifts too light, a color needs to be deposited to tone down the hair to the desired shade." Kaeding explained this double dose of chemicals can lead to dryness and, ultimately, breakage. On the flip side, taking off the bleach too soon can be just as bad for strands. "If the hair isn't lifted enough, those undesirable warm, brassy shades will come through."
