Transforming black hair to blonde is definitely possible, though it's a journey that requires patience, skill, and the right care. This major transformation is not just a simple dye job, it involves a bleaching process to lighten your dark hair to the desired blonde shade.

In this article, you'll find a 5 steps process on how to get from black hair to blonde and we will share some amazing expert insights from celebrity hairstylist Brandon Mayberry.

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Can your hair go from black to blonde?

Absolutely! With the right approach and professional help, you can achieve blonde hair from a dark base.

The short answer is yes, you can lighten black hair to blonde. It’s important to remember that Bleaching/lightening our hair is just as damaging as a perm/relaxer and the hair should be treated as such. I don’t recommend lightening without a bond building product like Olaplex or K18. - Brandon Mayberry, celebrity hairstylist.

Most important, be sure you're not bleaching your hair by yourself. It's really tough to get every strand evenly by yourself, and you might miss spots. For the best results, it's a good idea to see a specialist at a beauty salon.

There are two types of Melanin that determine the color of the hair, Eumelanin makes up Black & Brown hair while Pheomelanin makes up Red & Yellow hair. Hair color is measured on a scale from 1 to 12. 1 being Black, 12 being platinum. So if we want to take a level 1 with natural Eumelanin to a 12 it’s going to take a while to break up all that pigment. - Brandon Mayberry, celebrity hairstylist.

If you want to protect your hair but still like to have blonde hair or dark hair, try a human hair wig. This is the best way to see what color you like best, and if you like the switching up your hair color in minutes, why damage your natural hair?

  

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How many sessions does it take to go from black to blonde?

You'll probably require several bleaching sessions, typically between 1 to 4 rounds, based on the health of your hair and the specific blonde shade you're looking for.

Bleached hair, while beautiful, it can be vulnerable if not treated correctly. A stylist will use their expertise to determine the right amount of bleach, how to minimize damage and to make sure your hair remains as healthy as possible throughout the process. 

Lightening hair safely & properly is a time consuming process, You want to go low and slow, the more gentle the bleach and the longer you can leave the bleach sit the more pigment it can eat without breaking the hair. 10 vol for 4 hours will be much better than 40 vol for an hour. - Brandon Mayberry, celebrity hairstylist.

 

Your lifestyle and personal budget will determine how many times you will have to visit the salon. If you hair is colored and not virgin you will need more appointments. If you can afford an 8 hour platinum card then you may only need one or two sessions, but if it’s something you need to break up, then you’re looking at 2-6 sessions depending on the level of blonde you’re looking for. - Brandon Mayberry, celebrity hairstylist.

 

Can I dye my hair black as a blonde?

Reversing the process, from blonde to black, is much easier and less damaging to your hair. However, maintaining the depth and richness of the black color might require regular touch-ups.

The short answer again is yes, just make sure to fill the hair with a warm color so your hair doesn’t go green/blue. If you were to go dark again I wouldn’t recommend going back blonde. That’s how we end up with a lot of damage, going from one extreme to the other. If you like to switch your colors often I would recommend a wig! It will save your scalp and your strands in the long run! - Brandon Mayberry, celebrity hairstylist.

If you still want to bleach your hair at home from black to blonde, here are some tips for you:

 

1.Color Stripping

The first step in going from black to blonde is color stripping. This is especially crucial if you have dyed black hair or a dark natural color. Color stripping removes the existing dye from your hair, making it easier for the bleach to lift the dark pigments. Please don't start bleaching your hair on your own, it's important to have someone assist you.

 

 

 

2. Assess the Condition of Your Hair

Before starting, assess your hair's health. If your hair is damaged, the bleaching process could cause more harm. Consider conditioning treatments to improve your hair's condition.

 

 

3. Do a Porosity Test

A porosity test helps understand how well your hair can absorb and hold moisture, which affects how it will take on bleach and dye. You can do this by simply sliding a finger up a hair strand, if it feels bumpy, it might be too porous, which means it could be more prone to damage during the bleaching process.

Thicker hair can handle bleach better than fine hair, but it may also take longer to lighten. Knowing your hair's thickness helps your stylist adjust the bleach formula accordingly.

 

4. Use Nourishing Hair-Care Products.

Using nourishing hair care products before and after the process is crucial. Products with bond builders can help maintain your hair healthy and reduce the  damage from bleaching.

Lightening your hair is a very similar chemical process to a relaxer or a perm. The hair will need the same special care and you will have to be careful with heat as well. For the most part I advise my platinum clients to skip heat whenever possible. - Brandon Mayberry, celebrity hairstylist.

If you want to make your hair look fuller and longer, especially if you're dealing with hair thinning, try clip-in hair extensions. Hair extensions are the easiest way to transform your hair.

 

5. Toning after bleaching - how to select the right toner.

After bleaching, your hair might show unwanted brassy tones. Selecting the right toner is essential to neutralize these tones and achieve the perfect blonde shade. A professional colorist can help you choose the right toner based on the color wheel and your hair's underlying pigments.

Many clients are quick to grab a purple shampoo when their blonde feels brassy, but try a clarifying shampoo first. A lot of times the Brassiness we see is a build up of things on the hair ex: minerals, medications, tobacco, products, shampoo. - Brandon Mayberry, celebrity hairstylist.

 

Blonde is basically like having white pants, it will show every stain. So a clarifying shampoo clears that canvas. - Brandon Mayberry, celebrity hairstylist.

Going from black to blonde hair is a major color correction that requires understanding the bleaching process, the importance of maintaining healthy hair, and the role of toners in achieving the final result.

Each step needs to be done with care and precision to avoid damaged hair or hot roots. From the initial strand test to the final wash, using the right hair products, including purple shampoo to rid yellow tones, and waiting the necessary weeks between sessions, are key to a successful transformation.

Always consult with a professional stylist or colorist to ensure your hair journey from black to blonde leaves your entire head looking its best, healthy, and with the desired tone and shine.