Ask Karen - July 2001

Revised Date: 5/01/07 - Original Publication Date: July 2001

July 10, 2001
Going Blonde - Tips?

Question

Dear Karen,

I really want to go blonde like Reese Witherspoon.The problem is trying to figure out what is the best blonde shade for me. Also, should I go completely blonde or just do highlights. Which also confuses me, what is the difference between highlights and lowlight and chunks? UGH. Help.

Thanks.

Faith

Answer

Dear Faith,

Going blonde is definitely not something you should do on a whim. Did you know that Clairol makes over 85 different shades of blonde dyes and colors with their many different lines? Figuring out the right shade of blonde for you can definitely be challenging. Many colorists believe that there is no "right" blonde color for you and that it should be include your personal likes and dislikes. Other colorists have very definite guidelines that they recommend for selecting the right blonde hue for you.

Most colorists agree that you should avoid brassy or yellow tones along with extremes. For example, as a general rule platinum blonde tones clash with dark or olive skin. Olive skins do best with warm and golden blondes.

While most hairstylists warn that home hair coloring should not take your natural color more than two colors in either light or dark directions, some hairstylists will concede that you can go to three or four shades away from your natural colors.

If you are not sure what colors would be best for your skin coloring visit a professional colorist who can guide you to the color that is perfect for you.

Highlights are created from thin strands of hair that are colored a few shades lighter than your natural base hair color. Lowlights are thin strands that are colored generally darker than your natural color. Chunks are larger sections of hair that are colored lighter or darker depending on the desired effect.

Best wishes,

Karen

Continued below ↓

By submitting your question, you grant full permission to HairBoutique.com to publish it. Due to the volume of mail we receive, Karen regrets that she cannot respond to every question personally. To Ask Karen your questions send e-mail to: askkaren@hairboutique.com

Notice

All images & text in this article are strictly copyrighted and owned exclusively by HairBoutique.com & may not be copied, reproduced, or posted anywhere without the prior express written permission of HairBoutique.com. Please honor our copyrights.

This information is not guaranteed to be proven, scientific or clinical but is based on my humble opinions and experiences. This article is provided solely for your general information only. It is in no way intended as medical or beauty advice, and should not be depended upon as a substitute for any consultations with qualified health professionals.

HairBoutique.com makes no warranties of any kind regarding this article, including but not limited to any warranty of accuracy, adequacy, completeness, currency, reliability, merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose, expressly disclaims liability of errors or omissions in this information and materials. No warranty of any kind, expressed or implied, is given in conjunction with the information and materials. This information and material is not, and should not be construed as advice in any shape or form.