Jun 17, 2025

So You Want to Go Blonde? Here’s What You Need to Know First

Thinking about going blonde? Whether you're dreaming of a soft, golden balayage or an icy, full-head transformation, going lighter is one of the most exciting changes you can make to your look. But it’s also one that takes strategy, skill, and the right aftercare.

If you’re in the Guelph area and ready to start your blonde journey, Hush Salon and Spa is home to experienced colour specialists who truly know blonde — especially our stylists Alana and Kate. They’ve helped countless clients go blonde safely and beautifully, and together, they’ve compiled their must-know tips for anyone considering the switch.

💬 What Service Should You Book?

Blonde isn’t just blonde — and during your consultation, Alana or Kate will walk you through which technique works best for your current hair and your goals.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the most popular blonde services:

Highlights: Foils placed throughout your hair to create soft brightness. Alana often recommends this for clients looking to refresh or maintain their current blonde.
Balayage: A hand-painted method that blends lightness seamlessly into your natural hair. Kate loves this technique for anyone who wants low-maintenance dimension with that effortl
ess, grown-out look.
Bleach & Tone: For clients wanting a bold, even blonde from root to tip — think platinum or bright blondes — this is the go-to service. Both stylists emphasize the importance of hair health when going this light.
Lowlights: These are darker pieces woven into the hair to add depth, especially useful when blonde hair starts to look too flat or uniform.
Dimensional Blonde: A mix of tones and techniques that creates a natural, multi-faceted finish.
High Contrast Blonde: Ideal for bold looks with visible light and dark sections — Kate often creates this look with a mix of face-framing brightness and deeper roots.

Not sure which is right for you? A thorough consultation with one of our stylists will help determine the best technique for your desired end result.

📸 Bring 2–3 Inspo Photos (Not 15!)

Both Alana and Kate agree: less is more when it comes to inspiration photos. Bringing two or three clear images helps your stylist understand your vision without overcomplicating the consultation.

When choosing your photos aim for:

A picture that shows the tone you love (like warm honey, cool ash, or icy platinum)
A photo showing the placement of the lightness (subtle balayage, bold face frame, etc.)
A reference that matches your hair length and texture, which helps set realistic expectations

Alana adds that unfiltered, natural lighting is best — overly edited photos can distort tone and finish. And Kate reminds clients that your version of “cool blonde” might not match a stylist’s unless you’ve got a clear visual to back it up!

If we can ask one thing, please no AI photos! We want to cry every time we see one 😩

💡 Blonde Lingo 101

If you're not sure how to describe what you want, don't worry — our stylists are here to translate. Here’s a cheat sheet of common blonde terms you might hear at your appointment:

Highlights: Lightened strands added to create brightness throughout the hair.
Balayage: A sweeping technique for a softer, more natural grow-out.
Bleach & Tone: Hair is lightened all over and then toned to your chosen blonde shade.
Lowlights: Darker strands added back into blonde to create dimension.
Dimension: The contrast between light and dark pieces that keeps hair looking full and dynamic.
Contrast: A high-impact look with strong variation between the light and dark areas.

When in doubt, show Kate or Alana your inspiration photos and let them handle the rest — they’ll customize the technique to your specific hair goals and texture.

🧴 Blonde Hair Aftercare: Keep It Healthy and Bright

Once your blonde is achieved, maintaining it is just as important as the initial service. Alana emphasizes the need for professional-quality products to protect your investment — and both stylists recommend the AG Care Vita C line, which is available right at the salon.

Here’s what you’ll need to keep your blonde strong, shiny, and brass-free:

🔶Vita C Strengthening Shampoo

This vitamin C-infused cleanser removes buildup and environmental dullness while keeping your tone fresh. Kate recommends using this regularly between salon visits to preserve your brightness.

🔶Vita C Strengthening Conditioner

Packed with antioxidants and plant-based nutrients, this conditioner is a go-to for post-blonde hydration. Alana loves it for keeping fragile blonde ends smooth and manageable.

🔶Vita C Serum Strengthening Sealant

A daily leave-in treatment that protects blonde hair from UV damage, pollution, and heat styling — and it adds gorgeous shine, too.

Styling tips from our team:

Use a purple shampoo once a week to keep brassiness at bay. We love the Sterling SIlver Toning Shampoo by AG Care
Always apply heat protectant when blow-drying or using hot tools. Deflect by AG Care protects from heat and even speeds up blow drying time!
Sleep on a silk pillowcase to reduce frizz and breakage. Slip Pillowcases are our favourite!
Book toner touch-ups every 6–8 weeks to refresh your blonde and maintain the perfect tone. We’ve got Toner and Blowdry services available or add a toner onto a cut! Book your refresh today!

Our stylists are trained to know exactly what products your hair needs so don’t hesitate to ask questions! We offer the entire AG Care line in the salon as well so no matter what your favourite product is, we’ve got it!

💛 Your Blonde Journey Starts Here

Going blonde is a big step, but with the right team behind you, it can be your best hair decision yet. Whether you’re looking for soft, sun-kissed strands or a bold, icy transformation, Alana and Kate bring years of experience and a passion for helping clients feel their best.

If you’re ready to make the change, book your blonde consultation at Hush Salon and Spa in Guelph. We’ll guide you through every step — from choosing the right technique to providing the products you need for lasting results.

Check out Alana and Kate’s instagram to see what your blonde journey could look like!

Kate @hairdate.withkate

Alana @looksbyalana

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