Blonde Ambition
You may have noticed that something about me is a little different… I colored my hair! As anyone that knows me well can tell you, I went back and forth on the decision for years before finally taking the leap and doing it. I knew that anything other than my natural hair color would look very… unnatural, so I was apprehensive to say the least. If you’re thinking about dying your hair for the first time, read on…
Blonde Ambition
So the title of this post may be slightly misleading, I’m not actually blonde. (Nor am I ready to make that dramatic leap yet.) I am really more of a sandy/honey-colored bronde. I was VERY specific about what I wanted and went in with pictures and a long list of attributes I did and did not want. (TBH I was a complete nightmare of a client. Not too ashy, not too warm, not too brassy, not too high maintenance. The list went on and on).
Dying your hair for the first time
If you’ve never colored your hair before, I highly recommend doing your research in advance to temper expectations and minimize disappointment. It is a BIG change (or was for me, at least) and definitely an investment that requires a LOT of maintenance. With that being said, it is a fun way to change up your appearance. And add some dimension to your hair!
First, know that everyone’s hair reacts to dye differently. And if you have virgin hair (never been colored before) you won’t know how your hair will react to bleach. I’ve always been horrified seeing photos of girls with super brassy hair but I quickly learned that can happen to anybody. This is because underneath your natural hair color are underlying pigments that can show up when you bleach your hair. So underneath dark hair you have red and orange undertones, which explains why dark hair can turn super brassy and orange.
If you have dark hair, know that you won’t be able to go from black to blonde in a day. (At least not without SERIOUSLY damaging your hair.)
Lightening your hair is a process that takes time.
After doing endless research behind the science of coloring hair, I had to find someone I would trust to do the actual service. Instagram is surprisingly helpful – many colorists have and will post on Instagram these days! I stalked my colorist (@biancacolour – she is AMAZING) for a year before biting the bullet and booking an appointment.
I noticed that Bianca colored a lot of ASIAN hair – that was immediately a huge plus in my book (as I mentioned above, Asian hair can turn brassy and orange easily if you’re not careful). If you’re looking on someone’s page and don’t see 1. any final results that you absolutely love or 2. anyone that has your type of hair, you might want to look elsewhere.
When it comes to the actual appointment, pictures are a lifesaver. When it comes to any beauty service, you can’t expect people to read your mind and give you what you want unless you tell them!
After the whole process is done, it’s time to focus on proper care.
I’m still new to the colored hair game, but I made sure to grill every person I came across in the salon on tips and products to use. Bianca mentioned regular toning sessions to maintain the color and to stay out of the sun as much as possible. I’ll do a post on hair color maintenance as soon as I have more experience living with and caring for colored hair!
With Labor Day coming up quickly, it’s clear that summer is almost officially over. While that may be the case, I have always been the biggest proponent that white CAN be worn after Labor Day (and in fact, is encouraged). Why wouldn’t you want to show off that summer tan before it fades away in winter?? For most, black is the old standby but I have always been obsessed with the color WHITE.
This matching set by De Lacy is not only comfy but also flattering, all white (and tight) can be intimidating to wear, but there is well positioned wrapping and ruching to protect you even if you eat one too many tacos… seriously the best for those days and nights out. If you’re looking for quality basic pieces, De Lacy has you covered – shop my favorite picks below.
As always, thank you for reading (!!) – have a beautiful weekend loves! Let’s make the most of these last few weeks of summer!
xx, Amy
two piece set: c/o de lacy (top on sale!, skirt – both in black)
photos: lauren miller
You look really great, hun! I love this outfit as well as your photos. Cheers to the photographer!
xo,
Iga
http://www.STYLENIGHTCAP.com
Thank you so much Iga! and yes, Lauren is AMAZING – she does an incredible job. Thanks for reading babe xx
I am absolutely in love with your new hair color and this outfit! Seriously you are too perfect Amy! I always wanted to go super light with my hair too, but totally scared especially of it looking unnatural and brassy. Your colorist did a phenomenal job! I think I may need to purchase this outfit too! Have a fantastic weekend babe! xoxo, Christine
http://dailykongfidence.com/
Aw Christine that was seriously such a sweet comment – thank you so much for the kind words. I was honestly so nervous about getting my hair colored but now I really love it! It’s a little high maintenance but worth it. If you’re looking for an amazing colorist I really, really love and recommend Bianca at Andy Lecompte. Lmk if you have any questions about the process : ) xx
She did a great job, seriously. I learned the hard way and skipped a toning appt. after 4 weeks and now I’m getting a little tinge of orange that needs some fixing!
Love that De Lacy set btw. I have a black dress of theirs and love how it fits, they do good things 😀
xx
Lauren
http://www.shoesandsashimi.com
Hiii Lauren!! Isn’t De Lacy amazing? I love their knit pieces SO much. I didn’t realize toning apts were so important!! My hairstylist told me the highlights themselves can be super low maintenance (go in 2-3x a year or less) but apparently the toner is essential. Brassy hair terrifies me so I def will not be missing mine – thanks for the tip love! xx
I think you look great with this color hair. It seems totally natural
http://www.bonjourchiara.com
Aw thank you so so much! xx
Such a gorgeous look!
http://www.aimeroseblog.com
so sweet, thank you rasa! xx
Wow amazing photos!! Your outfit & location are the perfect match and you look stunning <3
xx
http://putitallonme.com/
Thank you so much! Thanks for reading! xx
Love love the change! It suits you so well. I remember coloring my hair for the first time about 3 years ago and since then I have been hooked! I love the dimension it adds to your hair. Its definitely super high maintenence but so worth it! Also obsessed with your outfit, love dRA! xo
Thank you Jyo!! I know, that’s what everyone says – it’s absolutely addicting! But, I have found that my hair definitely feels more damaged : ( would love to hear your thoughts on maintenance and care! Also, yours looks amazing and so natural!! Thanks for stopping by beautiful xx
Love white on white!
xx
http://www.dylanasuarez.com
Thank you Dylana!!! xx
Your hair and outfit are beautiful!
http://www.pennyanddash.com
Thank you so much!! xx
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