bleaching

Okay, so you've seen my transformation from vibrant turquoise to a sleek natural blonde, all while rocking that distinctive short haircut with the bangs and shaved sides – a look many of you have recognized as the 'Jason the Ween' style! It was quite a journey, and since so many of you asked 'How,' I’m finally spilling all the tea on my three-step process. First things first, tackling that vibrant turquoise was the biggest hurdle. You can’t just bleach over blue or green tones; you’ll often end up with muddy or greenish hair. My first step was a gentle color remover designed for direct dyes. I applied it carefully, focusing on the turquoise areas, and let it sit according to the instructions. This took me to a very faded, almost pastel mint green. This step is crucial for anyone trying to shift from a bold fashion color. Next up was the actual bleaching. With my hair now a light, faded green, I knew I needed to lift it to a pale yellow to achieve a clean blonde. For this, I used a good quality bleach kit, making sure to protect my scalp and previously bleached areas. I mixed a 20 volume developer with the bleach powder, which is strong enough to lift but gentler than a 30 volume. I applied it quickly and evenly, starting from the mid-lengths and then moving to the roots and ends, being extra careful around my face and the shaved sides. Keeping track of the time and checking small strands for elasticity was key to prevent damage. Once it reached a pale yellow, like the inside of a banana peel, I rinsed thoroughly. Finally, the toning! After bleaching, my hair was a very light, slightly brassy yellow. To get to that 'natural blonde' you see, I used a purple-based toner. Toners neutralize unwanted tones – purple cancels yellow, and blue cancels orange. I mixed my toner with a 10 volume developer (or sometimes just conditioner for a gentler application if my hair felt fragile). I applied it all over and watched it like a hawk, rinsing the moment it hit the perfect cool blonde shade. Over-toning can lead to purple or ash grey hair! Maintaining this short, edgy style with bangs and shaved sides, especially after bleaching, requires dedication. I use purple shampoo once a week to keep brassiness at bay, and deep conditioning masks are my best friend. Regular trims are essential to keep the shaved sides sharp and the bangs perfectly framed. And yes, my facial piercings and dark eye makeup really complete the aesthetic for me, making the whole look feel truly 'me'! If you're considering a similar bold hair transformation, remember to do your research, strand test everything, and prioritize hair health. Going from a vibrant fashion color like turquoise to a natural blonde is a commitment, but the results can be incredibly satisfying. It’s amazing how a change in hair color can totally refresh your entire vibe!