1 – Go to a stylist.
Okay, so we know some people are going to ignore this one . Still, we can’t stress enough how difficult home-bleaching can be to get right. Your stylist will be able to mix the correct colour and toner for your hair, which can be especially difficult if your hair is naturally a darker colour. Bleach is also super drying, and can really damage the hair if done incorrectly, so your colourist will be able to advise and help with this. They’ll also be able to perfect the cut, if you want to go full-Foden.
That being said, we know that many people will be going down the ‘at-home’ route. Whilst we wouldn’t usually recommend this – there are a few things you can do to minimise the risk. Plus, with short hair, it’s much easier to achieve, which is why the Foden isn’t the worst trend to try at home. Just make sure that you know the danger, and you don’t mind sporting a buzz-cut for a while should it not go to plan (or, you know, if you just get bored of blonde). If you do opt for the home option, make sure to read the below tips first.
2 – Take a patch test
This one isn’t optional – bleach can cause major allergic reactions, which you definitely don’t want near your face. It can result in serious hospitalisation, so read the instructions carefully and do. your. patch. test. (This applies to salon-jobs too, but your stylist will be able to arrange this for you).
3 – It may take more than one dye-job
Bleaching isn’t magic – dark brown or jet-black hair usually can’t be transformed to Foden-glory in one session, and the first bleaching attempt can often yield an alarming orange-y result. It also depends on the porosity of the hair (how well it can absorb moisture.) So, bear in mind that it may take a few sessions to reach the colour you want, and consider whether you’re up for the commitment.
4 – Don’t leave the bleach on for too long
Bleach can be drying and majorly damaging to your hair. So, even if the hair isn’t reaching the colour you want (see above), don’t be tempted to leave it on longer than the instructions say. This can lead to over-bleached hair, which gets a tacky, gluey texture, tangles easily, and can eventually fall out – yikes.
5 – Use a toner
Toner is key to achieving the colour that you want. Bleached hair can often end up with brassy, yellow-y, or orange-y tones, and a toner basically helps to combat this. If you head to the stylist, they’ll be able to mix up a toner to achieve the look you want. If you’re going down the at-home route, you can use a toning shampoo for a similar result. For Foden’s silver colour, opt for a silver or purple shampoo which will even out the colour and remove any harsh tones. Either way, continuing to use a purple shampoo once a week will ensure that the look stays fresh for as long as possible.
6 – Aftercare
Again, bleaching can be damaging to hair, so it’s really important to take good care of it. You may need to incorporate some extra products/steps into your hair care routine. Alongside the toning shampoo, use a hydrating shampoo to keep the hair from getting too dry. We’d also recommend using a moisturising conditioner after shampooing. If your hair is feeling really dry, you can also use a hair mask, which is basically an intensive moisturiser for your hair. This should help your hair stay feeling fresh and healthy.
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