Blonde hair is trending in a big way for the colder months ahead. Already we’ve seen several celebrities like Rihanna and Kendall Jenner, both long-time brunettes, taking the chance and dyeing their hair a crisp, bright blonde for the fall.
However, a new hair color often means a new hair routine, too. Blonde hair can be difficult to take care of and without the necessary knowledge, it can also become impossible to manage.
To learn more about the up and coming blonde trend and how to take care of your hair once you take the leap, The Tease spoke to L’Oréal Professionnel Global Ambassador, Stylist & Colorist, Min Kim.
Kim says it’s a must for blondes to use products that moisturize and protect your hair from the weather, but also a purple shampoo that helps the color stay vibrant for a long time. She explains that L’Oréal lines like Metal Detox will help you keep your hair healthy and moisturized, while also maintaining your hair’s integrity and preventing color oxidation.
The four-step collection, which contains a pre-treatment spray (available to salons only), shampoo, conditioning mask, leave-in cream, and concentrated oil, neutralizes metals found in our water, which dry out hair and cause oxidation while strengthening your hair and keeping it protected for 87% less breakage and color longevity.
Ahead, keep scrolling for more of Kim’s insights.
The Tease: Why is blonde and ash blonde the color of fall?
Min Kim: Blonde, especially ash blonde, is the perfect shade for fall because it offers a fresh, cool contrast to the warmer tones we typically see in nature during this season. It’s a versatile shade that looks chic against fall’s fashion palettes—think of deep browns, forest greens, and burgundy hues.
The cool, silvery tones of ash blonde can really elevate a look, making it modern and striking. Plus, it offers a seamless transition for clients who want to keep their hair light but embrace a cooler tone as we move away from summer’s brighter shades.
The Tease: What are some things to look out for in products after going blonde?
Min Kim: Blonde hair is more porous and prone to damage, so it’s important to avoid products with harsh sulfates or stripping agents. Look for products that are specifically formulated to nourish and strengthen blonde hair, especially those that offer moisture retention, bond-building technology, and protection from environmental damage like L’Oréal Professionnel’s Metal Detox and Absolut Repair Molecular. Using a purple shampoo, such as L’Oréal Professionnel Silver Shampoo, is also key to keeping brassiness at bay and maintaining the cooler blonde tones, especially for ash blondes.
The Tease: What is the proper care when you decide to take the leap and dye your hair blonde?
Min Kim: When going blonde, proper care is crucial. I always recommend using a reparative shampoo and conditioner, like L’Oréal Professionnel’s Series Expert Absolut Repair Molecular, which helps restore the hair from a molecular level. It’s also essential to use L’Oréal Professionnel Silver Shampoo to neutralize yellow or brassy tones, particularly for cooler shades of blonde.
The Metal Detox regimen also keeps the hair hydrated, fights dullness, and combat any environmental damage including metals and minerals found in water. Regular trims and minimizing heat styling are also important to maintain the health of your blonde locks.
The Tease: Any tips and tricks that you use with your blonde clients as a colorist?
Min Kim: One tip I always share is to keep L’Oréal Professionnel Silver Shampoo in your routine to maintain that perfect cool blonde tone. It neutralizes brassiness while keeping hair soft and shiny. I also recommend booking glossing treatments between color appointments to refresh the tone and boost shine. Lastly, using a leave-in treatment with UV protection can prevent fading and dryness caused by sun exposure.
The Tease: What are some things you warn your clients about?
Min Kim: Patience and maintenance is important when going blonde. It’s not a one-time process—it takes time, especially if you’re going for a drastic change. Maintaining the health of the hair post-lightening is just as important, regular deep conditioning treatments post color, and minimizing heat styling. I also caution against hard water, which can cause dullness and build-up on blonde hair. Using L’Oréal Professionnel’s Metal Detox can help counteract this by neutralizing metals.
The Tease: You’ve mentioned L’Oréal Professionnel’s Metal Detox line is a must for blondes, why?
Min Kim: L’Oréal Professionnel’s Metal Detox range is a game-changer for blondes because it neutralizes the excess metal particles that can accumulate in the hair from water exposure, particularly in cities with hard water and areas with well water. These metals can cause color distortion, make blonde shades look brassy, and weaken the hair fiber. The Metal Detox range helps preserve the vibrancy and longevity of blonde color while also keeping hair strong and healthy. Paired with Silver Shampoo, it’s a perfect combination for maintaining that clean, fresh blonde look.
The Tease: Walk me through a perfect routine after going blonde and what’s the one product that you must keep in your deck?
Min Kim: A must-have in any blonde’s routine is the L’Oréal Professionnel Metal Detox Pre-Treatment, which neutralizes metals to ensure an even and beautiful lightening result.
Another essential is L’Oréal Professionnel Silver Shampoo to maintain a cool blonde tone and prevent brassiness. Finally, a deep conditioning mask, like the Metal Detox Mask, helps restore moisture and keeps the hair healthy after the lightening process.
