20 Blonde Hair Care Secrets You Need To Try

Does anyone else notice that the cost of your hair done these days is skyrocketing…especially if you’re a blonde? These blonde hair care tips will protect your investment.

As a lifelong blonde, I get my hair regularly highlighted and have learned some harsh lessons along the way. Don’t make the same mistakes I did. 

Whether you’re planning to go blonde or want to maintain your blonde hair, these tips will ensure your hair gets the extra TLC it needs to stay healthy and radiant.

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Why Does Blonde Hair Need Special Care?

Blonde hair demands special attention due to its unique characteristics —aka, it’s high maintenance, especially if you’ve bleached or highlighted your hair.

Lighter strands are more prone to damage from heat styling, environmental factors, and chemical treatments.

Without the right care, blonde hair can become dry, brittle, and prone to breakage. Knowing how to care for blonde hair is so important for maintaining its health and vibrancy in the long run.

Best Blonde Hair Care Tips

Caring for blonde locks requires a dedicated hair care routine and extra attention. These tips focus on hydrating, preventing damage, and preserving color.

Here are the best blonde hair care tips:

1. Turn Down The Heat

We all know excessive heat can damage, and consistent use of hot tools makes hair more susceptible to breakage.

But you know what? I use hot tools almost every day. I’m active and wash my hair more frequently than recommended. And my hair looks terrible when I air dry – it looks better when I use hot tools. 

Here’s what’s worked for me: turning down the temperature on my straightener, curling iron, or blow dryer. 

I used to think that more heat was more effective. But I’ve learned that less heat causes less breakage and works just as well. 

2. Don’t Skimp on Heat Protectant

Use a heat protectant. Blonde hair is more prone to damage from heat-styling tools like blow dryers, flat irons, and curling wands.

However, most people don’t use enough of it to protect their hair adequately. A small spritz isn’t going to cut it.

Be sure to cover all strands of hair, including layers underneath. Also, if you’re heat-styling your hair when it’s dry, use a heat protection spray for dry hair. 

When I wash and style my hair, I’ll use a heat protectant before blow drying and another heat protectant spray (made for dry hair) before using any hot tools. 

My favorite heat protectants are the Kendra Blow Dry Spray and the DP Hue Heat Protector.

3. Avoid Over-washing

I don’t know how some people go for over a few days without washing – impressive! 

I can’t do that.

However, I try to give my hair a break because washing it too frequently can strip away the hair’s natural oils, leading to dryness and damage.

We clean our scalp to keep it healthy, so finding the washing balance that works for you is key.

Aim to wash your hair every other day or every two days to help maintain its natural moisture balance without causing buildup. 

4. Use a Gentle Shampoo 

Admittedly, I wash my hair often but opt for a moisturizing, gentle formula. 

Harsh sulfates in traditional shampoo can strip away your hair’s natural oils and color if used too frequently.

Opt for a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo formulated specifically for blonde or color-treated hair to keep it clean without causing damage.

5. Keep It Hydrated

Blonde color-treated hair tends to be more dry and brittle, so moisturizing regularly is important. Use a hydrating conditioner after shampooing to replenish lost moisture and keep your hair soft and manageable.

6. Use a Purple Shampoo

Purple toning shampoo is a must-have for blondes. It helps counteract brassiness and keeps your blonde color looking fresh and vibrant.

Some argue that purple shampoo is not good for blonde hair and causes damage. I love how purple shampoo maintains my color—the right formula does wonders to cool down any brassy tones. 

Use it once or twice weekly to maintain your desired shade without over-drying. 

7. Use a Dry Shampoo For Blonde Hair

I discovered my new favorite dry shampoo for blonde hair, and I’m never going back to ordinary dry shampoo. 

This one is made for blonde hair. It has a very slight purple tint, like purple shampoo, which instantly brightens and reduces yellow tones. 

8. Protect Your Hair from UV Exposure

UV doesn’t just damage your skin. The sun’s rays can cause blonde hair to become brittle and fade over time.

Wear a wide-brimmed hat to shield your hair from the sun, and use UV-protectant hair products outdoors.

9. Avoid Chlorine

Chlorinated water in swimming pools can turn blonde hair green and cause dryness and damage. Protect your hair by wearing a swim cap or rinsing it with clean water before and after swimming.

10. Try a Shower Filter

Contrary to popular belief, hard water does not cause hair damage or make your hair more prone to breakage. Here’s a study that proves it.

However, tap and hard water have extra minerals that can accumulate over time, leaving your hair dull and lifeless. This is especially true if you have fine hair. 

You might have hard water if you notice dull, frizzy, or tangled hair. Install a shower filter to remove impurities and keep your hair in top condition.

11. Apply a Weekly Hair Mask

Treat your blonde hair to a weekly deep conditioning mask or a good leave-in conditioner to replenish moisture and repair damage. Look for a mask tailored to your hair type. 

Opt for a deep conditioning treatment enriched with hydrating ingredients like argan oil or keratin for optimal results.

12. Use a Microfiber Towel to Dry Your Hair

Rough towel drying can cause friction and damage to your blonde hair. Instead, gently pat your hair dry with a microfiber towel to absorb excess water without causing breakage or frizz.

13. Don’t Use Too Many Products

Overloading your blonde tresses with styling products can weigh it down and cause buildup, leading to dullness and damaged hair. 

Stick to minimal hair care products and avoid heavy formulas to keep your blonde hair looking light and airy.

14. Use a Silk Pillowcase 

Cotton pillowcases can cause excess friction and breakage, especially for delicate blonde hair. Switch to a silk pillowcase to minimize damage and wake up with smoother, frizz-free hair. 

15. Wear an Eye Mask Without Velcro

If you wear eye masks when you sleep, ensure you have a good one that doesn’t have Velcro. Velcro can snag delicate blonde hair at night, causing hair breakage and flyaways. 

16. Wrap Your Velcro Rollers with Tissue

Velcor rollers are my go-to for that voluminous blowout look, but they wreak havoc on my fine, blonde hair. No matter what I do, they stick to my hair and pull it out, causing breakage. 

Here’s a tip that saved my hair: wrap a piece of tissue around your roller before wrapping your hair around it, and secure it with a metal clip. When you release the roller, it won’t snag on the sticky Velcro.

17. Don’t DIY Your Color at Home

Looking to dye your hair blonde at home? While it may be tempting to experiment with at-home hair dye kits, blonde hair color is best left to the professionals. Especially if you’re planning to go from dark hair to blonde. 

DIY coloring can lead to uneven results and damage your hair’s health and integrity. Plus, the pros know exactly how to give you that perfect shade.

18. Consider a Low Maintenance Blonde Shade

Opting for a low-maintenance blonde shade can reduce the need for frequent touch-ups and minimize damage to your hair. Plus, the low-light blended look is on trend.

Talk to your hairstylist about choosing a blonde hue that suits your lifestyle and maintenance preferences.

19. Don’t Get Your Hair Bleached or Highlighted Every Time

With a lower-maintenance blonde shade, you don’t need to worry about getting your hair bleached every time you’re at the salon.

Here are some ways to extend your blonde without reaching for the bleach each time:

• Go for a gloss or toner instead of bleach or highlights to freshen up your look
• Get a few baby light highlights in the front to brighten up your blonde without doing it all
• Opt for a few select foils instead of a full foil and mix in low lights for a gentler approach

20. Get Your Hair Trimmed Regularly

Regular trims will make your hair look groomed and healthy and prevent split ends. Split ends can take away that beautiful shine from blonde hair.

Aim to visit your hairstylist every 6-8 weeks to maintain your hair’s shape and integrity.

Best Products for Blonde Hair Care

Caring for blonde hair is high-maintenance, and buying the right products is worth it to keep your hair healthy. 

Here are the must-haves:

1. Gentle shampoo: Choose one for your hair type. I like to alternate between a sulfate-free shampoo and a gentle, clarifying shampoo with sodium lauryl sulfate (yes, it’s okay to use this – it will not damage your hair
2. Deep conditioner or leave-in treatment: Use 1-2x a week for extra hydration
3. Purple shampoo: Use 1-2x a week or as needed to remove brassy tones and keep blonde tones fresh
4. Dry shampoo for blonde hair: Use as needed in between wash days 
5. Heat protectant: For best results, apply liberally, and don’t forget to grab one for dry hair as well before using heat tools 
6. UV protection spray: Helps prevent fading from the harmful UV rays 
7. Silk pillowcase: helps prevent breakage

For the full list, check out: The Best Blonde Hair Care Products According to Blondes

Keeping your blonde hair healthy and vibrant is achievable with the right care routine. By following these blonde-approved tips, you can ensure your hair remains healthy and vibrant!