Hair lightening in Tbilisi: how to go blonde without damaging your hair

Blonde never goes out of style: it brightens the face, looks fresh and youthful, and suits both summer and winter. But hair lightening is the most demanding treatment in a hair salon — what matters is not only a beautiful shade, but hair that stays healthy, shiny and soft. In this article you will learn how lightening is done, how many steps it can take to turn dark hair blonde, why blonde sometimes turns yellow, and how to care for your hair so the result lasts.

What is hair lightening?

Hair lightening (also called bleaching) uses a special product that enters the hair shaft and partly breaks down its natural pigment, melanin. Regular hair dye adds colour, while lightener removes it. That is why dark hair cannot be turned light blonde with dye alone — the hair has to be lightened first and then given the shade you want.

Lightening is used for different goals:

• all-over blonde — the whole head lifted to one light shade;
• highlights — only selected strands are lightened, your natural colour stays in between and the hair gains volume. Read more in our article on highlights;
• root lightening — when you are already blonde and the natural regrowth needs to match the rest of the hair.

How lightening is done at the salon

1. Consultation — the specialist checks your current colour, thickness and condition and asks whether the hair has been dyed or treated with henna before. Together you choose the target shade: cool, neutral or warm blonde.
2. Applying the lightener — the product is spread evenly. Hair near the scalp lightens faster because of body heat, so the specialist plans the order and timing around that.
3. Checking — the hair is checked regularly so it reaches the right level without being over-processed.
4. Rinsing and toning — lightened hair always keeps a warm, yellow or orange undertone. Toning neutralises it and gives a clean, beautiful blonde.
5. Care and styling — a mask or conditioner closes the cuticle, so the hair feels soft and shiny.

How many steps does dark hair need to go blonde?

This is the most common question, and the answer depends on where you start:

• natural light or medium hair that has never been dyed can often reach the blonde you want in one visit;
• going from naturally dark hair to light blonde sometimes takes two or more visits — that way the hair suffers less;
• hair previously dyed dark is the hardest case: artificial pigment is harder to lift than natural pigment, and the result can be uneven. So please tell us at the consultation what you coloured your hair with, and when.

A good specialist always puts hair health first: it is better to reach your blonde in two steps than to burn your hair in one day.

Why does blonde hair turn yellow?

Lightened hair always keeps some warm pigment. Over time the toner washes out, and sun, hard tap water and pool chlorine bring the yellow tones forward even more. To prevent it:

• use a purple shampoo made for blonde hair once or twice a week — it neutralises yellow tones;
• refresh your toner regularly — your specialist will tell you how often;
• protect your hair from the sun with a hat or a UV spray;
• rinse your hair with clean water straight after the pool.

How to care for lightened hair

• do not wash your hair for the first 2–3 days, so the toner can settle;
• use shampoo and conditioner for coloured or damaged hair, and a repairing mask once or twice a week;
• use a hair dryer, flat iron or curlers only with heat protection and on a low setting;
• never force a brush through wet hair — detangle gently, from the ends upwards;
• trim the ends regularly so the hair stays neat and does not split;
• roots are usually refreshed every 6–10 weeks, depending on how fast your hair grows.

For more tips on keeping colour fresh, read hair colouring: roots or full colour.

Who should not lighten their hair (yet)

If you have inflammation, wounds or strong irritation on your scalp, if your hair is very damaged and brittle, or if you have had an allergic reaction to hair colour before — tell us first. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before the treatment.

Why SANLE

• Nazi, our hair stylist: lightening, highlights, colouring, cuts and straightening. See her work in the gallery;
• a careful approach — first a consultation and a check of your hair, then the treatment;
• in central Tbilisi, 34 Kote Marjanishvili St, every day from 10:00 to 21:00;
• current offers — right now there is a discount on every treatment.

Book online or call +995 599 56 93 23.

Frequently asked questions