Seasonal Hair Transition Series: How to Winterize Your Blonde Without Going Dark
Hey, it's Meg Ann Lee. There's a common belief that blondes have to go darker in the fall and winter-but that's not true. If you love being blonde, you don't have to give it up when the seasons change.
If you caught the first blog post in this seasonal hair transition series, you saw me taking a client's ombre to the dark side! But, going dark isn't for everyone. The secret isn't in going brunette, it's in adjusting the tonality of your blonde so it feels seasonally fresh, healthy, and polished. If this feels like something you are going through right now, this seasonal hair transition series is for YOU!
Why Seasonal Blonde Adjustments Matter
Bright, golden blondes look amazing in the summer sun, but as the light changes and cooler weather sets in, those same tones can sometimes feel brassy, harsh, or flat. Instead of abandoning blonde altogether, small tonal shifts-like neutralizing gold tones, adding lowlights, or blending a shadow root-can create depth and shine while still keeping your look light.
The goal isn't always "darker." The goal is "dimensional."
Communication Is Key: How to Talk Blonde With Your Stylist
The biggest barrier to getting the right seasonal blonde isn't the color -it's the consultation. Too often, clients and stylists end up talking in circles with vague phrases like "brighter" "softer" or "a little darker." Here's how to skip the confusion and get on the same page:
- Use Reference Pictures: Visuals speak louder than adjectives. Show your stylist 2-3 photos of tones you like and even one you don't like. That way, there's no guesswork.
- Be Specific With Words: Instead of saying "not too brassy," try "I want a blended beige blonde with less gold." Words like beige, ash, pearl, champagne, golden, honey are descriptive and useful. Don't use "non color" words to describe colors like soft, bright, harsh, dimensional. These can describe a look BUT it can be misunderstood easily.
- Talk About Your End Goal: Are you trying to blend and grow-out? Add shine? Create depth? Telling your stylist why you want a change helps them build the right plan for you.
- Set Maintenance Expectations: If you don't want to come in every month, say so. A gloss or subtle lowlight might be better than a full foil refresh.
Blonde Facts for Every Season
- Blonde doesn't have to equal high-maintenance. With the right tonality, it can be as easy as brunette upkeep ( the secret phrase is "LIVED IN")
- The sun, heat tools, and even water minerals can alter your blonde faster than you think.
- A consultation with clear language and pictures will save both you and your stylist frustration-and protect the health of your hair.
Winterizing your blonde doesn't always mean going dark. With a solid consultation, the right tones and color placement, you can keep your blonde fresh and modern all year long! <3