Q: Are there any products or new techniques that now make it possible for those with dark brown hair (let's say level 2) to go
a true dark blond (level 7) without going through a two-step process? Especially for touch-ups on the root area, is there no easier
way to lighten 4-5 levels from brown to blonde without bleaching first?
A: Currently, while there are advances in chemistry for hair color and bleaching, you still need to use pre-lightening to get pure
colors in high-lift color processes. In some cases, you can get 4-5 levels of lift by using high-volume peroxide developers (such as
50-volume developer), but these developers should only be used by trained professionals in a salon setting and monitored closely.
Without proper application, and even heating to process the lifting action, you can end up with uneven and splotchy results.
I will never advocate an individual attempting to use any developer above 30-volume in strength, and
I personally would urge caution before attempting to lift the hair more than three shades without professional assistance.
If you already go to a salon and your stylist prefers using a two-stage color process, there are
probably good reasons for doing so. It may be a matter of better controlling the processing, and there may be problems with your hair
that your stylist is keeping in consideration.
