Why I spent 20 hours at the hairdresser to dye my hair blonde

From black to blonde: What you need to know about the process and care.

I would probably have been the last person to believe I'd ever go blonde again. After initially dyeing my natural blonde chestnut brown – admittedly after a minor dye mishap – I wore a dark brown shade for seven years, which ultimately was almost black. I didn't dye it at a salon, but rather on my own – using drugstore products. I liked the result for a long time. And yet, at some point, everyone with dyed hair that dark probably asks themselves: How do you ever get back to your natural color? And does my current shade really bring out the best in my features – my skin, eyes, and facial features?

I was all the more excited when John Frieda invited me to an exclusive color consultation and coloring session in Berlin. After sending John Frieda ambassador and color expert Thommy Momsen pictures of my current hair condition and the date of my last coloring, the crucial question immediately arose: Would you be ready to go back to blonde? And lo and behold – after a total of 20 hours , spread over three intensive salon visits of four to eight hours each, I'm closer to my original shade than I've been in years. Read about my experiences on the journey from black back to blonde – and what tips the pro offers – here.

VOGUE: How does a professional color analysis begin for you?

Thommy Momsen: The overall impression of the person is definitely the first thing I pay attention to. Body language, makeup, demeanor, hairstyle, clothing—the overall picture. Once the person is sitting in a chair, their hair is back from their face, and a neutral cape is on, the detailed analysis begins.

How important is color theory in your work as a colorist?

Color theory is the foundation of my profession—but experience is even more important. I'm a fan of comparing and experimenting. While there are color charts for shades and colors, you can never simply say, "I want that!"—because every hair type has a different starting point.

Is there a well-known example that particularly shows how important the right tone is?

Indeed: the Biebers—whether Justin or Hailey . Unfortunately, platinum blonde doesn't suit either of them at all! I even have a story highlight about that. They're both warm-toned autumn types and radiate much more with a warmer blonde.

The way back to blonde – step by step

How did you go about changing my color? What products did you use, and why was double bleaching necessary?

In your case, we were dealing with box color—drugstore dye that's very stubborn in your hair. The goal was to get the old color out as best as possible. It's like Russian roulette—you never know exactly what the outcome will be. Usually, the hair tends to warm up. With yours, I immediately noticed how much more vibrant your eyes would be with a warmer tone. The first thing I noticed was your hair—and then you. That's exactly what I wanted to reverse. The double bleaching was necessary because the base wasn't natural hair color . After the color strip, I opened the cuticle with Coublon. During the bleaching process, I continuously cared for my hair—with the "Blonde+ Repair" shampoo and conditioner—and then applied the "Frizz Ease" heat protectant.

To prevent my roots from growing out with such harsh edges in the future, I opted for highlights and a few lowlights during my last treatment. Of course, you have to keep in mind: Anything that's a tint, anything that isn't a permanent color, will wash out over time. I always recommend "Salon Blonde" products. In this case, definitely the champagne shade, so we always have a beautiful undertone with cool and warm nuances—a play of colors. For the near future, I suggest gradually adding more lowlights to gradually make the tone appear more natural—this is especially important as we approach fall. In summer, it's fine to have a bit of "shine bright like a diamond," but as fall and winter approach, you usually want a more natural tone.

Why exactly this shade of blonde?

Because the hair was pre-colored and not completely natural, you can't say exactly during the coloring process: "This will be exactly this shade of blonde." In the end, it will always remain a warmer tone – because what we don't want is for you to lose all the cool pigments after five washes, resulting in an inconsistent result. Therefore, it's better to choose a neutral to warm tone from the start.

We started the transformation in January of this year – six months and three appointments (a total of 20 hours) later, in July, I finally achieved my final result. How long should I generally allow between bleaching sessions if I want to go from dark or black hair to blonde?

I always recommend doing a test strand beforehand. In your case, we had to allow longer intervals because you regularly dyed your hair with black drugstore dye. Another client managed it within two months, as she had only been coming to me for darker tones for two years. In general, I recommend closely monitoring the condition of wet hair. As soon as you notice it breaking or feeling rubbery, you should definitely stop dyeing.

For whom is such a drastic color change suitable – and when would you advise against it?

Anyone who thinks about a color change more than five times a day should definitely give it a try. I always recommend experimenting with wigs or doing test strands beforehand to see what's possible. The financial aspect is also important: such a color correction usually starts at around 600 euros.

Care after bleaching – this is what the professional recommends

What do you recommend for after-care after coloring – especially for bleached hair?

As I mentioned, I love the "Blonde+ Repair" series. New to the range is "Blonde Silk Water." Whileconditioners tend to contain larger molecules that work on the hair's surface, "Silk Water" penetrates deep into the hair and repairs microscopic damage—exactly where a conventional conditioner can't reach. Imagine a sponge: When you apply conditioner, it coats the surface. But when you pour water over it, it penetrates deep inside. "Silk Water" works the same way—enhancing the vibrancy and protecting the color so it stays radiant. I also recommend replacing your pillowcases with silk, as this is gentler on your hair while you sleep. It's also important to remove any jewelry before going to bed—especially necklaces, which can rub against the back of your neck and break or "shorten" your hair.

John Frieda Blonde+ Gold Spun Silk Illuminating Water

What I noticed especially during the in-between phases: Due to frequent hair washing and a vacation at the seaside, I occasionally struggled with unsightly red and yellow tones. What would you recommend to better bridge these phases—which are simply part of the process?

In moments like these, I always recommend "Salon Blonde" by John Frieda. These products can be described as "caring color enhancers"—they're designed to help maintain the look and quality of your salon blonde at home , even until your next hairdresser visit. They combine a light tint with intensive conditioning. Hair that bleached so heavily will always lose its pigment, and these products will help restore it, helping to maintain the tone. Protecting your hair is especially important on vacation. In addition to rich conditioning products (e.g., "Salon Blonde" or the "Frizz Ease Miracle Repair Treatment"), I recommend always wetting your hair before entering the water—this way, it absorbs tap water instead of salt water.

Note from the fashion editor: An elegant silk scarf tied around the head and knotted at the nape of the neck is not only an accessory trend for spring/summer 2025 (and really always!), but for me it was the best solution to bridge these "in-between times" – and it even protects bleached hair!

My conclusion

Would I have thought the process from black to blonde would take six months? Of course not. At the same time, I know that anything else, given my initial situation of jet-black dyed hair (for years), would have been extremely damaging to my already relatively fine hair. For anyone considering a radical change like mine, I can only advise: Even if you're a rather impatient person, please listen to your color experts. There are good reasons why the next bleaching isn't simply scheduled for a week later. When it comes to care, dyed blonde hair is very demanding. My routine has evolved from super-low maintenance with one or two washes andconditioners per week to a multi-step care routine – that takes time and some getting used to.

But: It's worth it! I'm overjoyed that I plunged into this process at the beginning of the year. Thanks to Thommy Momsen's patience and his attentive eye for my challenging hair, I've now achieved my desired shade: a champagne blonde, combined with a sleek bob cut. And it's true: My eyes shine brighter, my complexion appears more harmonious—the lighter shade simply suits me better. So, if you have the necessary resources and have been considering taking such an extreme step for a while, do it—and above all, enjoy everything that a change of style entails.

Two months later: How is this all coming together now?

Almost two months after my final blonde hair appointment, I'm still convinced that I've dedicated so much time and attention to this process over the past six months. So far, I've only had one trim and haven't touched up my hair yet. The fact that Momsen used highlights at my last appointment is now paying off: Instead of harsh roots, the blonde is growing out effortlessly —a bit nonchalantly, like the Olsen twins' blonde shades.

What remains is the high level of maintenance required. Moisture is and remains the key: In addition to intensive hair treatments and regular color enhancements—such as with John Frieda Salon Blonde—I regularly use a nourishing hair oil, especially after tightly slicked-back styles, which are among my favorites. Consistently trimming my ends also proves indispensable for keeping the completely normal breakage after a strong bleaching process at bay.

And now? Perhaps it's time for the next change: deliberately letting the natural shade grow out or even dyeing it back – one of the biggest hair trends right now. Or continue to enjoy the allure of light blonde? The decision is still open.

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