Hi.. This is my hair, It's descirbed as Dark Blonde. As a Kid, i was very bright Blonde.

Now obviously, Blondism is a recessive trait, and in many Individuals, darkens as they grow up. I feel im in the phase where it is entering the light brown sphere. Yet, people always tell me still i Look Swedish(That might be due to my phenotype being Skando-Nordid[Predominant subracial-type in Sweden and Norway], that's anthropology though). I still get told im Blonde, Albeit, they must mean dark Blonde. I find this stage, if not being distinctly anything, quite dull and the hair can look lifeless. Please note, i do have products in both pics.

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What I want to know is, what ways are their to lighten my hair without bleaching it? And I don't want any orange tones, I want it shades lighter. I have used the Shampoos by John Frieda and Sunsilk, for Blondes. But they aren't upto much! What would you recommend for my hair?  What techniques, maybe natural technique's, could i use to lighten my hair. Obviously im not looking for my hair to be bright like when i was a child, that would make it pointless. I don't want it to be massively noticeable that it's lighter, but certainly lighter. Distancing myself from light brown

Please show me desireable colours for my hair to go without looking too obvious that it's not real. I've been looking, but find it impossible to work out.

the pic of me below, is when i used Fudge Blonding(peroxide) creme, rubbed it into my hair, and used a hairdryer, this was the result..

What do you think of that colour? Suit? Please note, My facial hair colour is bright blonde. Which gives me some leaneancy in going lighter.

This is me sunkissed.

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andrea26 wrote: I think it looks good! But if you want to go lighter Sun In can help that way you don't have to harshly dye. My hair is naturally dark blonde and I lighten it using Sun In I will try and post a pic later. Good luck!

Thanks for the reply Andrea  Well, I have heard Sun In can be problematic, ie. Orange tones. When I used that Fudge Blonding creme(mild peroxide based), it did give me a slight orangeness, like Strawberry Blonde. I have heard great things about John frieda Sun Streaks, I realise it's not produced anymore, but Ebayers still sell it regularly, so it is obtainable if you want it. Any experiences with that?

I wouldn't mind the surfer sun kissed, maybe "Aussie Beach" look. It sounds as though John Frieda Sun Streaks is ideal for that.

Pics would be good, before and after would be great

KellyH wrote: If you want to go lighter blonde, don't use the OTC's....most of them are too warm. Use something professional (from a beauty supply). Look for something with blue/violet. Check out Claude's sticky in this forum for using the color wheel.

OTC's?

Do Blue/Violet shampoos really have an effect? Noticeable enough for thyself?

Happy1 wrote: I like the Fudge Bonding color.  It does not look like there is any orange it in from the way it looks on my computer screen.  Actually, the sun kissed looks more orange.  I used Sun In a long time ago and it made by hair color orange.  I think it depends on the color hair you start with.  Mine natural color is 7A.  A medium color blonde.

Thanks  Well... It did look abit orange, when i washed it also, But, what made me realise it hadn't gone quite the colour i wanted, was when i was in the fish and chippy, some middle aged men overheard my conversation with a hairdresser friend, and told me my hair colours was strawberry blonde..   

So, im willing to try Sun streaks, and then maybe with the Blue/Purple violet shamps that has been advised.

northstar wrote: Sounds like you and me have the same issue! I was very blonde, started going mousey around the age of 20. Now I'm just bla brown. The weird thing is, the darker hair doesnt suit me or my skin color. It makes me look pale and washed out I have a thread going here about my recent salon experience and how I would up strawberry colored .Yuck! I love the photo your hair when you used the Fudge Blonding. It looks natural to me!

Thanks  Maybe i will give it another go

Yes, it's an awkward situation, going into the dullard stages.

My mother and father both were blonde like me as children/teens, then once they were in their 20's(im 20), they began to darken to various brown tones.

If all else fails, atleast i'll have my blonde facial hair growth to hold onto

Gota wrote: KellyH wrote: If you want to go lighter blonde, don't use the OTC's....most of them are too warm. Use something professional (from a beauty supply). Look for something with blue/violet. Check out Claude's sticky in this forum for using the color wheel. OTC's? Do Blue/Violet shampoos really have an effect? Noticeable enough for thyself?

I never really got desired results from purple or blue/violet shampoos.

KellyH wrote: Gota wrote: KellyH wrote: If you want to go lighter blonde, don't use the OTC's....most of them are too warm. Use something professional (from a beauty supply). Look for something with blue/violet. Check out Claude's sticky in this forum for using the color wheel. OTC's? Do Blue/Violet shampoos really have an effect? Noticeable enough for thyself? I'm sorry.....Over The Counters.....like at drug stores. I never really got desired results from purple or blue/violet shampoos.

Yes, I guess there's an element of risk in choosing what product to use. But i wouldn't want to take unnecessary risks.

I have only heard good things about JF Sun streaks, so when i get my hands on that, i will use it

I will use the purple/violet/blue shampoos in conjunction with any other product. If reaction between them is undesireable, then i will have learnt my lesson