Blame it on inexperience (I'm a brunette, after all), but I always assumed a sunny location like L.A. was ideal for blonde hair. In my mind, the sun helps to lighten locks, so your dyed hair would stay brighter for longer. In reality, UV rays can dull and dry out blonde hair. It's not just UV rays either; saltwater and chlorine can also wreak havoc on natural or processed blondes.
With summer quickly approaching, I asked Emma Walsh, our beauty editor and resident L.A. blondie, how she keeps her hair so vibrant without shying away from the beach, pools, or sunshine. She put me on to Kérastase's Blond Absolu products. Here's why she trusts them.
It Keeps Blonde Hair Bright and Radiant
I'm familiar with purple shampoos for toning and brightening brassy blondes, but Emma tells me that purple formulas aren't the only solution. For natural, highlighted, or dyed blondes, she recommends the Blonde Absolu's Bain Lumiere Shampoo ($46), which combats yellow tones using brightening ingredients like vitamin E and C. It also contains hyaluronic acid to keep hair strong and soft.
It Hydrates and Strengthens Blonde Hair
"Bright hair is great, but not if you're sacrificing the health of your strands to get there," Emma says. She goes on to tell me that whenever someone says they're going blonde, she reminds them to prioritize hair health post-dye with a hydrating and strengthening conditioner like the Blond Absolu Cicaflash Conditioner ($50). "You want to help repair the hair shaft, hydrate your scalp, and add shine and hydration to help prevent frizz, split ends, and breakage."
It Shields Blonde Hair Against Common Aggressors
Contrary to my original belief, L.A. has all the conditions that are harsh on blonde hair. Emma says Kérastase's entire Blond Absolu line is your hair's best defense, protecting against UV rays, saltwater, chlorine, and humidity, all of which can damage color-treated strands. She especially loves the Blonde Guard Hydrating Wonder Shield Leave-In Spray ($50), which creates a shield against top aggressors and helps protect against heat damage.
