Blonde guide · San Antonio

Going blonde: what to expect

Honest answers from Karina, a San Antonio blonde specialist of 24 years.

How many sessions it takes to go from dark to light, how to prep your hair, and how to keep your blonde fresh between visits.

Karina Zujey, San Antonio hair colorist, smiling in a leopard print dress in her salon
24 yrs
in hair
Dark to light

Can I get there in one session?

Depending on your starting level, sometimes. Most of the time it takes 2 or 3 sessions. Depending on how healthy your hair is, they can be back to back or a few weeks apart.

Free 15-minute consult

Karina looks at your starting level, your hair's health and its history, and tells you honestly how many sessions to plan for.

Lightening, protected

Her lightener has a bond builder built in to help protect your hair while it lifts.

Box dye changes things

Box dye goes into color correction territory and will set you back on reaching your goal. It's possible, but it varies person to person, so mention it at your consult.

Book the free consult
Before and after

Prep and maintenance

Before your appointment

Prep your hair with treatments and bond-building treatments before any heavy lightening appointment.

At home

A hydrating or bond-building shampoo, a toning shampoo and heat protection. Karina sells a variety of products in the shop and can recommend the right ones for you.

Between visits

Most refreshes land between 6 and 8 weeks, depending on your hair and color. A toner with blowout ($120) in between keeps it from going brassy.

Google reviews · 4.8 stars

Dark-to-blonde reviews.

Read her reviews on Google
★★★★★
“She never hesitates to explain the balance between my goals and where my hair is now.”
Vanessa M. · Google review
★★★★★
“She has slayed every balayage/haircut I've had and helped me transition back into my natural dark brown hair.”
Vanessa R. · Google review
★★★★★
“I've had blonde highlights for years and she's given me the best advice on conditioning, too!”
Victoria R. · Google review
★★★★★
“She has been doing my hair for 15 years now… my hair is very dark thick and coarse. She keeps it healthy.”
Aracely G. · Google review
Good to know

Blonde questions.

Can I go from dark to blonde in one session?

Depending on your starting level, sometimes. Most of the time it takes 2 or 3 sessions. Depending on how healthy your hair is, they can be back to back or a few weeks apart.

Will lightening damage my hair?

Karina's lightener has a bond builder built in to help protect your hair while it lifts, and she works at the pace your hair can handle.

How should I prep for a lightening appointment?

Prep your hair with treatments and bond-building treatments before any heavy lightening appointment. Karina can recommend what to use.

I have box dye. Can I still go blonde?

Box dye goes into color correction territory and will set you back on reaching your goal. It's possible, but it varies person to person, so tell Karina about any box dye at your free consultation.

How often will I need a refresh?

It depends on your hair and your color. Most refreshes land somewhere between 6 and 8 weeks, and Karina will suggest the right timing for you.

How do I keep my blonde from going brassy?

Use a toning shampoo at home, and book a toner with blowout ($120) between appointments to keep the tone where you like it.

What should I use at home?

A hydrating or bond-building shampoo, a toning shampoo and heat protection. Karina sells a variety of hair products in the shop and can recommend the right ones for your hair.

Where

1308 Austin Hwy, Suite 225

San Antonio, TX 78209, near Alamo Heights and Terrell Hills. Monday to Friday, 10 to 4.

Get directions