Summers hit, and you're thinking about going blonde - exciting. Blonde can be soft and sunlit, cool and creamy, warm and dimensional, or full "new era unlocked." But if you live in the Franklin/Pukekohe area, there are a few curveballs your hair likes to throw that the internet never mentions.
That's why blonding at Common Thread isn't guesswork. It's a strategy, science, and a whole lot of personalised care. We want your blonde to look chic, effortless, and healthy - not stressed, brassy, or compromised.
Here's everything you need to know before you lighten your hair.
What We Do First: Your Pre-Colour Consultation (The Most Important Step You Will Take)
Before any new blonding session, we book you in for a Colour Consultation before your colour day.
Think of it like a skincare consultation before a facial: essential.
In your consultation, we will:
- Perform a strand test to see how your hair lifts
- Check for mineral and other buildup (bore water, copper pipes, and chlorine, product, and past colour)
- Decide whether you need a mineral detox before blonding
- Review your full hair history (yes, everything counts)
- Talk lifestyle: what you can realistically maintain
- Plan your blonding pathway based on safety, health, and your desired look
This step prevents surprises like:
- Green or blue tones
- Bright yellow bands
- Uneven, patchy lifting
- Or the worst-case: a heat reaction, where the hair warms and risks breakage
A consultation isn't an "extra."
It's why our blondes lift clean, even, and beautifully predictable.
Your Hair History: The Truth Sets Your Blonde Free
We love honesty here.
We do not love surprises mid-lift.
Every tint, toner, box dye, supermarket purple shampoo experiment, at-home colour, old brunette phase, copper moment, and impulse semi from the 2020 lockdowns, it all resurfaces when you go blonde.
We don't judge.
We need the truth so we can protect your hair and get you the blonde you're dreaming of.
Nanoplasty: The Hidden Plot Twist We Must Know About
If you've had a Nanoplasty or any smoothing treatment within the past 6–12 months, please let us know. Nanoplasty is fabulous for smoothing… but she behaves very differently when bleach enters the chat.
Why this matters:
- Nanoplasty can change how your hair reacts to lightener
- The hair may lift patchy or warmer
- Tones may grab unpredictably
- It can mask underlying damage until the lightener goes on
In rare cases, Nanoplasty + bleach can trigger a chemical reaction
What we do differently:
- Extra strand tests
- Slower, safer lifting
- Adjusted formulas
- Bespoke treatment plans to protect your hair
Nanoplasty isn't a deal-breaker — but it is a significant factor in how we blond you safely.
The Blonde You Want vs. The Blonde Your Hair Can Safely Achieve
Blonde is not one shade.
It's an entire spectrum - from soft golden foils to creamy dimensional blends to bright, clean Scandinavian blonde.
Your perfect blonde depends on:
- Your natural depth
- Your hair's strength
- Your texture
- Your past colour
- Your water at home
- AND your ability to maintain it
Our blondes are designed around three things:
- The shades and tones that genuinely flatter you
- What your hair can safely achieve without compromising its integrity
- How your hair fits into your lifestyle - and the level of maintenance you can realistically commit to
Chic blonde should elevate your life - not overwhelm it.
Time + Investment: Let's Be Honest About the Process
Blonding well is absolutely worth it - but it's not quick, and it's not one-size-fits-all.
Depending on your starting point, blonding may require:
- 2–4+ hours per session
- Multiple appointments for major transformations
- A realistic investment that reflects skill, premium products, and safeguards your hair
Blonde done properly looks expensive.
Blonde done fast looks… regrettable.
Prep Work: Great Blonde Starts Before You Arrive
Healthy blonde begins before the appointment.
In the weeks leading up to your blonding session, we recommend:
- Lakmē K.20 Hyaluronic Wearable Treatment weekly — moisture + bond building internal repair
- Reducing heat styling
- Colour-safe shampoo only
- Avoiding heavy oils immediately before blonding
The healthier your hair, the more uncomplicated and cleaner it lifts.
Prep matters.
Blonde Maintenance: The Love Story Continues
Blonde is beautiful, but she's also high-taste and slightly demanding - in the best possible way.
Your maintenance rhythm should include:
- Gloss every 6–8 weeks
- Cut every 8–12 weeks
- Lakmē K.20 weekly for moisture, strength + bond support
- Heat protection every single time
- Pigmented shampoos or conditioner (hello purple shampoo - used strategically, not daily)
- Colour-safe cleansing
This is how we keep your blonde looking luxe, not flat or faded.
Why Brass Happens (And Why Franklin Loves To Join In)
Let's talk about the brass band no one invites:
- Sun
- Heat styling
- Minerals (bore water strikes again)
- Copper pipes
- Chlorine
- Product buildup
- Time
All of these push blonde warmer.
But with smart maintenance, mineral management, glossing, UV protection, and the proper home care, brass becomes manageable.
Your Lifestyle Dictates Your Blonde (Yes, Really)
Your blonde should fit your life — your schedule, your styling habits, your level of commitment.
If you're a low-maintenance girl?
We design soft, lived-in dimension that grows out beautifully without demanding constant attention.
If you love being bright, crisp, and consistently polished?
We map out a routine with regular visits that keep your blonde intentional - including options like our custom memberships for those who prefer their blonde on repeat, without the admin.
Blonde is at its best when it fits your life, not the other way around.
Ready to Start Your Blonde Era?
Let's do blonde the right way — strategic, healthy, luxe, and tailored to you, your lifestyle, and your Franklin realities.
Book your Colour Consultation at Common Thread and begin the blonde you've been dreaming of.
