How to Go Brighter for Summer Without Damaging Your Hair

Summer is just around the corner, and there’s nothing quite like a fresh, bright hair color to match the sunny vibes. Whether you’re dreaming of sun-kissed highlights, a platinum blonde transformation, or a warm caramel balayage, going lighter for summer is a popular way to refresh your look. But if you’ve ever experienced dry, brittle, or damaged hair after a color session, you know that going brighter can be risky without the right approach. At Elan Hair in Nashville, we believe you should be able to achieve your dream summer color without sacrificing the health of your hair. That’s why we’re sharing our top tips for going brighter while keeping your locks strong, shiny, and beautiful.

Choose the Right Lightening Technique for Your Hair

Not all lightening techniques are created equal, and the method you choose can make a big difference in the health of your hair. If you’re looking for a subtle, sun-kissed look, balayage is a great option because it involves freehand painting of highlights, which means less bleach on your hair and a more natural, blended finish. For a more dramatic transformation, foils can provide a brighter, all-over effect while maintaining control over the lightening process. And for those who want to go all-in with a bold blonde, a full bleach-and-tone may be the best option—but this should always be done by a professional to minimize damage. At Elan Hair, our experienced stylists can help you choose the best technique for your hair type, desired look, and color history, ensuring you achieve the brightness you want without unnecessary stress on your strands.

Start with a Hair Health Check

Before you lighten your hair, it’s important to assess its current condition. If your hair is already dry, brittle, or showing signs of damage, bleaching can make these issues worse. That’s why we always recommend a thorough consultation at Elan Hair before any major color change. Our stylists will assess your hair’s porosity, elasticity, and overall health, and recommend any necessary strengthening treatments to prepare it for lightening. In some cases, we may suggest a bond-building treatment like K18 or Olaplex, which can be used during the lightening process to protect the hair’s structure and reduce damage. Remember, strong, healthy hair will always respond better to color, so starting with a solid foundation is key.

Don’t Skip the Bond Builder

Speaking of bond-building treatments, they are an absolute must for anyone going brighter. Bleach works by breaking down the natural pigment in your hair, but it can also weaken the hair’s internal structure if not properly managed. Bond builders like Olaplex, K18, and Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate are designed to repair and protect these bonds during the lightening process, reducing breakage and keeping your hair feeling soft and strong. At Elan Hair, we offer in-salon bond-building treatments that can be added to your lightening service for maximum protection, as well as take-home options to maintain your hair’s strength between appointments.

Go Gradual If Possible

If you’re dreaming of going from brunette to platinum in one session, we’re here to give you a little reality check—it’s better to go slow and steady. While it may be possible to achieve your dream blonde in one sitting, this often requires multiple rounds of bleaching, which can be extremely harsh on your hair. Instead, we recommend a gradual approach, lightening your hair over a few sessions to minimize damage and maintain hair health. This also allows us to keep a close eye on the condition of your hair and make any necessary adjustments to protect it along the way. Your stylist at Elan Hair can help you create a customized lightening plan that ensures you achieve your desired brightness without compromising your hair’s integrity.

Hydration Is Everything

Going brighter can leave your hair feeling dry, especially if you’re starting with darker hair that requires more processing. To counteract this, hydration should be a top priority in your hair care routine. Start by using a sulfate-free, moisturizing shampoo and conditioner designed for color-treated hair, like Kérastase Blond Absolu or Oribe Gold Lust. Incorporate a deep conditioning treatment once a week to replenish lost moisture and maintain softness. At Elan Hair, we also offer in-salon hydration treatments that provide intense moisture and shine, giving your bright hair the healthy glow it deserves.

Protect Your Color (and Your Hair) from Heat

When your hair is freshly lightened, it’s more vulnerable to damage from heat styling. To keep your hair healthy and your color looking fresh, always use a heat protectant before blow-drying, curling, or straightening. We recommend a lightweight, multi-benefit product like Kérastase Nectar Thermique or Oribe Invisible Defense Universal Protection Spray. It’s also a good idea to lower the heat setting on your styling tools—high heat can cause your bright hair to become dry and brittle faster. And remember, even the sun can be a heat source that fades your color and dries out your hair. If you’re spending time outdoors, consider wearing a hat or using a UV-protectant spray to shield your strands from sun damage.

Invest in a Toning Treatment

Blonde and lightened hair is prone to developing unwanted yellow, brassy, or orange tones over time, especially if you’re exposed to sun, hard water, or chlorine. A professional toning treatment is the best way to maintain your desired shade and keep your hair looking fresh. At Elan Hair, we offer custom toning services that neutralize brassiness and enhance the brightness of your color. We also carry purple shampoos and blue conditioners, like Kérastase Blond Absolu or Oribe Bright Blonde, which you can use at home to maintain your cool, vibrant tone between appointments.

Schedule Regular Trims

Even with the best care, lightened hair is more prone to split ends, especially at the tips. To keep your bright hair looking healthy and full, we recommend scheduling regular trims every 6–8 weeks. This helps prevent split ends from traveling up the hair shaft and keeps your hair looking fresh and polished. Your stylist at Elan Hair can help you maintain your length while getting rid of any damage, so your bright summer look stays stunning all season long.

Let Elan Hair Help You Go Brighter, the Healthy Way

If you’re ready to brighten up your look for summer without damaging your hair, you don’t have to do it alone. At Elan Hair, our expert stylists are here to guide you every step of the way, from choosing the perfect lightening technique to maintaining your new look with customized treatments and products. Whether you’re dreaming of soft sun-kissed highlights, a bold platinum blonde, or a warm caramel balayage, we’ll help you achieve it without sacrificing the health of your hair. Book your appointment today through our online booking system or give us a call at 615.269.0222 to start your journey to brighter, healthier hair.