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Strawberry Blonde Hair: The Ultimate Guide to Achieving This Gorgeous Shade

Achieve a beautiful strawberry blonde hair color at home with this detailed guide, including an optional strawberry infusion for added shine and a custom toner blend.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and quartered
  • 1 cup vodka (80 proof or higher)
  • 1 box (approximately 4 ounces) of your favorite blonde hair dye (choose a shade slightly lighter than your desired final color)
  • Developer (volume as specified on the hair dye box, typically 20 or 30 volume)
  • 1 tube (approximately 2 ounces) of a semi-permanent or demi-permanent hair color in a warm, golden blonde shade (e.g., honey blonde, golden apricot)
  • 1 tube (approximately 2 ounces) of a semi-permanent or demi-permanent hair color in a light, vibrant red or copper shade (e.g., light copper, strawberry red)
  • Developer (volume as specified on the toner box, typically 10 volume or a color-safe developer)
  • Old towel (that you don’t mind staining)
  • Gloves (several pairs, as you’ll be using dye and toner)
  • Hair clips (to section your hair)
  • Petroleum jelly (to protect your hairline)
  • Mixing bowls (non-metallic)
  • Applicator brushes (for dye and toner)
  • Timer
  • Old shirt (that you don’t mind staining)
  • Color-safe shampoo
  • Color-safe conditioner
  • Deep conditioning treatment
  • Leave-in conditioner
  • Heat protectant spray (if you use heat styling tools)

Instructions

  1. In a clean glass jar, combine the quartered strawberries and vodka. Gently crush the strawberries with a spoon or muddler to release their juices.
  2. Seal the jar tightly and store it in a cool, dark place for at least one week, or ideally two weeks.
  3. After the infusion period, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the strawberry solids. Discard the solids.
  4. Before applying the blonde base, you can apply the strawberry infusion to your hair. Saturate your hair from roots to ends with the infusion. Let it sit for 30-60 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with water. Do not shampoo.
  5. Strand Test: Perform a strand test with both the blonde base and the toner mixture on separate, hidden sections of your hair.
  6. Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly along your hairline, ears, and neck.
  7. Wear an old shirt and drape an old towel around your shoulders.
  8. Divide your hair into four sections: two in the front and two in the back. Secure each section with a hair clip.
  9. Lay down newspaper or an old towel on your work surface. Have all your supplies within easy reach.
  10. In a non-metallic mixing bowl, combine the blonde hair dye and developer according to the instructions on the dye box.
  11. Starting with the roots, apply the dye to each section of your hair, working from the back to the front.
  12. Once you’ve covered the roots, apply the remaining dye to the lengths of your hair.
  13. Set a timer for the recommended processing time on the dye box (typically 30-45 minutes).
  14. Rinse your hair thoroughly with cool water until the water runs clear.
  15. Shampoo your hair with a color-safe shampoo and follow with a color-safe conditioner.
  16. Gently towel-dry your hair. Wait until your hair is completely dry before applying the toner.
  17. In a non-metallic mixing bowl, combine the golden blonde semi-permanent/demi-permanent hair color and the light red/copper semi-permanent/demi-permanent hair color. Start with a ratio of approximately 2 parts golden blonde to 1 part red/copper. Adjust based on desired intensity.
  18. Add the developer to the toner mixture according to the instructions on the toner box.
  19. Perform another strand test with the toner mixture.
  20. Divide your hair into the same four sections as before.
  21. Starting with the roots, apply the toner to each section of your hair, working from the back to the front.
  22. Set a timer for the recommended processing time on the toner box (typically 20-30 minutes). Keep a close eye on your hair during processing.
  23. Rinse your hair thoroughly with cool water until the water runs clear.
  24. Apply a color-safe conditioner to your hair and leave it on for a few minutes.
  25. Rinse your hair thoroughly with cool water.
  26. Use color-safe shampoo and conditioner.
  27. Use a deep conditioning treatment regularly.
  28. Apply a leave-in conditioner.
  29. Use a heat protectant spray if you use heat styling tools.

Notes

  • Strand Tests are Crucial: Always perform strand tests before applying any dye or toner to your entire head.
  • Adjust Toner Ratio: Adjust the ratio of golden blonde to red/copper toner based on your desired intensity of the strawberry tones.
  • Monitor Toner Development: Keep a close eye on your hair during the toner processing time, as the toner can develop quickly.
  • Color-Safe Products: Use color-safe shampoo and conditioner to help maintain your hair color.
  • Strawberry Infusion: The strawberry infusion is optional but recommended for added shine and a subtle red undertone.
  • Developer Volumes: Use the developer volumes specified on the hair dye and toner boxes.
  • Safety First: Always wear gloves when handling hair dye and toner.