Achieving the perfect platinum blonde requires the right tools, and for years, Schwarzkopf BlondMe has been a go-to for many. But the quest for better results and healthier hair is ongoing. This review dives headfirst into a bleach showdown, pitting Wella Blondor against the established Schwarzkopf BlondMe. We'll explore their performance in a real-world application, focusing on a crucial aspect often overlooked: swelling. Excessive swelling can lead to banding, breakage, and uneven lift—issues this comparative review aims to address.This unbiased comparison follows a professional stylist as they perform a scalp bleach application on a client with existing banding, meticulously documenting the process and results. We'll examine the application techniques, the lifting power of each bleach, and most importantly, the condition of the hair after lightening. The review culminates in a final assessment, determining which bleach reigns supreme for achieving stunning platinum blonde results while maintaining hair health and minimizing damage. Discover which product delivers superior lift, less swelling, and a healthier, more vibrant final look.
Pros And Cons
- Cool base, providing some toning power during lifting
- Swells significantly
- Causes banding and breakage
- Weakens the bleach
- Lifts beautifully
- Leaves hair in incredible condition
- Minimal swelling
- No breakage
- Even lift
- May not have the same cool base toning power as Blonde me (Schwarzkopf)
- Mild swelling observed, though significantly less than Schwarzkopf
Read more: Bleaching My Hair Using Clairol KaleidoColors: A Personal Journey
Product Introduction and Comparison
For years, I've relied on Schwarzkopf BlondMe for all my bleach root touch-ups. It's a product I know and trust. However, I'm always looking for ways to improve my technique and results. Today, I'm switching things up and trying Wella Blondor, a brand known for its high-quality lightening capabilities. This unbiased review will compare the two products and help determine which one reigns supreme for achieving that perfect platinum blonde.
The main difference I'm focusing on is swelling. Schwarzkopf BlondMe has a reputation for significant swelling, which can lead to banding and breakage. Wella Blondor, however, is claimed to cause less swelling, promising more even lifting and better hair health. My aim is to test this claim in a real-world application on a client.
Application and Process
I'm performing a scalp bleach application on a client with approximately four to five weeks of regrowth and some existing banding. I meticulously follow the mixing instructions for Wella Blondor, using 20 volume developer. This is crucial because I haven't used this product before, and I want to ensure accurate results.
I begin with the front hairline, carefully applying the bleach. Zach Mesquite, a highly respected blonde specialist, is my guide, and his techniques influence my application approach. Following his advice, I apply the bleach to the front hairline first, then progress to the back. My goal is to achieve a consistent lift across the hair while avoiding breakage.
Addressing the banding, I use some previously mixed bleach (that has lost some of its power) to carefully lift the already-lightened sections and blend them seamlessly with the new growth.
Results and Observations
The front sections processed beautifully, exhibiting a gorgeous lift. However, to prevent breakage, I rinsed the bleach slightly earlier than usual. I focused on prioritizing perfect results in the most visible areas (front), addressing the back areas later. Even with the early rinse, the lift is impressive.
There's minimal swelling with Wella Blondor – a huge difference from Schwarzkopf BlondMe. The banding is significantly reduced or completely gone. The overall condition of the hair is excellent, with little breakage.
Toning and Final Look
After the lightening process, the client requested a soft, pastel lavender tone. I used Schwarzkopf T10 Lilac and T11 Ice with 7 volume developer and a touch of 20 volume for extra vibrancy. This resulted in a beautiful ethereal lavender ombre into a soft platinum. The overall final look is very appealing.
The color is subtle and elegant. The client is very happy with the results, and even the cat Rebel seems to approve!
Conclusion and Recommendation
Based on this first trial, Wella Blondor significantly impressed me. The lift was beautiful, the hair condition excellent, and the banding issue virtually eliminated. The minimal swelling is a major advantage over Schwarzkopf BlondMe.
While Schwarzkopf BlondMe offers a cool-toned lift, Wella Blondor's clear base allows for better processing visibility. Considering the exceptional results and the significantly less swelling, I'm officially switching to Wella Blondor for my scalp bleach root touch-ups. Overall, this lightener lives up to the hype – it's effective, gentle, and produces stunning results.
