Do-it-yourself Hair Coloring
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Do-it-yourself Hair Coloring
Aug 2009
I am a 12-year old girl and I would like to get purple streaks in my hair. My
mother has
health concerns and I would like to know if any other mothers have done
research on the
safety of getting highlights/streaks and what they found out. Also, is there
a more natural or
safer kind of dye that would still be vibrant and if so, which beauty salons
use it? Thanks for
your help.
Anon
My advice would be to go to the Beauty Supply shop and ask them about
healthier products. You have to bleach your hair if it's dark and then
dye it, so you need to find out about two different products. One
thing I do know is that you want to stay away from products that have
ammonia in them. It's bad to breathe in. I dyed my daughter's hair
many times, many colors. She has graduated high school successfully
with all of her brain cells (as far as I know). If you do it in your
bathroom, line the floors and sink with newspaper so you don't dye the
room too and wear plastic gloves.
have fun peacock!
Try Manic Panic! Natural products from a great company based in NYC's
East Village. This is a well established company that made its name in
the glam rock days! (Ask your parents.) We bought their product at a
beauty supply store in San Leandro (in Washington Plaza), but I
believe Manic Panic products are very widely available. Check out
their website at manicpanic.com for more info.
Patricia
Hair extensions are an alternative to bleaching out and then dying
sections of hair. As a birthday present, we treated our daughter to
two extensions at $10/each, and they lasted about 7 weeks. Hers were
synthetic, and the salon mixed electric blue and purple in each one.
Have fun!
Maybe I'll get neon extensions too :-)
March 2009
I am really tired of my hair turning a brassy, copper color about
4 weeks after it is colored. I can only afford to get it colored
about every 8 weeks. My natural color is a darkish dishwater
brown and I get it dyed dark brown. My colorist says she never
puts any red in it, but it always turns into a reddish color over
a short period of time. She also says she puts an ashy color in
my hair to combat the problem. It looks wonderful for the first
week, but then it's down hill. Does anyone else have this
problem? and, most importantly, have you found a solution? I
would love to hear. Thanks.
Frustrated
Your stylist is probably using permanent haircolor on your hair which
lightens first and then deposit hair color resulting in fading. Some
hair color lines are more aggressive than others and will fade more.
I use Goldwell and all my clients notice that it lasts longer and
fades less. Another alternative is too use a demi permanent color
which only deposits pigment and therefore as it fades, it fades true
to tone, not brassy. Good luck!
bppenguin
Most brown hair color will do that if you wait 8 weeks between
coloring. The best advice is to stay out of the sun or wear a hat
every single time you go out. Sunshine is the quickest way to fade
your hair color, unfortunately.
formerly a Coppertop
Oh Frustrated, I totally feel your frustration!! I have been through
the nasty brassy brunette thing, too. I have done a few things that
have worked pretty well, but none 100 percent successful. But, like I
said, these options do help a bit, which is better than nothing. Here
are some suggestions.
1. If you're not covering gray or a lot of gray, you might consider
switching from a permanent to a semipermanent hair color. When I do
semipermanent colors, my hair doesn't go as brassy.
2. Don't wash it every day, if you can help it. Frequent washing
fades color fast.
3. I sometimes use a demipermanent (less permanent than a semi)
haircolor between colorings. Most beauty supply stores carry Clairol
Beautiful Browns hair color. These are have no ammonia or peroxide
and last for a few weeks. They have a medium and a dark ash brown.
You could use these or mix them in an empty dye bottle. The ash will
tone down the brassy red.
4. You can use a color-depositing shampoo and conditioner. Do NOT use
the John Frieda stuff. It dried my hair out horribly. I highly
recommend the L'Oreal Professional Colorist Collection, which is also
sold in beauty supply stores. They make a dark ash brown that works
pretty well. I use it a couple times a week and leave it in for 5 to
10 minutes.
5. I have used, when coloring my own hair, these packets of ''no
red'' stuff you add to your hair dye. They work okay. At the very
least they hold the brass off a little longer. you can get these at
the beauty supply, too, and bring them to your hairdresser, or just
ask her about them.
Lastly, I have used the L'Oreal and Clairol versions of tone refiners
and glazes (available in drugstores). I didn't find them to be
beneficial at all.
Good Luck!
Go to the Hennaforhair website and read all about it. I know it
sounds crazy, but it's amazing. Read the stories from folks who
switched from commercial hair dyes to henna or other plant dyes, and
henna mixed with other plant dyes, like Cassia, Indigo, Amla, etc,
depending on the effect you want. You can get any color you want,
with no red, no copper, brassy color at all if that's how you want
it. Dark brown is easy! I was so nervous the first time I tried it,
even after reading all about it, but now I would never go back!!!
Happy Hair
Haircoloring 101: Successful haircoloring is complex-which is why it
should never be done at home. For haircoloring to be successful,
three major components have to be considered: deposit, lift, and
underlying pigment. Deposit is how much of the artificial color is
deposited on and in the hair shaft. Lift is how much the developer
will lift the natural color while it is processing. Underlying
pigment is the color of the hair both before and after the color is
processed. 20 volume peroxide is used by most hair colorists for
depositng color, and is what is in the box at the drugstore. It will
lift the underlying pigment in the hair app. 1 level. Hair color is a
combination of the three primary colors, and when lifted, the first
color to leave the hair is blue. The darker the hair, the more blue
it contains, and the less apparent lightening there is. However, when
blue is lifted, red and yellow remain (orange.) Therefore, the
problem you mentioned is very common in brown hair- The peroxide in
the coloring mixture lifts one level of blue from the underlying
pigment, leaving a brassy orange hue.The haircoloring deposits color
and hides the underlying pigment. When the artificial color begins to
fade or wash out, the underlying pigment is exposed. Adding an ashy
shade to balance the colors only lasts until the color fades.
The answer to this is: ask your colorist to use a slightly lower
volume of developer. This will take some time and growth to correct,
as your existing hair is already lifted, but it should help.
Diana Simon
Simon Says...salon
Alameda
Nov 2008
Given current economic times, I am considering giving up my salon
visits for hair coloring, but I'm not quite ready to let it all go
gray. I would welcome any recommendations of brands to use at home
or tips of how to apply the color evenly when doing it myself.
Not Yet Ready to be Gray
I am irritated by roots. I also dislike looking at brassy red and
old fur coat looking hair on women. OK,so, waddaya gonna do?
I buy 'on sale' hair color and mix equal amounts in a plastic cup.
Store the part you don't use in it's origional package for next
time. (depending on how long your hair is, you can get up to 3 uses
from each package this way) Put your color on in tiny bits, with
your fingers and using a plastic comb, comb it out to the
ends...BUT, only put it on tiny bits here & there.
Do this every other week or so, and you will not show roots.
Vary where you put it and the colors you buy. It will look pretty
normal and a bit of gray will show. I think it is prettier if there
is some silver showing, just warm it up with some lighter and darker
colors because your natural hair color will cool down as you get
older and the warmer colors will be more flattering than 100%
natural.
Every once in a while, put a nice temporary color over everything to
blend it all together. Remember that even ''temporary'' color will
lift a bit of your natural color and it is very drying. VO5 or any
mens 'little dab'l do ya' type hair dressing is great for
moisturizing.
I have better results on my own than at a salon.
I too have reluctantly stopped getting professional highlights in
light of a new house and new mortgage. I have a ton of gray in
front and top, and have opted to use a semi-permanent purchased at
Beauty Center. The brand is Satin and I think the developer can
either be permanent or semi-permanent. The semi-permanent (or
demi-permanent) products tend to be gentler on the hair although
they do fade/wash out after about a month. My hair is quite dark,
so the fading is nice in that the gray regrowth is not as dramatic
when contrasted with the lighter brown as the weeks progress. I
wouldn't recommend doing any permanent or bleaching without more
professional consultation, although I have had friends manage with
some success. Good luck and email me with any questions.
Andrea
I am coloring at home using the same professional products, formula
and method as my stylist. She uses Goldwell Colorance. I asked for
the formula one time so that I could give it to someone else
(another stylist) when I was traveling. I looked online and, even
though the products were supposed to be for professional use, they
were readily available. I converted the milliliters to teaspoons and
bought a few things - gloves, bottles, coverup, etc and I am good to
go. It takes some work not to be messy and I don't really know how
to adjust it but it seems to be working pretty well. I feel better
using professional products and every 6-8 months go get it done once
professionally and look again at the formula.
Good luck.
Coloring at home
I too take a break from the high cost of salon coloring when times
are tight financially... now don't get me wrong, I have not gone
natural! Do not even know what my true color is any longer.... Here
is what I do.
Went to local beauty supply shop, Beauty Center on Mountain in
Montclair and spoke with the expert there. She recommended one of
the professional haircolor products. The worst part is they come
with NO directions... NONE!! So listen carefully and write down
what they tell you at Beauty Center. They recommended I get a
couple of colors and mix them together, you have to also buy the
solution that goes with the tubes of color. Get a haircolor brush
while you are there, they are cheap and make it much easier to apply
the color and part the hair.
Mix per instructions, apply to dry to hair... I mainly part a small
section and apply color with the brush to the roots. Part, apply,
part apply, it does not have to be perfect. Leave on the
recommended time and then comb the color through the rest of your
hair and wait another 5 minutes or so. Rinse, shampoo and see your
new do!! Have fun.
DIY hair color
I have been home hair coloring for about five years. You need to
work in a space that has good light and allow yourself about an hour
and a half from start to rinse. I like the Satin line at the Beauty
Center on Solano. Get a semi permanent color in a shade you like, no
ash or anything too gold. Get a color brush, gloves and developer.
Ask for help, the young women who work there are fairly
knowledgeable. If your hair is long, you will also need some clips
to section it. Mix your color as directed in a bowl with the the
brush. Start with a side part and paint your root growth with the
color, an inch or so up the hair shaft. Take the point end of the
brush and make a new part about a quarter of an inch parallel to the
first, lay the colored hair over, and paint the other side and the
opposite side with color. By repeating this method you will go
across the top of you head touching up the roots in parallel parts
from ear to ear. The back will require some finesse, or a mirror !
in which you can see the back of your head. Work the color the same
way from top to hairline, using the clips to keep the hair out of
the way if necessary. Once you have covered all the roots you can
work the remaining color out to the ends with your hands. BE SURE
watch the time from the start, leaving the color on too long will
lead to it being too dark, less time is better than too long. Once
you have mastered this technique, you might try using more that one
color, layering it in with foil. A few lighter strands through the
top will give the color more depth and is fairly easy if you do it
first, then work the base color in. Hope the detail is helpful.
happy home colorist
I've been using Clairol Natural Instincts (semi-permanent) for many
years. It's ammonia free and not smelly.
not ready for the gray either
May 2008
I am appalled by the amount of money and the time I am spending
at my inexpensive hairdresser having my gray roots touched up on
a regular basis. I am not ready to go gray yet (if ever) and do
not like the henna products or the wash-in color kits that
gradually renders my fine flyaway hair to a haystack.
I do use a hair color crayon between salon visits, but I am not
thrilled by the way it makes my hair look.
Recently I have discovered the roots touch-up kits they sell in
Walgreens for a few bucks. I have been very impressed with the
results and recently bought two kits and did a not-so-bad job of
touching up the roots of my crown and the back of my scalp.
My question is: I realize these kits do not replace the expertise
of my hairdresser, but is there any reason why I can't use these
every three weeks or so for a couple of months (or even three)
until I see my hairdresser?
How do other busy moms who like to look good justify the expense
and time of regular salon visits or is there something I don't
know about?
Prematurely gray and always vain
I just figure the price of my hairdresser into my budget.
I don't go out to eat a lot and don't buy expensive clothes
(thrift town, clothing exchanges, Mervyns, etc.) I get my
hair colored about every 2-3 months, and cut once inbetween.
I've never tried home coloring. My treat is to go to my hair
guy(who happens to be a dear friend) and have that special
few hours to myself with my bud. He cuts my hair in a way
(and colors) that my roots don't show immediately so I can
get away with it a tad longer.
anon
I've gone through the same thing and found the touch up pens
not to work well either. While its not sold as a root touch
up kit, I recommend the Italian brand Herbavita hair color to
cover the grey. It is ammonia-free unlike conventional
brands sold at drugstores. I have black hair so my grey
really stands out and this brand works so well. You can get
Herbavita at Whole Foods or other natural stores. It's more
expensive than the drugstore brands, but one box will last me
for two or three touch ups if I only mix what I need each
time. I brought the color chart to my stylist to have him
help me pick out the best color for my hair and that worked
really well. I was upfront with my stylist that while he
does a fantastic job, it was getting too costly and time
consuming to come every three weeks like I needed. He was
very understanding. Good luck!
Stacy
Feb 2007
In an effort to get a grip on our budget, I need to find a
sylist that charges less than my current one. I have short
hair that I cut/color every 5-6 weeks. I live in the Crocker
Highlands area and would prefer someone close by. I currently
pay $65(cut)...$75(color)...$35(color touch-up every other
time). Also, does anyone use home color products or are they
just too horrifying (mess/hassle/quality) to think of? Any
recommendations are greatly appreciated. Oh the joys of Bay
area cost of living....
looking to save
I'm responding to the part of the question regarding use of home
color products. I use Clairol Natural Instincts; it has no
ammonia and is not very smelly (in my opinion). After 5 years
I've got the routine down and it doesn't seem like a hassle. It
costs $7 - $9 per box and I only have to use half each time,
which for me is every 4 weeks. I only do it that often because
of my roots; the rest of the color is just fine at 4 weeks.
(Box says lasts thru 28 shampoos; I wash my hair every other
day, or 14 times in 4 weeks.)
After the first few times doing this, I learned to clear the
sink area while applying and to clean up any drips or spatters
right away. I also learned that there's much less of a mess
while rinsing out in the shower if I take my handheld shower and
rinse while crouching down, to reduce the amount of spattering
on the shower walls. I also learned to really rinse the walls
well; before learning that lesson the dye did discolor the walls
and I had to bleach them. Again, I've been doing this so long
now it doesn't seem like a hassle, and you sure can't beat the
price!
Guess I should add that I have very dark hair and don't do
highlights or anything complicated like that. My hair looks
pretty natural. Oh, and I eventually learned to mix two of the
Clairol colors to get the shade I like.
Hiding lots of gray
Oct 2006
I have been getting my hair professionally (expensively) cut
and highlighted for years and after my latest unsatisfactory
cut, I'm thinking about doing the whole thing at home.
I checked the archives but didn't see anything recent that
addressed my issue. I have fine dark blond/mousy brown hair.
I'm starting to grey, but it isn't a crisis yet and the
highlighting has covered it so far. I usually manage to go 3-4
months between appts., but I get rooty at about 2-3 months and
agonize over the expense before finally giving in because I
look so bad.
Can anyone recommend products that work well to get the more
subtle blond highlights (no flat all-over color)? Do the
supermarket brands work, or should I try something at a Beauty
Supply store?
If I wanted to go in a new direction and try a dark brunette
color, what products work well covering blond/light brown? Is
there any way to get a subtle, not all-one-color look with a
deep color like this?
Poor and Frustrated with My Hair
Whole Foods sells a wonderful product that I have just started using and I
LOVE it! I was in exactly the same boat as you and spent more than $100 every
other month on a cut and highlights. I am dark-blond and after I had my
children started to become pretty gray. I like the highlights, because they
make my haircolor look more natural and I don't like these coloring products
on my scalp. A friend of mine recommended the product at Whole Foods called
NaturColor - you can go to naturcolor.com to get more info. This is an herbal
product - check their website for details about it. The FAQ section has some
good information. It covers gray perfectly! I use it just on the roots and
don't let it change the color of the rest of my hair (much). It looks very
natural. In fact, it looks better than getting my highlights done at the hair
dresser's. It costs $15 per box and I can use it twice. This saves me so much
money!
JOJ
Aug 2006
I have been fighting my gray for almost 3 years now. Drug store
brands made my hair lifeless and fried so I had a few
consultations with salons and found goldwell is a good color
that salons like peter thomas use. I did a few in salon
appointments but my hair grown fast needing retouching every 2
weeks. I cant find appointment when I need it and its expensive
too . So I found a way to get the same color from a beauty
suppy store that orders it for me. I use the golwell topchic
color(D.Brown) and mix it 50% with developer. I have been happy
with my setup for last 4-5 months.but now for last 2 times i
have been getting scalp irritation and itching. In fact
yesterday I even felt little bumps on my skin. Help what should
I do?
hair dilemma
There are many reasons as to why your having problems with a ''licensed
professionals only'' product. No wonder. I am sad to hear that you are
having trouble with it, and since you are not a pro, you need to go see
one right away and get their help. It could easily be an allergic
reaction, or an application problem...either way that beauty supply
company should be smacked for having hooked you up with it in the first
place. a concerned licensed hairstylist
Be careful - my college-aged son did a goth-black hair dye job himself and
broke out in ugly itchy red whelts all along his hairline, which he ignored
until they became infected, at which point he had to visit the doctor
for
a course of antibiotics. That's some nasty stuff, that hair dye!
March 2006
I'm 40 and unhappily noticing an increasing amount of gray/white
pubic hairs. I've plucked quite a few out and it really hurts!
Has anyone had any experience dyeing their pubic hair?
anon
LOLOL!! I dye mine every time I dye my hair red. No prob! I also dye
my eyebrows while I'm at it, also no problem. But remember, stand sort
of with your legs open in a sort of squat so none of the dye gets onto
the sensitive mucous membranes inside.
AND LOCK THE DOOR to the bathroom, lordy if any my kids walked in on me
standing there like that.....
Liz
I'm 50 and looking at Rogaine AND Lady Clairol! Just kidding - I'm
leaving everything the way it is. I can't imagine how painful plucking
is! I was thinking though, that if you did dye it you wouldn't have to
worry about ''roots'' since that hair doesn't get any longer. Maybe it
would just be a one-time application. Anyway, if I were really thinking
about doing this I'd call a salon where nobody knew me and ask all the
questions I wanted. From my phone with blocked caller ID.
Signed - Silver Streak
March 2005
A few months ago, after two kids and a dramatic decine in income,
I decided to stop having my hair colored in a salon. But now my
natural color is growing in, my gray is showing, and truth be
told, I look a fright. I need to color my hair again (SOON!), and
I realize that I should just pick up some dye and get to work,
but I have no idea where to begin. I'm terrified of using the
wrong product and ending up with dull, flat, yucky color. I'm
also worried about getting good coverage of the gray -- which, in
hairdresser lingo, ''doesn't want to grab the color.'' Is there
anyone else out there with coarse graying hair who's found the
brand of perfect hair color? Thanks.
Old Gray Mare No More
I too have grey hair that is ''resistant'' (my beautician's term)
to color. The only product that seems to work effectively in
covering my grey hair is called ''Bijen''; it's available at most
drug stores -- paricularly those specializing in holistic
health/alternative medicine like Elephant Pharmacy on Shattuck.
I'm afraid to color my own hair so I have not used this product
at home. In any case, even though it's a permanent color, it is
very gentle to my hair (and I get two chemical processes -- a
perm and a color -- in alternating months). Moreover, I have
been using Bijen for almost 10 years now and have had no adverse
effects on my hair. Good luck.
Antoinette
April 2003
I have been coloring my hair at home but I am not quite
satisfied with the ''uniform'' solid color I am getting. I was
wondering if anybody tried to color their hair using a lighter
shade than they would normally use (I am a brunette) so the gray
hair becomes lighter in color and the rest of the hair is
darker, therefore getting ''natural'' highlights. Am I making
sense ?
Young but with gray hair
Check out the hair coloring kits at health food supermarkets
such as Whole Foods, Berkeley Natural Foods (or whatever it's
called) on Gilman, etc. There are two or three brands which
cover gray as they color and don't contain much in the way of
harsh chemicals, so your hair doesn't dry out. It might take a
little experimentation to get the color you want; I ended up
combining two shades. Light Mountain henna is also good and
looks very natural, but is messy to use.
Melanie
I have used haircoloring one shade lighter than my normal hair
color (very dark brown) and I did get highlights, but the way
the gray picks up color, I thought they were too brassy. Clairol
says this is good to try if your hair is less than 25% gray, a
category I surpassed at about 30, and to use ''golden'' rather than
red or ash tones. The other problem is you have lots of gray
is ''coverage''- if you try this, CLairol also says leave the
color on longer than the directions call for to color gray
completely. I am excited about a new ''double'' process home
haircolor, Colour Experte, by L'oreal (at Target). You color
your hair and then add highlights. But of course this is more
work for a busy mom, so I haven't tried it yet. I've been
investigating because for coloring gray, I felt paying for
professional color is a waste of money, didn't come out any
better and must be reapeated every 3 weeks if your color is dark
because the roots really show.
prematurely gray
I do just what you're talking about and it works for me. I get
a blond semi-permanent color, usually 7N, and apply it to all
of my hair. The grays are highlighted and the dark is not
changed. What I like best about this method is that when the
grays grow there is not a huge contrast between the highlighted
hair and the new growth. I also get professional highlights
every six months or so and they also pick up the color
differently, which adds a lot of interest. I would recommend a
gentle semi-permanent color, like Colorence by Goldwell, which
you can buy at beauty supply shops.
Home Color that Works
March 2003
I have had my hair professionally highlighted for several years
and I'm very happy with the look. Because the highlights aren't
so different from the base color, I've found that I've been able
to let four months or so elapse before going back to the
hairdresser for more work.
Recently, though, I've discovered my brown roots aren't brown
anymore. They're gray. EEK. This means I go back to my
hairdresser every four weeks to color my gray roots (I still have
highlights put in every four months or so).
The cost isn't too bad -- about $40 -- but what's problematic is
the time. Most hairdressers juggle clients these days and I find
this simple procedure can eat into too much of my day -- time
that I should be spending with my kids.
I do not want to go gray. And I do not want to color my own hair
at home (done that before). But I am wondering how feasible it
would be to touch-up roots myself. I welcome any feedback!
Prematurely gray and hating it
My hair is also prematurely gray. I know just what you mean
about the time needed to touch up your roots in a salon. Mine
begin to show after three weeks. It is simple to dye them
yourself. The only problem is that the chemicals available in
drugstores tend to fry your hair. After a couple of years your
hair is likely to become frizzy with an artificial looking tint.
You just cannot buy the dye which is relatively gentle and looks
good. I finally solved this by finding a stylist who would sell
it to me ''under the table'' for a small fortune. I do not save
any money, but the time saved is invaluable.
Like you I got tired of the long sessions at the hair salon,
not to mention escalating costs of having my roots done
professionally.Since I was a bit nervous at the thought of
doing it all myself, I have hit upon a method that works great
for me: I alternate between salon appointments and the at-home
method,and the results have been quite good so far. At home, I
have been using ''Color Spa'' (formerly called ''Casting'') by
L'Oreal, which doesn't contain ammonia and comes with a very
nice conditioning treatment. I haven't noticed any dryness or
damage to my hair.
Two tips: If you hesitate between two tints, make sure to
choose the darker one. You will get better coverage that way.
Also my colorist has assured me that it is absolutely safe to
keep the product on the hair longer than the prescribed 10
minutes. I do it up to 20 minutes (roots only) to make sure
that I get visible results.
Laura
Feb. 2002
In an effort to cut down on expenses, I would like to try to highlight my
own hair. Has anyone had any success with this and if so, what products
do you use and any tips? Thanks in advance.
I've been coloring my own hair quite successfully for years now. Even my
hairdresser thinks it looks professionally done/like my natural hair color.
I have dark blond hair and use Clairol's Natural Instincts (Sunflower-Medium
Golden Blond). This is their Level 2 product which is supposed to wash out
after 24 shampoos. My hair is so porous that the color takes really well and
it lasts forever. I don't have any gray hair so I can't say how well the
product works in that regard, though the package claims it ''blends away
gray naturally.'' All in all, it costs me $7 and 15 minutes each month-quite
a bargain in terms of money and time.
Janet
I concur with Janet. I DO have some gray hair and find that using
Clairol Natural Instict (I use Pecan--Light Golden Brown) every four to six
weeks covers the gray, looks quite natural and I've had the same comments
from hair dressers that ''it looks professionally done/like my natural hair
color''. I do not look forward to moving on to a level 3 product where I
have to deal with roots, something one does not have to contend with when
using a level 2 product.
Gabriele
I have dyed my own hair for over 10 years - -through aubergine, red, copper
and blonde -- I think I did pretty well. One friend saw childhood pics of
me and asked, ''When did your hair turn red?'' But I have never given
myself highlights. It is much more complicated than mixing and applying one
all-over color. I have seen some pretty BAD self-highlight jobs. I
actually have an appointment in a couple of weeks to get my hair
professionally highlighted as a way to stop coloring it. If you want to
save money, get a friend to do it for you. Go to the Beauty Center (or
Beauty Store in SF) and get the supplies and ask lots of questions. You
could also call around to salons and ask if they need hair models for color
-- often new stylists need to work for a few months before they are fully
trained, but they are still competent. I wish you luck and beauty!
signed anon so that no one knows I'm mousy brown
I've been using Le Petite frost by L'Oreal for quite a few years now and
it's worked well for me. I have shoulder length, medium brown hair and it
lightens it up just enough to look ''sun-kissed'' without a dramatic root
line. Tie the cap down snug, use the metal hook to pull a few strands out
of all the holes on the top and a few rows down the sides, not past the
temples. Just follow the directions from there. Good luck!
Feb. 2001
I feel rather silly asking this question, but I don't know where else to
turn! I have been getting my hair highlighted for about a year. It is SO
expensive! However, I really like the way it looks and would like to
continue doing it. Has anyone tried a home job? I go to a rather upscale
salon, which I hate to admit, costs about $110 dollars (plus the tip). I
am seriously considering getting some Clairol ($5) and just doing it at
home myself. I can't ask my hair stylist---they will only give me the
party line (to continue to pay and buy their products too). Any amateurs
out there who can give me a recommendation? Thanks!
Laura
Hi, I have been using tried and true Lady Clairol for years and I think it
works just fine. You may have to experiment a bit with the various shades
but the $6.50 cost for that leaves you a lot of extra money to cover the
utility bill now!
Helen
The cost of highlighting is expensive and I completely understand your
reservations for spending so much money. I used to be a hair stylist
and understand both sides of the issue. For the hair stylist, it is a
time consuming job that requires detail. Even though the product cost
for them is almost nothing, the labor and skill are what they are
charging for. As for home products - you will never achieve the same
look with the home products. First of all, you are reaching up,
whereas a hair stylist is above you. This creates different abilities
to reach parts of your hair and to control the amounts of hair you are
picking up. Secondly, the home products are designed with this in
mind and they will not be as refined in their look. A hairstylist
picks up very small amounts of hair and applies product to them. This
achieves a more natural look. When you use the home products the
amount of hair that the product is applied to is much greater. Since
there is less control, the outcome cannot be as natural looking.
To control your costs, there are a variety of things to consider such
as where you go, how much you are having done (more highlights/more
cost) and how often you are doing it. Consider, a cosmetology school
for lower costs but slightly more risk since their abilities are not
as refined. Ask other friends where they go and how much they pay.
If you'd like to talk in more detail, please call me at 234-3464.
Nd
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