True. All of those things CAN happen, but you can also easily avoid them all and get whatever colors you want on your head. It's up to YOU [and your hairdresser] to keep it looking pretty and healthy.
I'm no pro, but I've listened to the tips my girl Ruby Devine gives me, and adapted older practices, and random things I've learned on the Internet, and after three months since my last dye job, my hair still looks pretty good.
Before I even get into the things I do, let's get this out of the way: No excuses. Don't say "that won't work on my hair" or something of the sort until you've given it a solid try. I'm talking weeks-months of trying.*
- Find a stylist that's good at it. This isn't something you do yourself or try out with a Groupon. The good ones [like Ruby] will use the best products AND practices.
- Don't wash your hair. Okay, wash it, but I only do it twice a week. Tuesdays and Fridays. That pic above is on day FOUR. The right dry shampoo, braids, ponytails and hats will become your best friend. [Also, see above.* These things take training. Your hair will absolutely be greasy and disgusting until it's used to it.]
- When you do wash it, COLD WATER is a must. Hell yeah it sucks. You're gonna have to bend over awkwardly or get a detachable showerhead if you wanna survive in the winter, but it's also very energizing and saving your hair! Just crank the heat as soon as the hair is washed and out of the way.
- Also, use good shampoo and conditioner for your color. I use purple because, well, my hair is purple. Your stylist's suggestions will be key here.
- Limit your heat. I rarely blow dry, unless it's to finish up the air drying real quick. I normally let it dry some, throw it into a bun, then bring it down when it's dry and beautiful. I've also ditched my straightener. I use a ceramic curling wand and throw THICK sections around it. See Guy Tang for proof on how terrible heat is.
- Do an Olaplex treatment before every other shower. It helps keep the color AND the strength.
- Stay out of the sun or use an SPF spray if you don't want to bleach the top/roots. Sometimes I like the blonde that happens from the sun, but depending on your color- it might not look right. I also used bandanas etc to protect it.
- For extra treatment, there are PLENTY of products, but I use Keratase on my ends, which happens to be more expensive than I thought, but I got it in Birchbox so I'm chillin' for now. It lasts a LONG time.
Those are my main points. Maybe it seems like a lot, but I think it seems pretty simple. It's a new routine you break into. [Along with not using light colored towels and expecting some crazy colored shower water.] The color you get also matters, obviously. I like the red I have at the top right now because when it fades/my roots come in, it's not very obvious.. probably even less noticeable than with blonde or any highlights.
So, embrace the magic, the fade, the excitement, etc of fashion color if you want it! If you have a job that'll allow it, there's nothing else to hold you back!
Plus, how fun is it to have hair that looks different in every picture? These were taken seconds apart, in the same place, same light, same phone.
Can I also say I love being sent all the new hair trends and colors to try?! I also love seeing what everyone else gets done- so send them my way! And have fun!
love,
elizabethany
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