need some hair advice...

Aug 12, 2011

Laura K.

Ok so I need to do something with my hair, about 4 months ago i chopped it all off into a cute bob (16 inches off!!! ) It's about that time where I'm wanted to do something a little different- I have always wanted to go platinum blonde, but the last time I went my hair dresser just gave my highlights (then put a reddish toner over it blehh) and they turned orange in about 2 weeks- even with the correct shampoos and conditioners! So here's the thing- I am not a fan of highlights in my brown hair because I just want a head full of blonde hair! What should I do?! 

Aug 12, 2011

Maria L.

If you want to be a blonde...be a blonde. ;-) But do it gradually because if you let someone take your hair to that light a shade in one sitting...you'll risk doing some serious damage to your hair (whatever will be left of it). Do your research and find a fantastic colorist and have fun being blonde. 

Aug 12, 2011

Laura K.

thank you maria :) good advice! how long do you think it will take to be full on blonde?

Aug 12, 2011

Maria L.

Thinking back to my cosmetology days (many many moons ago), I believe your hair will only lift a certain number of levels at one time, 6 I think is the number (I hope someone who is an active hair colorist will chime in here and correct me if I'm wrong) so it's going to take several visits for you to get to your desired shade. Once upon a time I had a hairdresser lift my dark brown hair to a lighter brown with caramel highlights, after about 6 retouches my hair was more blonde than anything else (I'm now a red head). You may want to try that route...lighten your base color to a light brown and add loads of highlights. Make sure you are using a great shampoo for colored hair (I use Tressa Watercolors in Fluid Fire to keep my red bright...I swear by this shampoo, it's awesome stuff). 

Aug 12, 2011

Kimberly M.

Maria's right - untouched hair will lift 6 levels at a time, but if the hair is already colored, it's a bit tricky - especially if there's an overlapping on the color, and if there's permanent color as well.

Your best bet is to go gradual - and do your best to keep it moisturized inbetween color appointments. Check Yelp! in your city on who does the best blondes, ask your friends, or if you see a girl whose color you love, don't be shy about asking who does it. She'll take it as a compliment, and her colorist will love the referral.

@Maria - where do you buy Tressa? That sounds like something I need!!

Aug 12, 2011

Laura K.

do you think i could color my own base if i buy color from the beauty supply instead of the grocery store and then get the highlights at the salon?

Aug 12, 2011

Kimberly M.

No no no no no...(sorry that was really emphatic)

Let someone else do it for you - otherwise you could wind up spending even more on corrective color.

Aug 12, 2011

Laura K.

lol ok thanks :)

Aug 12, 2011

Maria L.

Whew....I'm glad Kimberly replied quickly. Cause I was going to "no no no no" you too. :-) 

Aug 12, 2011

Kimberly M.

Ha! @ Maria - in my head it was actually noooooooooo hahahahaha

@Laura - this is an afterthought, but if you can find a salon that uses L'Oreal INOA or Pravana color, you'll be good to go. Both color lines contain keratin, which does an excellent job of preserving your hair's integrity during the color service. And if your colorist recommends a product, buy it! Can't tell you how many times I've seen good color gone bad by using the wrong product. It's a good investment.

@Mandy - excellent point - we charge $150/hour on corrective color, and it takes time in certain cases, wouldn't you agree? IF it can be corrected at all. 

Aug 12, 2011

Laura K.

Thanks girls, I get nervous when trying out a new colorist/stylist because I still have't really been able to find one I love (or trust) thank you so much for all of your useful information :)