I've been among the ranks of those who color their hair for many years now. About the time the gray hairs no longer looked like highlights I realized I didn't want to go through that change of life. So, my husband was not surprised when I brought home my first box of blonde. My hair had always been blonde of the dishwater variety and I didn't want the fact that I colored my hair to look obvious. Below are some tips I've learned through the years.
The first few times you color your hair, you will probably use a boxed kit. They are great for beginners, but as time goes on and your hair changes, so will the product you need for best results. The next time you go for a haircut, ask your beautician to recommend a brand and color for your hair. Then
Find a nearby beauty supply store. Walking in and perusing the selection can be overwhelming, but hang in there. Ask the store staff any questions you have. Most of the staff is trained in cosmetology and will be able to walk you through the process of selecting a color and picking up everything you will need. The first time you shop for these items, it will seem expensive, but you will be using the same bottle of crme developer for a long time. When you are at the register, ask if the store has a discount card or frequent buyer program. Buying that five dollar Sally's card has saved us a lot of money.
Your first time shopping you will need:
- Hair color - Hair color now is specially made to cover the gray
- Plastic gloves - Buy the box of 50.
- A plastic bottle with a pointy tip - A 6 ounce bottle should be sufficient.
- Creme developer - Start with the number "20". This is what activates the color and determines how light or dark your hair will become. "20" is usually what is recommended. Some people use "10" but it considerably lightens the color. Again, the shop staff will be of help here.
- Conditioner - very, very important!
Mixing your color Follow the directions on the box. Not all colors are mixed the same, but most will recommend you use equal amounts of color and creme developer. You can't save the solution once it is mixed, so be prepared to use it all. Do not use the solution on eyebrows.
Don't expect your results to look exactly like the sample at the beauty supply store. Your natural hair color must be considered when selecting your new color. How much gray is in your hair? Do you want a color change or do you want to stay close to your natural color? Again, the staff at the store can give you advice, but most of the products will have what you can expect written somewhere on the box.
Your results will depend on the base of the color. If you don't want any red in your hair, don't buy a color that has a red or gold base. Instead, go with a color with a base that is neutral or blue. I have found that the gray in my hair, once colored, becomes my highlights. I sometimes mix colors, but the base of each must be compatible. Don't mix a gold and blue base. Don't go too light in your color selection - that just doesn't look real.
Color your hair when it is dirty. Yep, you read that correctly. I don't know why, but your results will be better if your hair is not clean and shiny.
Coloring your hair takes time so set aside a couple hours one evening or a Saturday morning. Make sure your roots are covered well then apply to the rest of the hair. The color of the solution you are using may be purple or red, but realize that is NOT the color your hair will be. The bottle or tube of color you are using will give a recommended time to leave the tint in your hair. Don't leave it on too long; it could change your results.
The next time or two you color your hair, if you are using the same color, especially, apply the color to the roots and leave that on for the recommended time. You should only have to color all the hair every third time or so. Coloring all the hair each time will leave the ends looking drab and the roots too dark.
Buy and use a good color safe conditioner every time you shampoo. Leave the conditioner in your hair for about 3 minutes and don't worry if you don't rinse it out of your hair completely. You don't want your hair to break and the fewer split ends the better. And
always condition immediately after rinsing the color from your hair.
Find a friend who wants to cover her gray and schedule a girl date every 6 weeks or so. You can help each other and have someone to visit with while your hair is "curing". Better yet, if you are married, get your husband involved. He probably has a little gray to color, too.
I hope this information prompts you to cover that gray with a color that you will love. I have never had a bad experience yet. Coloring your hair will make you feel great and maybe even a little younger. Just see if you don't get compliments on the new you!
