She's a High Maintenance Gal (2)
They do not realize that when their colorist applies the color, there will be a difference in the chemical process when it is next to the scalp compared to a half inch away. As a result, there will be two different colors due to the heat radiating from your scalp. Because of this variation, the application of your color solution must be adjusted accordingly.
The optimal time for a touch-up appointment is once a month. This frequency not only saves unnecessary labor for your service but can also be cost-effective for you. Additionally, your colorist will appreciate your consistency. Next time you're flipping through a movie magazine, take a look at celebrities' new growth where they've had touch-ups. You'll likely notice at least two different shades. The upside to this variation is that today, anything goes, and it's perfectly acceptable to have duos and trios of color emerging from your scalp.
Be Cautious with Perms
If you've recently had a perm and now want to go blonde for the holidays, it might not be the best idea. Your colorist will likely notice that the ends of your hair still retain the effects of the perm, regardless of how much it has grown out. Even if your new growth is straight, the rest of your hair may still bear the effects of the chemical service.
To achieve a blonde look, it's essential to have your stylist trim off those old ends before discussing your desired blonde shade. While there are excellent products available for perming delicate, bleached hair, this is more the exception than the rule and depends heavily on the hair's condition. It requires gentle conditioning treatments and the expertise of an experienced stylist who can closely monitor your hair's health. Ultimately, it's usually wise for someone with thin, weak hair to choose either blonde or curly, not both, to minimize damage.
Doing it Yourself
What about all those products sold for at-home use? You might be tempted to take the risk without understanding the process your hair undergoes, but beware: the pretty picture of the model on the box doesn't guarantee your hair will turn out the same color. If you have dark hair and apply a blonde color, you'll likely end up with red hair instead of blonde. There are many factors to consider before attempting a DIY job to 'save money.' If you end up needing a correction at a salon, it will cost double or triple what you would have paid initially.
Furthermore, if you're set on achieving a bold look, like the Hard Rock Metallic Star style, and bring a picture to the salon, listen carefully to your colorist's advice. Make sure you understand everything involved in transforming your hair into that look before leaving the salon. While the initial cost may be high, so is the upkeep. You might love the new look, and your partner may approve, but be prepared for potential negative feedback from friends. Ultimately, you can't please everyone, and the most important person to please is yourself, as you're the one who has to wear it.
Have you considered how different climates affect blonde hair? Picture yourself strolling along the beach in your brand new bathing suit, admiring the luscious colors of the ocean. However, don't forget to wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect your investment underneath. The southern sun can strip the blonde color from your hair in a matter of hours, and the salt air can cause your hair shaft to expand to three times its normal size. Suddenly, you'll find yourself with unruly hair that's been stripped of the color you paid for to look great on your vacation.
Taking a dip in the salt water can also contribute to lightening your hair, especially when combined with sun exposure. The best protection is to keep your hair covered when outdoors in the heat of the South. What if you're in the snow-driven North? You typically wear a head covering anyway to retain heat as you walk.
Then, you’ve noticed that when you take your hat off, the 'flat head' has developed. All your lovely blonde hair outlines the shape of your head. Not very sexy, huh? You've arrived at work with rosy cheeks and a red nose, while your new hair color looks like it was painted onto your head. This is worse than you thought. What to do? You run to the restroom and take out your mini blow dryer, trying to puff it out a bit, but notice the static electricity flying all over in circular movements. What can you do? Cold weather shocks our hair. If our hair could talk, it might say something like this to you, 'What are you doing to me? I don't deserve this treatment. I'm going to freeze and then faint right away. In fact, I'm going to punish you for doing this to me.'
Did you bring some hairspray? Spray your hair first before using your blow dryer. Turn your head upside down and spray, then use the blow dryer. Now toss and tousle it where you want. Use one of those battery-powered curling irons if you have to, to reconnect with your hair. Your hair needs a little heat to forgive you right now. Most women have learned to carry a 'first aid kit for hair' in their bag because of weather conditions. This would include: battery-operated curling iron, mini battery-operated blow dryer, hairspray, and gloss if needed.
Your hair can be a whirlwind of activity if you want it to be, or you can choose a lower-maintenance cut and color. The choice is yours and should reflect your personality. Don’t forget, your partner will have to live with your decision. Isn't it better to hear 'Oh darling, you look gorgeous this morning,' rather than have them hide behind the newspaper, being polite and not saying anything?
See also:
Going blonde
Go from brown to blonde without bleaching
After-care for colored and chemically treated hair
Damage caused by hair coloring and other chemical hair services