Happy Wednesday RAWRs! A couple weeks ago, I wrote about wanting ombre locks in THIS post so I made an appointment to get my hair done. Things didn’t go exactly as we planned (story of my life when it comes to my wild manes), but the end result was wonderful :)
We originally planned for 3 hours (which included the color, wash, and style), but little did we know it would take much longer than that….and a few hiccups along the way.
- First unexpected hiccup: Not planning for hiccups. Haha
- Second hiccup: Like I said, I hadn’t colored by hair in about 3 years, but apparently I still had some color leftover near my tips which prevented the bleach from lightening my hair as fast as the other sections. So, the stylist rinsed my hair, we reapplied the bleach, and waited.
- Third hiccup: During the 2nd wash, we decided not to “tone down the color” (which basically means leaving the color as is and not adjusting the lightness/darkness) because it looked great (when it was wet). BUT…after she dried my hair and styled it, it was a lot more orange than I had expected. Ekk! We both agreed the color was a bit harsh on my skin tone and too brassy. By this time, 4 hours had passed and I had to go pick up Marli. So, we decided to leave it as is and maybe it would “grow” on me once I got home….which it didn’t. So, it was back to the salon the next day where I spent another 3 hours there to fix the color. Whew! All in all, it was a lot more work than we both expected, but I really loved how it turned out :) It’s a subtle ombre, but as I get used to my hair not being black anymore, I think I’ll add some ombre highlights as summer nears.
Here are a few pictures of my before and after:
BEFORE PICTURE
BRASSY ORANGE (to) CHOCOLATE BROWN
After putting my hair under some serious stress, I learned a few things I wanted to share with you. Hope these tips help!
- Look for a color that compliments your skin tone. I know for a fact that anything blonde looks terrible on me. I do like the orangey/brown but maybe as highlights…Remember, there are different levels of ombre colors so make sure you start gradual and eventually graduate to the next level/color. Don’t expect to go from black to blonde and think it will look good.
- A good ombre should have a nicely blended and gradual lightening effect, which leads me to this: Find someone who is a COLOR EXPERT! Highlighting or dying hair is easy, but achieving a good ombre is harder than it looks. Someone who is a color expert will be able to help you get the look you want.
- Pictures, pictures, pictures! Bring lots of pictures to show your stylist so you can show him/her exactly what you are looking for.
- Plan for more time than needed. Better to take your time and get it right than rush the work and end up with an unhappy result.
- Let your stylist know the last time you colored your hair! I thought 3 years was enough time for all the color to leave my hair, but she said it can take up to 5 years! Over the counter products tend to be permanently dyed into your locks and will be harder to lift with the bleach.
- When lightening your hair, it will become stressed so she recommends a regular deep treatment as part of my weekly routine. I purchased the hair recovery mask by L’Oreal and although I’ve only used it once, I loved how rich and thick it was! I applied it after my shower, wrapped my hair up in a loose bun, put a shower cap over it, covered it with a towel, and left it in for 1 hour. I will be doing this once a week.
- Purchase a shampoo/conditioner for color-treated hair. It will help keep the color vibrant. I am trying out this John Frieda one. I also purchased the Organix argan oil and this one in particular is SUPER thick and moisturizing so a little goes a long way.
- With my new locks, I will have to style my hair with waves or curls from now on because leaving it straight just doesn’t look right to me. I have been using my Chi flat iron as a straightener and curler, but I recently purchased this Conair curling wand from Target since I saw my stylist using a similar one. I haven’t used it yet, but will update you guys on how well it works for me. I am hoping to get a loose beach wave look with the wand since my Chi tends to give me tighter curls.
The new hair is stunning Linh! I’m always aching for big hair changes but can never bring myself to follow through. I think there really is something to going with a color that suits you. As much as I’d love to go blonde, it probably wouldn’t be the best decision HA!
xo,
http://www.chelseaandthecity.com
Thanks girl! You have beautiful hair so I wouldn’t do a thing to it 🙂
VA VA VOOM!! Hair looks amazing! Geesh it’s a lot of work being a woman, huh?! Well it may have taken just a wee bit longer than you thought (cough cough) but the end result looks fab!! XO
Gracias! Yes, 7 hrs of my life I will never get back, but such is the price we pay for being women. hahaha I am happy with the end result though 🙂
Linh, your hair looks great!
Oooooo I think your hair looks fab both ways. Love the cut and how healthy and shiny your hair looks. Gorgeous!
🙂
mikky
http://www.todaloos.com
I am actually not a fan of the ombre look but after seeing yours, I just might be a fan! You look so great and your hair is gorgeous!
http://www.ourlifeisbeautiful.com/
Your new hair color is gorgeous!! And those curls!!! Perfect new spring look!!
Jayme & Mendi @ Her Late Night Cravings
i really love the end result! you look beautiful! kinda wishing i had longer hair now so i could do an ombre color! xo jillian – cornflake dreams
Thank you for sharing this. I have just done the first stage and have been wondering how to correct it so I’m going to go back and ask for it to be toned right down. Yours is perfect x 🙂
I just had almost the same thing happen to me and I’m dying to fix it! Would you be able to tell me what you applied to fix it??