Hair Dye - Everybody Does It

Hair Dye, oh where to start. I have had my share of hair dye experiences. Prior to my college years, I was a big fan of dying my hair myself. I have naturally chocolate brown hair, so I generally would turn it variations of brown or red just to spice things up every now and then. When I went to college, I then began getting it done professionally. At that time in the early 2000s, streaks and highlights were in. I would get a nice blondish gold put in. I thought it was cute, but from time to time I would get horrified by the way it seemed that my hair was just turning lighter and lighter as a result of touch ups. I ditched that my senior year for black. I think the black was my favorite because it made my hair so shiny. Now, I am back to dying out of the box. My reasons for seeking out the box versus the salon have many reasons.

For one, dying your hair at home is far more economical than it is to get it done at the salon. Aside from the fear of putting my own highlights in, I went to a salon in college because Central Illinois hair salon prices are far cheaper per foil than they are in Chicago or the Chicago suburbs for that matter. I moved home to the Chicagoland area after college, so I am sure you can see the trend here.

Recently, I got up the nerve to try doing my own highlights at home. I was searching all of the popular hair dye brands (loreal, garnier, John Frieda, etc.) for what colors they have to offer for my boring brown locks. I guess every now and then a change is just a good thing. It can improve your mood, do wonders for your make-up and it is just fun to pamper yourself. Well, I

came across a Loreal two-in-one kit. Essentially, you start out by dying your hair one color, and then they give you a bleaching agent to add your own streaks or highlights. I was seriously scared about this decision, so I watched youtube videos, Loreal videos, read the instructions a million and one times and then decided I was brave enough to buy the product and try it out.

The product: L'Oreal Couleur Experte Express Two-In-One Multi-Tonal Color System
Hair Color: French Eclair (Light Ash Brown-Cooler)
My Experience: I have to say as scared as I was, the instructions and videos were accurate. The experience is similar to what they say, the bleach doesn't run. However, I will say two things. First, when you see someone doing their hair, it appears much easier than it is. In the salon you are being worked on by professionals who do highlights constantly. They are fast and obviously have a one-up on you who can't see the back of your head. Secondly, you are limited in time for how long you should keep the bleach on. This means that if you are slow and start at the bottom, the bottom of your hair could reach ten minutes just as you finish the top parts. If your hair is sensitive this could mean you are literally bleach blond underneath and gold or orange-ish up top. They tell you to test your hair after ten minutes by wiping some off, but as I have experienced even with salon professionals, my hair is dark and you can't really see the finished color as well as you can when it is dry. Lastly, it is extremely important you read the instructions, watch the videos and have a mirror and comb available for separating ends. Choosing pieces to dye is not as easy as it would seem. You almost have to practice without the dye before starting, like the night before.

I found that my hair did bleach a bit, but I was scared and washed it off probably a little early. I was worried this meant my hair would be orange, but it actually was more golden. You can't really see it or else I would post a picture. I might try it again to see if I loose my nerve and can be faster at it, but that is just me. I am never happy with my first try.

The Skinny: If you are brave and want to spend $14.99 on highlights compared to salon prices, go for it. However, like I said, watch the video on Youtube, read the instructions, practice the technique and make sure you have a hand mirror and a comb. I was planning on using foils, but like they say and I experienced, the bleach is actually pretty good at keeping place. Oh, and one more note, be careful when you pull pieces, one of the issues I had was that I was ending up with hairs that were coming from other places and I was starting to worry that my pieces were getting to wide. If you are doing this yourself, you really want to ensure you do small, skinny chunks or else your mess up, if one should happen, will be more noticeable.