Hair

Summer Highlights

As with many, I decided to go lighter for the summer. My hair has grown out a lot, so my old highlights were long gone. My sis and I decided to take a trip to our local beauty school to get face framing highlights and...

Hair

Fiyah

In my March Beauty Haul, I shared the extensions I purchased and what I planned to do with them. I dyed them red, then had a few tracks sewn in the back for a peek-a-boo effect.

Q and A Volume 8

Q&A Vol 8: Hot Oil, Deep Conditioning & Hair Dye

The latest installment of my Q&A series answers questions pertaining to deep conditioning treatments and the damaging effects of hair dye. Since some of my subscribers have asked that I do a video tutorial on my pre-poo olive oil treatment, I thought this would be the perfect time for a demonstration. Enjoy!

Hair

Color my World

I mentioned in my post titled, "A Random Hair Update," that I am incredibly bored with my hair (trust, I've since done something about that, but more on that later...). Well, as you know, most of my color has faded, and although I recently dyed the front of my hair with a semi-permanent color by Bigen, the results left much to be desired. So, I've been looking at pics of dye jobs I like in hopes of finding my new 'do. Right now I'm really loving the two-toned effect, a look that can be worn a number of ways. Below are a few pics that depict the dye jobs I admire most.

Hair

Mixed Silk & Bigen

Hey chickadees! I said in my Major Haulage post that I would probably dye the front of my hair before the weekend was out. Well, I did, and here's how it went...

#1. I started off with dry hair that had actually been doused with EVOO the night before (I slept with it in my hair as I'm prone to do).

#2. After shampooing with the Silk Elements ColorCare Sulfate-free shampoo featured in my Major Haulage post, I applied the Bigen hair dye in light copper brown to the front of my hair like so:

The dye up close:

#3. So after I slathered that on ever so gracefully (I actually made a complete mess and didn't use gloves. Don't try this at home folks!), I placed the colored portion of my hair in some tin foil just to get it out of the way and allow it to process a little better. I threw a processing cap on top and sat under the hooded dryer for 10 minutes as instructed:

#4. After the 10 minutes were up, I allowed the hair to cool for approx. 5 minutes before rinsing out the color. Next up was the deep conditioning treatment:

#5. I combed some of the Mixed Silk Nourishing Deep Conditioner through towel dried hair, put a plastic cap on, and sat under my hooded dryer for another 10 minutes. Afterwards, I rinsed it out in the sink with cool water and it looked like this:

My hair truly felt like silk, baby!

I believe my curls felt so quenched not only because the product is good, but also because it was the first time in forever that I switched up my moisturizing deep conditioner. I stated in my Q & A Volume 6 video that sometimes you just gotta switch up your shampoos and conditioners because you may find that your hair has gotten used to them, rendering them less effective.

#6. Anywho, after my hair was washed, dyed, and deep conditioned, I applied some of the Just So Curl Activator Gel I also shared in my Major Haulage post to damp hair, raked it through with a wide tooth comb, scrunched, then applied a small amount of the Isoplus styling gel to my edges to slick them down. Once I had finished, I looked like this:

A wet puppy, LOL!
And here's a shot of the texture up close:

#7. Of course, that wasn't the final result, because my hair had to dry. So, after allowing it to air dry for a few hours, my curls looked like this:

Although I loved how my hair looked and felt (soft and silky with a light hold thanks to the Just So Curl Activator Gel), I wasn't all that pleased with the color. I don't know why I continue to kid myself thinking that I'm going to get amazing color from anything less than a permanent formula once my color has grown out. Anyway, you can get a better view of the color here:

True, you can see the color, but it wasn't exactly what I had in mind. This looks more like Dr. Pepper burgundy to me than the light copper brown it claims to be. After all, my hair looked more coppery brown before:

Before Bigen & After

Anywho ladies and gents, that's it for my weekend hair update. For those of you who are in the market for a great moisturizing deep conditioner, I recommend you give the Mixed Silk by Silk Elements a try. It will leave your curls feeling quenched with moisture. Oh, and I'll be doing an update on the Just So Curl Activator Gel after I've had a chance to rock it for a few weeks. You know me, I can't definitively say how I feel about a product, especially not a curly styler, until I've had a chance to use it for a while, so stay tuned...

Hair

Santa Fe Bronze

Many of my YouTube and blog subbies have inquired about the color that I place in the front of my head. Well, today I'm going to show you exactly how I get my bangs to pop! Check out the video tutorial featuring Santa Fe Bronze by Silk Elements:



Pics of the color:

Hair

Santa Fe Bronze is Back!

Back in May, I dyed my bangs in Santa Fe Bronze using a box kit by Silk Elements (See Update on Santa Fe Bronze for details). Since most of my color had grown out, and I was nearing the end of another year, I figured what better time than to jazz up my look than now? So, on December 14th, I dyed my bangs in Santa Fe Bronze again.

Below are pics of the process. You'll notice how I didn't apply dye to my roots, and that's for a few reasons. For one, similar with relaxers, I don't think it's a good idea to place chemicals on the scalp, as they can seep into the pores. It's been said that certain dyes can cause cancer, so I figure not allowing them to get into my skin is the best way to prevent any possible adverse side effects. Secondly, I've noticed that the hairs around my hair line are extremely fragile, and therefore can't withstand the harsh process, as I've experienced breakage in the past. Thus, I steer clear of this area, applying color about an inch below my roots:


In addition to my bangs, I also decided to apply a streak of color going towards the back of my head like so:

I allowed the color to process like so for 30 minutes:

And here is the end result:

The color looks much more dramatic than it is from this angle, as you get to see the way the color looks with my hair spread out. Yet, when I pull my hair back in a ponytail for instance, then you get to see really how subtle the change is:

I have yet to straighten my hair since dying it, so I still don't know what the color looks like on flat ironed hair, but I'll share the results with you once I do.

Hair

The Truth About Henna

Ever since I expressed my love for red highlights, many of my divas have asked me if I've ever used Henna or considered using it to color my hair. I don't really know much about Henna, other than that it can be used to make one heck of a temporary tattoo. Thus, I didn't have enough information on it to consider adding it to my repertoire…until now.

In the article titled "The Coloring Book," featured in the July 2009 issue of Hype Hair magazine, hair stylists attempt to dispel some of the myths surrounding Henna, and its effect as a hair coloring treatment:

"Like any other kind of dye, henna has both pros and cons. While henna dyes can be great because they are significantly less damaging than chemical dyes, henna is also fundamentally unpredictable. Henna is great for achieving rich, natural-looking dark hues. But contrary to popular belief, you cannot remove it with shampoos or rinses. Henna is often publicized as a semi-permanent color, or an all-natural process that 'deposits' color on the hair. However, these statements are a bit misleading. The main ingredient in henna dye is lawsone, also known as henno tannic acid. This primary ingredient binds to the keratin in the hair, and to put it simply, once applied, it's not coming out anytime soon. Moreover, because henna dyes are natural they tend to change color over the course of time.

Henna dyes used for hair coloring are usually combined with other plant dyes like indigo, turmeric and senna. Such dyes have been known to significantly fade with repeated shampooing and conditioning, leaving a brassy or even burnt orangey look that doesn't easily go away.

Henna can be unpredictable, unsuspecting consumers can get into more than they bargained for with such a product. Henna is still a viable color alternative. Experimenting with your hair is fine, just be prepared to face the consequences. When looking for alternatives to traditional coloring it's best to seek professional advice."

So, it seems that henna isn't as temporary as some perceive it to be. I don't think it would be a great option for me, as the application process appears to be a little messier than that of box kits. Plus, I only color my bangs, and I prefer a reddish blond hue to a dark red. Yet, for those of you who do use henna or were considering using it, at least now you have the info you need to make an informed decision.

Hair

Keeping Your Color Vibrant

Summer is usually the time when ladies choose to spice up their hair with color. Highlights are extremely popular, for not everyone wants to commit to an all over color change. If you're going to color your hair, there are some important steps you should take in order to preserve the vibrancy and richness of your new shade. The latest issue of Essence magazine ("Hue Do You Love?" pg. 34, July 2009) offers some great tips for how ladies can care for their color-treated hair. Find your shade below and follow some of the advice given by some of the industry's top hair stylists to ensure that your color doesn't fade before summer is out.

Red Heads

• Red dulls the fastest, so cover and protect with a vengeance (hats, leave-in conditioner, SPF for hair), especially in the summer.
• Guard against the sun, salt and chlorine with protective products like Redken Color Extend Sun After-Sun Mask ($15, visit redken.com for a salon near you).
• "Red hair fades quickly, so wash the hair less often: every ten days, not seven," says color guru Philip Pelusi. Surfactants from shampoos fade color.
• Revive reds with an at-home glaze like John Frieda Collection Luminous Color Glaze in Radiant Red ($10, drugstores).

Brown/Brunettes

• Remember, highlights don't have to be blond. Kick up rich browns with a jolt of toffee highlights.
• In between color treatments add luster with a professional clear demi-permanent procedure.
• Avoid permanent color if your hair is weak. Opt for demi-permanent instead. You'll still achieve noticeable vibrance.
• All color loses its brightness over time -- even brunettes should use color-specific products like Pantene Brunette Expressions Shampoo ($5, drugstores).

Blonds

• Unless you're rocking a really short crop, keep blond color away from the fragile hairline, one or more inches.
• Step-up your blond tresses with chamomile tea. "Steep tea to a dark tone, cool, then apply to washed hair. Leave on five to ten minutes, apply conditioner, then rinse," says Pelusi.
• Chlorine will turn blond hair green, so golden girls should stay clear of the pool and protect with Rene Furterer Okara Protect Color leave-in conditioner ($26, Sephora.com).
• Shield color against the sun with a coat of conditioner. If you get chlorine or salt water on your hair, rinse right away.

Some other great tips offered in the article, which I think are really important are:

• Know your limits. Diane Da Costa advises women to commit to color they can truly keep. With highlights, salon visits can be every three months, with permanent color every three to four weeks.
• Turn to a pro. Drugstore permanent color can only lift your hair up to two levels, or eight shades. So if you want to go lighter with permanent color, see an expert.
• Try pieces. "If you can't grow it, sew it," says Stanko. If your hair isn't in the best condition, weave in colored hair or try detachable pieces.

I think the last tip is a great one, as you don't want to ruin your locks by overprocesing it with color. Clip in hair extensions, wigs and weaves are a great way to play with color without damaging your hair or making a commitment you may not want to keep.

Hair

Santa Fe Bronze Update #2

It's been a week since I colored my hair with the Santa Fe Bronze kit by Silk Elements, and I must say that I'm absolutely in love with the color! Now, I stated in my first update that I planned to apply a second coat of the dye in two weeks or so, because it usually takes two applications for me to get the full effect. However, after seeing what my hair looks like when it's dry, I don't think I'll be needing a second box.

Here is a pic of my Santa Fe Bronze bangs poking out from underneath my satin scarf. As you can see, the color is pretty vibrant. I guess I forgot that it will look darker when wet. Since I'm satisfied with the results, I'll only be applying more color when I need a touch up, which shouldn't be for a few months. So for now, this is it!

Hair

Update on Santa Fe Bronze

I did my first application of Santa Fe Bronze by Silk Elements (For more info, checkout: Santa Fe Bronze) on Wednesday and am pleased with the results. I normally have to do two applications of a box kit before I can really see a change, but I was able to see the color instantly. I do however plan to do a second application in about two weeks, which should successfully lift my color so I can get the full effect. You should never expect to get a dramatic color change on the first shot, unless you plan on completely stripping and possibly damaging your hair.

Below is a pic of the color application. I only applied the color to my bangs. This time, I made sure to steer clear of my roots, because the hair along my edges are fragile, and I've experienced breakage in the past. Luckily, the kit came with a pre-treatment to be applied to the scalp to protect it from the dying process, which I concentrated in the area that was to be dyed and along my edges. I thought this was a great precautionary measure, as the company is obviously taking people's safety and the health of their hair into consideration.



Here are two pics of the finished product:




I'm glad I didn't apply any color to my roots, because this gives me a cool, shattered effect. It basically appears as though I dyed my hair before and it's just now growing out. I'll check back in once I do a second application.

Hair

Santa Fe Bronze

I feel like I need to spice things up a bit. Ever since I cut my hair, I've been missing the splash of red copper I've grown accustomed to seeing scattered throughout the front of my head. So, yesterday I picked up a box kit from Sally's Beauty Supply. I couldn't find my signature Red Copper by Cream of Nature, so I decided to try a color from the Silk Elements line of hair color: #512 Sante Fe Bronze.

I will be dying the front of my head on Wednesday. I did an EVOO treatment yesterday to prep my hair for the color process. I plan to wash the oil out of my hair today and slick it back into a bun so that it can air dry. I'm only going to put some olive oil lotion in it by ORS. I don't want to use too many products prior to the coloring process, so I'm going to keep it simple until then. Of course, I'll let you guys know how it turns out!

Hair

Follow The Instructions!

Y'all know that I am a DIYer when it comes to hair care. I do everything myself, including giving my hair a splash of color from time to time. Now, I've used box kits several times, and only once do I remember doing a strand test. However, I don't recall ever performing a patch test.

Unfortunately, two ladies who were recently in the news have proven that you must follow the instructions on box kits carefully, including performing a patch test. No matter how badly you want that funky color, slow your roll and take the necessary precautions. It could cause you a lot of harm if you don't!

Precautionary tale #1: Pretty schoolgirl's face balloons to double its size after using home hair-dye

Before

After


A schoolgirl's head ballooned to twice its normal size after she suffered a severe allergic reaction to hair dye.

Carla Harris, 15, said she thought she was going to die after applying the L'Oreal Recital dye at home.

The teenager was in agony for more than five days as the swelling spread to her eyes and face.

Precautionary tale #2: Woman hospitalized with horrific burns after using home hair-dye kit



Susan Taylor, 55, was placed on a drip in hospital when her head, face and neck began to swell and burn within hours of using Garnier Nutrisse's hair colouring product.

She was also given antihistamines -- and then steroids by her doctor -- before her symptoms began to ease over a week later.

Get the full stories here: Precautionary Tales 1 & 2

Hair

"Red Hot" Jazzing Hair Color by Clairol: An Update

So, it's been 11 days since I dyed my hair with the Jazzing semi-permanent hair color by Clairol, and I now have a clearer perspective on the results. Despite the fact that I removed a large portion of the dye after I cut myself some bangs, I can still see where the color took. Below is a picture that shows the color on my straight hair. I think it gave my hair a pretty auburn tone. I can see the color pretty well on my natural curls too. In fact, it looks brighter (almost orange or coppery red) on my hair when it's curly.

Although I believe the semi-permanent intensified the color that was created previously with permanent color, I don't see where it had any affect whatsoever on the portion of my hair that hadn't already been altered by permanent dye. I can't really say that I expected a dramatic transformation all over because I know that semi-permanent dye is incapable of penetrating the hair shaft and therefore can't impart a new color. However, I was reading the latest issue of Essence magazine and Sophisticate's Black Hair Styles and Care Guide, and ran across an advertisement for Jazzing hair color. Both magazines feature an ad in which there is a photo of a woman sporting a fierce bob with chunky, deep fuchsia highlights. The ad states and I quote: "Jazzing sets me free to change my look whenever I want, without the risk. And with 18 vibrant shades, I'm just getting started."

I think that's a pretty bold statement for a semi-permanent dye. In fact, I have yet to come across one that provides bold, dramatic results such as the one depicted in the image provided in the advertisement. Thus, although I think this product served its purpose as only a semi-permanent dye can, I don't think it lives up to its claim of being capable of providing one with a dramatic change in color from one week to the next.

Hair

Do or Dye

Yesterday, I dyed the front portion of my hair. I know I said I wasn't going to dye my hair for a while because of the heat damage I've incurred. However, since I only dyed a small portion of my hair, and used a semi-permanent rinse, I figured it wouldn't hurt too much. After all, I haven't dyed my hair in about four months. I was hoping for more of a dramatic change than what I got, but I guess I shouldn't have expected too much from a semi-permanent dye. In any case, here are the results of my first time using Jazzing's Red Hot #40 hair dye by Clairol.

Jazzing Red Hot Part I


Jazzing Red Hot Part II

Hair

Color Me Bad

In my video titled, My Trip to Sally's Beauty Supply: A mini Haul," I explained the difference between permanent hair dye, semi-permanent hair dye, and temporary hair dye. For those of you who are still a little confused about what the differences are between them, I have outlined the characteristics of each one below.

Temporary Hair Dye: Temporary hair dye, which does not penetrate through to the cuticle layer of the hair, is incapable of altering one's hair color dramatically. Instead, it simply coats the hair shaft, giving it a sheer color that can be washed out in one or two shampooings.

Semi-permanent Hair Dye: Similar to temporary hair color, semi-permanent hair color doesn't penetrate the hair shaft and is therefore incapable of altering the color. However, if used with heat, it can partially penetrate the hair shaft. In general, semi-permanent dye coats the hair and can jazz up previously colored hair. This type of effect can last approximately six to eight weeks, depending on how often the hair is shampooed. This type of hair color does not contain any ammonia, and is therefore safer to use on relaxed and or damaged hair than permanent hair color.

Permanent Hair Dye: Permanent hair color penetrates the hair shaft and can lift one's natural shade in order to impart a new one. Permanent hair color contains peroxide, which can be damaging to relaxed hair. It is however the most effective colorant for grey hair. Permanent hair dye is the most difficult process of all the dying processes to maintain, for you have to touch up the color as your hair grows out, and use special shampoos and conditioners to prevent the new color from fading. Since it is permanent, it is also harder to get rid of. You have to either strip the color from the hair (this depends on what shade you use), or recolor the hair to return it back to its original shade. If you're going to use permanent color on relaxed hair, it should only be used as a highlight.