Poppin' my hair cherry!
August 14, 2013 12:33 PM Subscribe
I'm getting my hair dyed (well, highlighted) for the first time tomorrow. When should I work out? Should I keep using sulfate-free shampoo, or should I switch to special stuff for dyed hair? BONUS: give me stories about being extremely happy after dying your hair :).
I currently have very dark brown hair, fair (but not the fairest--think the second-lightest foundation) skin that freckles in the sun, and light eyes. I would like to add dark copper highlights. My brother has nearly identical coloring, and his facial hair comes in copper and looks great. If I like the highlights, I might dye all of my hair.
Questions:
1.) If at all possible I want to run tomorrow. Should I run before or after my appointment? Looking around online said that sweat either way won't do much. The appointment is at 2:30, and regardless of the time I am perfectly fine with just rinsing my hair when I'm done.
2.) I currently use sulfate-free shampoo. Should I switch to color-saving, or is sulfate-free enough? Do I need to use color-saving conditioner as well? Can anyone recommend a good drugstore brand to buy?
3.) I'm really, really excited to do this, but also very nervous. Please give me your stories about loving your hair after dying it, or about a huge hair mistake that you managed to fix easily.
Due to the mess and sharing a bathroom with fifty people, I'm not interested in henna. I've also already read through this thread.
Finally, if I ever do get around to dyeing my hair all copper and I eventually move to do it myself, hair dye suggestions would be wonderful :).
I currently have very dark brown hair, fair (but not the fairest--think the second-lightest foundation) skin that freckles in the sun, and light eyes. I would like to add dark copper highlights. My brother has nearly identical coloring, and his facial hair comes in copper and looks great. If I like the highlights, I might dye all of my hair.
Questions:
1.) If at all possible I want to run tomorrow. Should I run before or after my appointment? Looking around online said that sweat either way won't do much. The appointment is at 2:30, and regardless of the time I am perfectly fine with just rinsing my hair when I'm done.
2.) I currently use sulfate-free shampoo. Should I switch to color-saving, or is sulfate-free enough? Do I need to use color-saving conditioner as well? Can anyone recommend a good drugstore brand to buy?
3.) I'm really, really excited to do this, but also very nervous. Please give me your stories about loving your hair after dying it, or about a huge hair mistake that you managed to fix easily.
Due to the mess and sharing a bathroom with fifty people, I'm not interested in henna. I've also already read through this thread.
Finally, if I ever do get around to dyeing my hair all copper and I eventually move to do it myself, hair dye suggestions would be wonderful :).
I periodically go from my natural very-dark-with-some-salt-in-it color to HI I'M A REDHEAD and it's fun as hell.
My hair is short, and I don't use shampoo much anyway, but when it's got color in it, I either go without shampooing at all, or use my partner's color-safe shampoo. I wash and rinse in cool water. Your stylist can give you tips as well that will be specific to whatever product s/he's using and your hair type.
I know you're getting highlights and not all-over color, but my color person prefers I not wash my hair the day before/day of the appointment; call yours and ask.
It's awesome. And if you totally hate it? Color fades and hair grows. But I bet you'll like it.
posted by rtha at 1:01 PM on August 14, 2013
My hair is short, and I don't use shampoo much anyway, but when it's got color in it, I either go without shampooing at all, or use my partner's color-safe shampoo. I wash and rinse in cool water. Your stylist can give you tips as well that will be specific to whatever product s/he's using and your hair type.
I know you're getting highlights and not all-over color, but my color person prefers I not wash my hair the day before/day of the appointment; call yours and ask.
It's awesome. And if you totally hate it? Color fades and hair grows. But I bet you'll like it.
posted by rtha at 1:01 PM on August 14, 2013
I love dyeing my hair and getting it dyed. No regrets. I've always loved how it came out.
I can't use the shampoos for color-treated hair because I haven't found an unscented one, so no advice there.
I don't get hugely different results between the salon and the box. Maybe it's just the particular color and texture of my hair. So I tend to use the box, but it sounds like that might not work so well for you.
The positives are mainly just seeing yourself in the mirror and feeling like yourself but kicked up a notch. I've had people ask me if it's my natural color (I assume it's a compliment because I know it's at least not cat-vomit rusty ochre.)
I've only had one negative experience. For most of my adult life, my natural color was dark brown, but it's reddened and lightened as I've gotten older. One time a while back, I decided to go back to the dark brown. The first day after dyeing, it looked darker than I had anticipated. *I* liked it, and my friends did, but one lady at work looked at it, did a classic cartoon double-take, and said, "GOD, THAT'S BLACK!" I told my sister after work, and we rolled with laughter. The hair lightened up over the next few days, but every once in a while, whenever we see something black, my sister and I will turn to each other and say, "GOD, THAT'S BLACK!" and crack up.
posted by The Underpants Monster at 1:02 PM on August 14, 2013
I can't use the shampoos for color-treated hair because I haven't found an unscented one, so no advice there.
I don't get hugely different results between the salon and the box. Maybe it's just the particular color and texture of my hair. So I tend to use the box, but it sounds like that might not work so well for you.
The positives are mainly just seeing yourself in the mirror and feeling like yourself but kicked up a notch. I've had people ask me if it's my natural color (I assume it's a compliment because I know it's at least not cat-vomit rusty ochre.)
I've only had one negative experience. For most of my adult life, my natural color was dark brown, but it's reddened and lightened as I've gotten older. One time a while back, I decided to go back to the dark brown. The first day after dyeing, it looked darker than I had anticipated. *I* liked it, and my friends did, but one lady at work looked at it, did a classic cartoon double-take, and said, "GOD, THAT'S BLACK!" I told my sister after work, and we rolled with laughter. The hair lightened up over the next few days, but every once in a while, whenever we see something black, my sister and I will turn to each other and say, "GOD, THAT'S BLACK!" and crack up.
posted by The Underpants Monster at 1:02 PM on August 14, 2013
Oh, that's another thing about highlights, and it ties as the #1 reason I don't do them - they tend to need maintenance. That may not be a problem for you, so take my laziness with a grain of salt.
posted by The Underpants Monster at 1:06 PM on August 14, 2013
posted by The Underpants Monster at 1:06 PM on August 14, 2013
Many of the shampoos that call themselves color safe are in fact full of sulfates, which is of course contrary to their purpose. Stick to your sulfate-free stuff, you'll be much better off. Or at least look closely at the ingredients if you're trying something new. The other thing to do is to wash your hair in cooler water -- hot water will strip your color faster. If you're a hot shower gal, teach yourself to dial it down for the hair washing part.
I used to get my hair colored an all over copper, but these days I'm sporting red with purple and purpley pink. I have to have the veggie dye colors bleached first -- I was really nervous to do that. In fact, I was so scared the stylist had to pat my hand. And now I do it all the time like it's nothing, and have much larger areas bleached. It really taught me to relax about my hair -- it's just hair is my mantra now, and I have fun experimenting.
Color should be done on dry hair, and I'd recommend not washing it for 24 hours beforehand -- you want the oils on your scalp for protection. If you run first, give yourself enough time to dry, and that might be best because it will increase the scalp oil a bit.
Most importantly, don't wash your hair for a couple days, as this will give your highlights time to set.
posted by emcat8 at 1:06 PM on August 14, 2013
I used to get my hair colored an all over copper, but these days I'm sporting red with purple and purpley pink. I have to have the veggie dye colors bleached first -- I was really nervous to do that. In fact, I was so scared the stylist had to pat my hand. And now I do it all the time like it's nothing, and have much larger areas bleached. It really taught me to relax about my hair -- it's just hair is my mantra now, and I have fun experimenting.
Color should be done on dry hair, and I'd recommend not washing it for 24 hours beforehand -- you want the oils on your scalp for protection. If you run first, give yourself enough time to dry, and that might be best because it will increase the scalp oil a bit.
Most importantly, don't wash your hair for a couple days, as this will give your highlights time to set.
posted by emcat8 at 1:06 PM on August 14, 2013
I have almost the exact same coloring as you, and I started with copper highlights, although now I'm using more of a dishwater blond color.
I did not use any special color-protectant shampoo, and I didn't notice any color changes over time. It did not fade or discolor.
Highlights on my hair haven't been high-maintenance - I get them recolored every 2nd haircut, so about every 3-4 months. Especially if the tone is pretty close to your natural hair shade, it won't be very noticeable as they grow out.
Highlights are pretty awesome. I've always disliked how mousy and dull my hair looks when I don't spend a lot of time in the sun. Highlights brighten everything up in a way that is surprisingly subtle.
posted by muddgirl at 1:13 PM on August 14, 2013
I did not use any special color-protectant shampoo, and I didn't notice any color changes over time. It did not fade or discolor.
Highlights on my hair haven't been high-maintenance - I get them recolored every 2nd haircut, so about every 3-4 months. Especially if the tone is pretty close to your natural hair shade, it won't be very noticeable as they grow out.
Highlights are pretty awesome. I've always disliked how mousy and dull my hair looks when I don't spend a lot of time in the sun. Highlights brighten everything up in a way that is surprisingly subtle.
posted by muddgirl at 1:13 PM on August 14, 2013
Run in the morning; rinse it out if you want but don't bother shampooing. Do make sure it's dry before you go. Super-clean doesn't really matter. I do try to go at least 24-48 hours after I have color done before I rinse or shampoo (I have multiple color highlights, from pale blonde to copper done on my base medium-brown hair).
To maintain the color, ask the person who does the color what they suggest you use. A good colorist will want you to be happy with the results and how they hold up. That might mean purchasing product before you leave the salon. If you're spending good money on the color, spend the money on the maintenance as well. Don't cheap out on the shampoo and conditioner and any other product you use.
I *love* my hair color. Having the color done is one of my basic personal maintenance things that I do just for me. Sitting in the salon for a few hours every three months or so is a treat. Having pretty hair is something I enjoy, just for me. Highlights are great, versus all-over color, because I think they grow out better - there's no solid root line, and you can play with the part and the style to tweak it around between color sessions.
Have fun!
posted by Lulu's Pink Converse at 1:13 PM on August 14, 2013
To maintain the color, ask the person who does the color what they suggest you use. A good colorist will want you to be happy with the results and how they hold up. That might mean purchasing product before you leave the salon. If you're spending good money on the color, spend the money on the maintenance as well. Don't cheap out on the shampoo and conditioner and any other product you use.
I *love* my hair color. Having the color done is one of my basic personal maintenance things that I do just for me. Sitting in the salon for a few hours every three months or so is a treat. Having pretty hair is something I enjoy, just for me. Highlights are great, versus all-over color, because I think they grow out better - there's no solid root line, and you can play with the part and the style to tweak it around between color sessions.
Have fun!
posted by Lulu's Pink Converse at 1:13 PM on August 14, 2013
I dye my hair to eliminate early greys and have a *lot* of problems with color washing out way before I should be re-dying. I think it depends on your hair -- some hair holds dye better than others. For the record, I've switched from ammonia-based dyes to the newer oil-based formulas and will never go back.
Consider:
1) The water in your shower - I notice a change depending on hardness/softness. I have heard rinsing with cooler water keeps the cuticle closed (and color bright) but my personal experiments show no clear proof of this.
2) Exposure to sun - I can't tell where you live but if it's summer there exposing your hair to sun = brassy express! Much worse than natural sun bleaching.
3) Go as long as possible after initially dying without rinsing - you can always try dry shampoo which absorbs oil but doesn't "soap" your hair if it bothers you.
4) Shampoo. Some color protecting shampoos work better than others, some are notorious for pore clogging (see: MakeupAlley reviews), etc. I've used some that don't seem to work at all. Now, I use Live Clean shampoo, a type called Bali Oil that seems to leave my color alone while not making my hair feel greasy. I try to shampoo only every second day or so.
posted by skermunkil at 1:18 PM on August 14, 2013
Consider:
1) The water in your shower - I notice a change depending on hardness/softness. I have heard rinsing with cooler water keeps the cuticle closed (and color bright) but my personal experiments show no clear proof of this.
2) Exposure to sun - I can't tell where you live but if it's summer there exposing your hair to sun = brassy express! Much worse than natural sun bleaching.
3) Go as long as possible after initially dying without rinsing - you can always try dry shampoo which absorbs oil but doesn't "soap" your hair if it bothers you.
4) Shampoo. Some color protecting shampoos work better than others, some are notorious for pore clogging (see: MakeupAlley reviews), etc. I've used some that don't seem to work at all. Now, I use Live Clean shampoo, a type called Bali Oil that seems to leave my color alone while not making my hair feel greasy. I try to shampoo only every second day or so.
posted by skermunkil at 1:18 PM on August 14, 2013
Don't shower or rinse before you go. Sweaty hair shouldn't be a problem, but clean hair can be -- they generally recommend your hair be more on the oily side before coloring.
posted by Mchelly at 1:23 PM on August 14, 2013
posted by Mchelly at 1:23 PM on August 14, 2013
Yeah, don't wash your hair before you go. Sometimes I will go as far as to not use product in my hair the day before. I wouldn't worry too much about the sweat either.
If you decide you'd like to keep dying your hair and want to settle on a long-term colour, Goldwell Elumen is the best thing I have ever put in my hair. The colour is practically indestructible but it's extremely difficult to get out of your hair, so going lighter had to wait a while. It's expensive to get done at a salon, but fortunately my roommate at the time was a hairdresser, so we got it at cost.
I have tried fancy shampoos for dyed hair, but I rarely buy them.
posted by futureisunwritten at 1:58 PM on August 14, 2013
If you decide you'd like to keep dying your hair and want to settle on a long-term colour, Goldwell Elumen is the best thing I have ever put in my hair. The colour is practically indestructible but it's extremely difficult to get out of your hair, so going lighter had to wait a while. It's expensive to get done at a salon, but fortunately my roommate at the time was a hairdresser, so we got it at cost.
I have tried fancy shampoos for dyed hair, but I rarely buy them.
posted by futureisunwritten at 1:58 PM on August 14, 2013
Oh, honey, I find this question almost crushingly sweet and I'm super excited for you.
Professionally applied highlights are a very low-maintenance kind of hair colour, because, no matter what toner is applied over the top, they work by lightening your base colour, and you don't really need to fret too much about regrowth. The toner will fade; the lightened hair won't. The coloured hair will look highlighted for a very, very long time, which is why it's vital to see a talented colourist.
I personally prefer to get my hair coloured when it's as schweaty and oily as possible. In my folk logic it protects against damage. I used to dye my hair an allover solid colour at home, and I always soaked my hair in coconut oil before I dyed, which made a notable difference, so it might be nice to work a dab through before you see the hairdresser.
I use and like L'oreal Everpure, but I also live in a hard water area, so I wash with Joico clarifying shampoo once a week.
posted by nerdfish at 2:34 PM on August 14, 2013
Professionally applied highlights are a very low-maintenance kind of hair colour, because, no matter what toner is applied over the top, they work by lightening your base colour, and you don't really need to fret too much about regrowth. The toner will fade; the lightened hair won't. The coloured hair will look highlighted for a very, very long time, which is why it's vital to see a talented colourist.
I personally prefer to get my hair coloured when it's as schweaty and oily as possible. In my folk logic it protects against damage. I used to dye my hair an allover solid colour at home, and I always soaked my hair in coconut oil before I dyed, which made a notable difference, so it might be nice to work a dab through before you see the hairdresser.
I use and like L'oreal Everpure, but I also live in a hard water area, so I wash with Joico clarifying shampoo once a week.
posted by nerdfish at 2:34 PM on August 14, 2013
If you're having highlights done with a cap rather than foils, you will thank yourself for not washing your hair after your run, I always had it done with freshly washed/dried hair and it hurts (couldn't bare to go to the hairdresser unwashed), a little grease really helps lubricate things and the stuff they're putting on it is literately stripping the pigment from your hair, a little grease is not a problem.
posted by missmagenta at 2:36 PM on August 14, 2013
posted by missmagenta at 2:36 PM on August 14, 2013
I went from dishwater blonde to copper when I was 16, and it was EASY. I never get it done at the salon, if only because I'm incredibly impatient and incredibly short sighted, and doing it at home means I can do it when I feel like, keep my glasses on and do it at the same time. I read a story once about a woman with unruly curly hair who went to the salon to get it straightened, bleached and bland-ized, and ended up in hospital until her real self came back with her real hair. I feel like my colour is my 'real hair' now - it's become a trademark and I feel most like myself with red hair.
I've even done the bleach and crazy colour thing at home with vegetable dye - if I wasn't a grownup with a rental deposit I'd be tempted to do it again now and go pillarbox red again, but instead I just stick with permanent and semi-perm colours. (Pro-tip: if you have red dye in your hair and you try and bleach it, as I did when I decided on a whim to go white with pink tips, it will go a weird orange fondant shade. I didn't want to risk dying it again after bleaching, so whacked on a vegetable dye and had magenta hair for a month. And it was fine because HAIR GROWS BACK.)
I use sulphate-free shampoo because my scalp's sensitive - dyes don't bother it, but shampoos and styling products do. I've found the semi-permanents I'm using at the moment are sticking around longer as a result. If you're curious about trying going a different colour, semi-permanents are the way forward - I'm using L'Oreal Casting, and Garnier do a decent one too - because the colour comes out eventually.
posted by mippy at 3:17 PM on August 14, 2013
I've even done the bleach and crazy colour thing at home with vegetable dye - if I wasn't a grownup with a rental deposit I'd be tempted to do it again now and go pillarbox red again, but instead I just stick with permanent and semi-perm colours. (Pro-tip: if you have red dye in your hair and you try and bleach it, as I did when I decided on a whim to go white with pink tips, it will go a weird orange fondant shade. I didn't want to risk dying it again after bleaching, so whacked on a vegetable dye and had magenta hair for a month. And it was fine because HAIR GROWS BACK.)
I use sulphate-free shampoo because my scalp's sensitive - dyes don't bother it, but shampoos and styling products do. I've found the semi-permanents I'm using at the moment are sticking around longer as a result. If you're curious about trying going a different colour, semi-permanents are the way forward - I'm using L'Oreal Casting, and Garnier do a decent one too - because the colour comes out eventually.
posted by mippy at 3:17 PM on August 14, 2013
Run before the appointment, rinse if you feel extra greasy, but don't shampoo.
As for the worrying, my hair color phases (ashy blonde, brown sugar brown, ashy blonde with BLONDE highlights, koolaid red, ashy blonde with pink streaks, henna auburn) usually start with freaking out when they first rinse it out at the appointment. Then I love it after it's styled. Then I PANIC on days 2-3, it grows on me, and by the end of the week I looooove it again until it's gone.
posted by specialagentwebb at 4:50 PM on August 14, 2013 [1 favorite]
As for the worrying, my hair color phases (ashy blonde, brown sugar brown, ashy blonde with BLONDE highlights, koolaid red, ashy blonde with pink streaks, henna auburn) usually start with freaking out when they first rinse it out at the appointment. Then I love it after it's styled. Then I PANIC on days 2-3, it grows on me, and by the end of the week I looooove it again until it's gone.
posted by specialagentwebb at 4:50 PM on August 14, 2013 [1 favorite]
I dye my own hair, always when its dirty, and I'm always happy with the results. I use Feria by Loreal - chocolate cherry is the color. I do this to cover the gray. Anyway I'm of the "if it looks terrible, it will grow out!" camp. Good luck & have fun!!
posted by lyssabee at 6:20 PM on August 14, 2013
posted by lyssabee at 6:20 PM on August 14, 2013
Response by poster: Thanks, everyone! These were all great, and have made me even more excited :).
posted by obviousresistance at 11:53 PM on August 14, 2013
posted by obviousresistance at 11:53 PM on August 14, 2013
I was terrified of dying my hair for the first time (10+ years ago) and I was so happy with the result that I have never looked back. I started with highlights too, and moved on to all-over colour mainly because that's easier to do at home.
I use a shampoo specifically for dyed (red) hair, and I did notice a big difference in how quickly it faded once I switched to doing that. Also I started being extra careful about conditioning the last few years because dying does make your hair drier and more brittle. Once a week I slather on a ton of conditioner, put my hair under a shower cap, and leave it like that for a few hours before washing it out. It really helps.
posted by lollusc at 12:08 AM on August 15, 2013
I use a shampoo specifically for dyed (red) hair, and I did notice a big difference in how quickly it faded once I switched to doing that. Also I started being extra careful about conditioning the last few years because dying does make your hair drier and more brittle. Once a week I slather on a ton of conditioner, put my hair under a shower cap, and leave it like that for a few hours before washing it out. It really helps.
posted by lollusc at 12:08 AM on August 15, 2013
My stylist (when I go red) tells me that sulfate-free is the *only* concern for my hair color as far as product.
posted by getawaysticks at 8:03 AM on August 15, 2013
posted by getawaysticks at 8:03 AM on August 15, 2013
Response by poster: Just wanted to give a quick update for people reading this later (I meant to do this earlier but my area had an internet outage for a few days...):
After talking to the hair stylist, I ended up deciding to go with an all-over dye. This was mostly because I actually don't have any natural highlights, and I was worried getting some would be too streaky. Also, highlights cost a lot more.
Unfortunately, the first person I saw after getting it done was my younger brother, whose first comment was "is it supposed to be redder on the top than the ends?" I'm a pretty obsessive person, so once he said that, I started to do what I'm good at and obsess. Because the hair stylist had straightened my hair after, and because my scalp reflects a lot of light when she does that, (and, I'll be honest, because his question was a tiny bit true), my hair did look lighter and redder on the top. I'm not going to lie, there were tears. However, my aunt, mom, and like five of my friends all told me that it would look different when my hair wasn't straight, that there was barely a difference, and that some of it will wash out. They were actually all correct--when I hold the ends of my hair to my scalp, they look almost just as red.
ANYWAYS, now that my hair is curly again, I love it. The overall difference is very subtle, but it makes my eyes look much brighter, I've been wearing less makeup, and it makes me feel much more unique. I'm wearing less makeup, and strangely I think it even made my skin look clearer. I'm definitely going to do it again, and maybe go a little redder :).
I've only completely washed my hair once since then (as opposed to just rinsing or just using conditioner) but when I did I used Loreal EverCurl Shampoo and Radiant Red conditioner. The shampoo has been consistently white when I wash it out :).
Thanks again, everyone!
posted by obviousresistance at 12:59 PM on August 22, 2013 [2 favorites]
After talking to the hair stylist, I ended up deciding to go with an all-over dye. This was mostly because I actually don't have any natural highlights, and I was worried getting some would be too streaky. Also, highlights cost a lot more.
Unfortunately, the first person I saw after getting it done was my younger brother, whose first comment was "is it supposed to be redder on the top than the ends?" I'm a pretty obsessive person, so once he said that, I started to do what I'm good at and obsess. Because the hair stylist had straightened my hair after, and because my scalp reflects a lot of light when she does that, (and, I'll be honest, because his question was a tiny bit true), my hair did look lighter and redder on the top. I'm not going to lie, there were tears. However, my aunt, mom, and like five of my friends all told me that it would look different when my hair wasn't straight, that there was barely a difference, and that some of it will wash out. They were actually all correct--when I hold the ends of my hair to my scalp, they look almost just as red.
ANYWAYS, now that my hair is curly again, I love it. The overall difference is very subtle, but it makes my eyes look much brighter, I've been wearing less makeup, and it makes me feel much more unique. I'm wearing less makeup, and strangely I think it even made my skin look clearer. I'm definitely going to do it again, and maybe go a little redder :).
I've only completely washed my hair once since then (as opposed to just rinsing or just using conditioner) but when I did I used Loreal EverCurl Shampoo and Radiant Red conditioner. The shampoo has been consistently white when I wash it out :).
Thanks again, everyone!
posted by obviousresistance at 12:59 PM on August 22, 2013 [2 favorites]
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If you go all over copper, beware it may end up fading to and feeling on the "brassy" side, plus remember you will have upkeep since dark roots will show within the month. Highlights of copper will last a lot longer, in terms of needing touch-ups. With a touch-up for highlights, you can always just get the top and sides done in about 2 or 3 months, which will be less expensive than all-over highlights.
Yes, you should get color-safe/protection shampoo. I really like Biolage for color treated hair.
You may not want to go into a salon with sweaty-wet hair - highlights have to be done on dry hair. Shampoo and dry it if at all possible.
posted by foxhat10 at 12:42 PM on August 14, 2013