Okay, here's another question about my hair *lmao*

[Aquilah]

Okay, since I've decided to leave it natural for awhile, I'm thinking about coloring it. I haven't had a relaxer/touch-up since February, so I'm thinking I'm okay there. The last time I colored it was in 2004, and I used a semi-permanent color. The last time I used a permanent color was in 2002. So, I have two questions: (1) Should I color it, as in will I be safe without further serious damage control? and (2) What's the best OTC brand to use? I've always used Garnier Fructis, which has worked wonders. I've tried Herbal Essences once, and it was good too. I just want some opinions I reckon from you lovely MuTers!!! TIA!!!

 

[Little_Lisa]

I think it's definitely safe to color your hair by now. hehe I color mine all the time but get it done professionally so I can't suggest an OTC brand, sorry.

 

[Aquilah]

Yeah, I'd get it done professionally, but since my hair doesn't hold color too well or for too long, it's not worth it to me to spend $60+ for a professional coloring... You know? I'm thinking about going back to red... Like a garnet red color... So far these are the colors I'm looking into:

• Garnier 100% Color Collection in #660 or #764
• Garnier Red Hot Red Collection in Spicy Salsa or Hot Tamale
• Garnier Nutrisse Colletion in Pomegrante or Summer Berry
• Herbal Essences Colorflirt in #4 So Hot or #12 Spicy Shimmer (temporary colors)
• Clairol Natural Instincts in Cinnaberry, Rosewood or Egyptian Plum
• Clairol Textures & Tones in Red Rage, Blazing Burgundy or Red Hot Red (for women of color)

 

[Little_Lisa]

I bet you'd look smoking hot in red! Be sure to post pics after you color it!

 

[Gwendela]

I agree with Lisa about you looking smoking hot in red.

Just a question though, and this shows my lack of knowledge in hair coloring. Does the red coloring just leave a deposit on your hair or does it strip the color out? Just wondering b/c I have black hair and well I'm nosey.

 

[Aquilah]

Well, I'm not too sure what you mean... Maybe I'm having a "Duh!" moment though *lol* I would say it deposits color more so than strips... My hair is naturally a dark brown, almost black with natural red highlights. So, in order to get a good coloring, I actually use a light, bright color instead to get it remotely to where I want it, or let the color sit longer. Like I said though, I might have misread what you meant, so if you can clarify, I might be able to better let you know...

 

[Gwendela]

Originally Posted by Aquilah Well, I'm not too sure what you mean... Maybe I'm having a "Duh!" moment though *lol* I would say it deposits color more so than strips... My hair is naturally a dark brown, almost black with natural red highlights. So, in order to get a good coloring, I actually use a light, bright color instead to get it remotely to where I want it, or let the color sit longer. Like I said though, I might have misread what you meant, so if you can clarify, I might be able to better let you know... I don't even understand what the heck I wrote.

I was ever so eloquently wondering if the hair color contains peroxide or any other item that would strip the color from your hair. I guess in my brain fart induced state I was thinking that if it contained something to lighten or lift color that it would cause more harm than something that only deposits color. Can you see why I have to ask so many questions about my own hair?

Sorry for jumbling up your thread with my nonsense sweetie.

 

[Aquilah]

Nope, you're fine! I prefer Garnier Fructis as it's great color, doesn't seem too harsh on my hair at least, smell great, and contains natural fruit oil concentrates. I've never had a problem whenever I've used their colors (dryness, harshness, severe damage, etc.), and I don't believe it had peroxide in it. My hair has always seemed quite healthy when using any Garnier product! Honestly, I think it's the only hair color I'd use OTC... Herbal Essences wasn't too great for me, and neither was Clairol Hydrience when I tried it...

For reference, here's a pic of me from 2000 when I dyed it red... I believe this was Garnier Nutrisse in Sangria... If not, then it's probably a blonde color I used to lighten it (Clairol Hydrience in Suntan), but I believe it's Garnier...

 

[xkatiex]

The Garnier hair colours are the best ones you can buy to do it yourself! lol cant wait to see the new hair colour

x

 

[lacolora]

I've used Garnier too! I think they are the best for store bought one's.

Have you tried going to Sally's and buying the bottles and developer yourself. I've tried the Loreal like that, and I definetly see a difference in the color staying longer for some reason.

 

[Marisol]

I like Loreal Feria when I color my hair. Look forward to seeing your pictures!

 

[Aquilah]

Okay, I ended up getting Garnier Nutrisse #66 Pomegrante (True Red)... It's sitting in my head now, and then I'll finish up and post pics... So far, it's looking MIGHTY red, but I know that might not be the end result... I have a bad feeling that it didn't work through as much on the hair so much more than the roots... Thank goodness for John's lack of help *lmao* Hopefully it looks good! If not, then I guess I'll have to wait and then retouch it more on the hair than the roots... Wish me luck, and I'll repost within an hour w/ the results

 

[AngelaGM]

Your picture from 2002 looks beautiful! I am sure you will look sensational as a red head.

 

[Aquilah]

Well, I'm apparently going to have to blowdry it out so you can see the color... Exactly what I thought would happen seems to have happened... It's not that red either... I had a feeling I should've used the Garnier 100% Color in Intense Auburn (#660) that I bought too... Oh well! I'll blowdry it in a few and see what it looks like...

 

[NYAngel98]

I usually use a semi-perm. color when my hair starts turning red in the sun --- but I liked the 100% color... seemed to work well. Can't wait for your update!

 

[Aquilah]

Well, it looks like it's just made my already naturally red highlights just "redder." No significant change in color

No pics as of yet since it's air drying... I could already tell I wasn't going to have fun trying to blow dry it... Maybe tomorrow and I'll try to "straighten it out" a little...

So, I'm guessing I might just need to wait it out, and then have it done professionally if I'm going to bypass the rela xer/touch-up... How long do you normally have to wait in between coloring? At least if it's been botched or whatnot?

::: EDIT ::: Okay, I lied... Here's two pics... Ignore the lack of makeup (and the light from the flash)!!! I look like crap!!! The other pic is at an angle from my forehead so to speak... I'll post more pics tomorrow after I blow dry it, unless I get bored later and do it *lol*

 

[NYAngel98]

I can definitely see a lot of red in there... and it might brighten up more when it oxidizes. I would wait at least 3 weeks if you can before recoloring. I think it looks good though! It's a nice auburn and goes good w/ your skin tone

 

[Aquilah]

Thanks Janelle! Well, it's not as bright now, and I think the flash helped with those pics *lol* It's definitely more auburn... It's dry now, so I'll blowdry it out and repost pics ASAP. I'll wait the three weeks though! I won't want to further continue damaging my hair if I can help it!

 

[xkatiex]

It looks great! really natural

x

 

[Little_Lisa]

Originally Posted by NYAngel98 I can definitely see a lot of red in there... and it might brighten up more when it oxidizes. I would wait at least 3 weeks if you can before recoloring. I think it looks good though! It's a nice auburn and goes good w/ your skin tone

I agree!