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Dying my hair for the first time

wandajune6wandajune6 member
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in Chit Chat
My life is a shit storm at the moment and I need to perk myself up. I've decided to try to pretty myself up a bit and try for some "wow."

My hair is red but looking faded and sad right now. I hacked off a bunch right after the wedding but it still goes a bit past my shoulders. It needs to be trimmed but I don't want to do anything crazy with it- I never follow through with my goals of regular styling.

I've booked an appointment with someone highly recommended. I know that I want something that doesn't require a lot of upkeep and won't look scary if I decide to grow it out. I also need it to be very professional/responsible because of my job.

Is there anything I should know before I do this? I'm clueless!
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Re: Dying my hair for the first time

  • ohannabelleohannabelle member
    2500 Comments 500 Love Its First Answer First Anniversary
    Don't stress! Anything you don't like can be done over. 

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  • mikenbergermikenberger member
    1000 Comments 500 Love Its First Anniversary First Answer
    Just make sure that you are very plain and clear about what you'd like and that your expectation level is reasonable. And if you have questions during the process; ask. Don't wonder why they're doing what they're doing, it's YOUR hair. A great stylist should always be ready to answer questions if they're not explaining what they're doing and why they're doing it. 

    Sounds like fun though :) I love having my hair done! 

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  • theartistformerlyknownastheartistformerlyknownas member
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    Make sure you go in with at least day-old hair. If you've just washed it that morning, your scalp can be a little irritated from scrubbing and the dye can irritate it more.

    Also don't freak out when you see the color of the dye. That is NOT the color your hair will turn out. It's not paint. :)
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  • buttercup1958buttercup1958
    1000 Comments 500 Love Its Second Anniversary Name Dropper
    Bring pictures and ask questions. I think it will turn out great! I always bring pictures even though I'm a regular to my hairstylist now. It just makes me feel better since I'm bad at explaining what I want. I have my appointment this wednesday! I love getting y hair done, I hope you love it too. Plus show us afterwards!
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  • emmaaaemmaaa mod
    Moderator 2500 Comments 500 Love Its Fourth Anniversary
    Just try not to stress out. Don't wash your hair on the day or your appointment (or if you can, two days). Take pictures and ask questions. Alos, don't freak out if the color is a little dark or vibrant at first, it fades after a few washes.

    Also, since your hair is naturally red (I am too), you should know that red hair doesn't take color as well and is more resistant to color. It also fades much quicker. It's a blessing and a curse.

    What color are you going for?

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  • wandajune6wandajune6 member
    2500 Comments 500 Love Its Third Anniversary First Answer
    Thank you all!

    I washed my hair last night so the dirty hair train has passed. I never thought of that-- plus, I just made the decision to dye it today.

    It's good to know what to expect on red hair. Thanks, Emma!

    As for expectations, I have no idea. I want to stay a redhead but I'd like my color to have more punch. I'm not sure if all over color is the best idea-- my concern is that it will grow out badly if I don't want to keep it that color forever. However, if it will fade fast, that might not be an issue. The other option is highlights/lowlights (not sure what the difference is or what's better)-- something that punches the color up more.

    Ultimately, I think I need someone to tell me what will work best because I'm pretty clueless.
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  • mikenbergermikenberger member
    1000 Comments 500 Love Its First Anniversary First Answer
    Maybe a glaze or a demi-permanent would be a good option for you. It doesn't "lift" (read: lighten/remove color) from the hair as much so it fades out quicker and better than if you had gone permanent.

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  • wandajune6wandajune6 member
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    That sounds perfect!
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  • NowIAmSypNowIAmSyp member
    Eighth Anniversary 500 Love Its 500 Comments First Answer
    I am going to get my hair dyed auburn tomorrow, too!  I've always tried to put some red in my hair, but since I'm a dark chocolatey-brown, it always just looks... dark.  I'm gonna go lighter and redder (is that word?).

    I'm a little nervous, too- good luck!!  And like PP's stated- whatever is done, can be undone- so don't be too scared :)
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  • KatWAGKatWAG member
    2500 Comments Fifth Anniversary 500 Love Its 5 Answers

    have you considered doing highlights verses all over color? Highlights are easier to keep up with and arent so harsh when they start to grow up.

    And bring pictures.

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  • littlepeplittlepep member
    1000 Comments 500 Love Its First Anniversary First Answer
    I had mine done for the first time last fall. It was scary, but I love the results. Definitely go in with pictures. I trust my stylist a lot so I let her guide me on what was best based on the pictures I had. If you trust your stylist enough, I would let him/her give you recommendations. I know nothing about hair color so I found it helpful. :) Good luck!
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  • emmaaaemmaaa mod
    Moderator 2500 Comments 500 Love Its Fourth Anniversary
    Before and after pics?

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  • larrygagalarrygaga member
    2500 Comments 500 Love Its First Anniversary First Answer
    edited February 2015
    My sister has hair the color you have and she does blonde highlights. It looks amazing. Mine is a darker red, so I like to just go darker. 

    Make sure you follow up with matching eyebrows. I figure you probably have red eyebrows so if you go darker or lighter you might have to adjust brows. I'm sure your stylist can help you with a pencil color or gel color.

    Nothing weirder than red eyebrows that don't match the hair.
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  • hellosweetie1015hellosweetie1015 member
    2500 Comments 500 Love Its First Anniversary First Answer
    soontobesyp said:
    I am going to get my hair dyed auburn tomorrow, too!  I've always tried to put some red in my hair, but since I'm a dark chocolatey-brown, it always just looks... dark.  I'm gonna go lighter and redder (is that word?).

    I'm a little nervous, too- good luck!!  And like PP's stated- whatever is done, can be undone- so don't be too scared :)
    I just took mine from that same color brown to a an almost-vibrant red. I LOVE IT. I don't know exactly what was done to it but it is so perfect. It's bright and happy, while also low-key enough for my day job.

    WandaJune, take pictures in with you, and also - maybe ask your stylist to pull some up as well. They'll probably find some you've already got, but they'll also find some you might not have thought of. And yes - ask questions. If they're worth their stuff, they can answer it. 
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  • JoanE2012JoanE2012 member
    5000 Comments 500 Love Its Fourth Anniversary 5 Answers
    Be open to the change, but don't be afraid to tell the stylist if you don't like it afterwards.  They should be able to work with you to fix it.
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  • emmaaaemmaaa mod
    Moderator 2500 Comments 500 Love Its Fourth Anniversary
    larrygaga said:
    My sister has hair the color you have and she does blonde highlights. It looks amazing. Mine is a darker red, so I like to just go darker. 

    Make sure you follow up with matching eyebrows. I figure you probably have red eyebrows so if you go darker or lighter you might have to adjust brows. I'm sure your stylist can help you with a pencil color or gel color.

    Nothing weirder than red eyebrows that don't match the hair.
    A-freaking-men. I know a girl who has light auburn/dark strawberry blonde hair and she always dies it dark auburn or does heavy lowlights. Her eyebrows are blonde (as are mine) and she NEVER dyes them or at least pencils them. It drives me bonkers.

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  • drunkenwitchdrunkenwitch member
    Ninth Anniversary 1000 Comments 500 Love Its First Answer
    edited February 2015
    I hope I'm not too late, make sure they a "color test" first on a small strip of your hair.  That way you can 1)know if you are going to have a bad reaction to the dye 2) know if the dye will work on your hair.

    I have been dying my hair for 20, if it wasn't for the fact that I shave my head every 5 to 6 years and start from scratch, I would have no idea what my natural hair is.

    Afterwards get a shampoo and conditioner that is specially for dried hair.  It will help hold the color and rehydrate your hair.

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  • wandajune6wandajune6 member
    2500 Comments 500 Love Its Third Anniversary First Answer
    I went in with pictures, slightly too clean hair, and lots of questions.

    It turned out pretty well. I tried taking pictures but they didn't turn out. Plus, I had a long night and don't want to put makeup on so no views for now.

    I've got a combination of highlights and lowlights. She kept them fairly subtle so it wouldn't be too much of a shock. It was a good call. Plus, they kind of hide away depending on how I part my hair (intentional) which I love. I'm happy.

    The color isn't enough of a change to need to alter my makeup. However, good call on the eyebrows- they're a big deal to me. My brows are so blonde that they're only visible when I add makeup. I've wasted a lot of time and money on finding the perfect color.

    Thank you all for the recommendations!
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