I hate my hair. I always have. But you work with what you have. I’ve enjoyed keeping my hair in braids and/or loose extensions for years. It has let me add length, thickness, color and fun for really cheap (because I do it myself).
After baby arrived, I had massive postpartum shedding. We’re talking handfuls of hair every time I washed it. My hair couldn’t hold the extensions in because it was falling out so fast. I took them out and got my first haircut in 18 years. I figured since I couldn’t hide my hair behind fake stuff, I’d need to at least take off the dead ends and make it shorter so there was less to shed. The shedding finally stopped right around when Jax’s hair stopped falling out.
Now I have inch-long hairs that stick up everywhere when I try to pull my hair back. It’s getting a little mullet-tacular. I still can’t do braids, because those little pieces are too short. And I’d want Jax to be sleeping through the night before I go back to a hairstyle that takes between 4 – 15 hours to put in. So I’ve been putting it back in a clip and avoiding mirrors.
Feeling ugly is no good. So This summer I decided I’d go red in the fall. I used to love going red every few years, but I couldn’t with my hair in braids (I’d end up polka-dotted!) I’ve had my hair light blond for a long time to best match the extension hair. My natural hair has dark blond roots, medium blond length and light blond ends/sun-bleached bits. It didn’t want to go straight from that super light color to red, so I used a semi-permanent dye to go back to my natural medium blond.
I’m ready for my red now, so all that is left is to pick out the dye brand/color and some maintenance shampoos. Those of you who are not-so-natural redheads, or have been in the past, what are your favorites? They don’t make the red dyes I used to use in the late 90’s/early 00’s…
I’m told it’s frivolous to dye my hair, but you have to feel good about yourself, right? This is what I can do while I’m stuck with lame hair. And my hair grows *so* slow.
My hair started falling out like crazy when I had to start taking a new medication for my transplant (to battle a virus that is very stubborn). I’ve found that regular hair dyes make my hair fall out even more so I stopped coloring it for a long time. But with my hair falling out I at least wanted it a pretty color. I tried henna and it didn’t make my hair fall out more. It does make your hair reek of hay and clove for over a week but it makes my hair a nice shade of red. I wish I had found henna years ago.
I use this henna: http://www.lushusa.com/shop/products/hair/henna-hair-dyes/caca-rouge-mama
You do have to leave it on a really long time (I try for 4 or five hours but I usually only make it 3 before I freak out, haha).
Love to you!
Luckily my hair isn’t falling out any more. It was a pregnancy thing where you don’t shed for months and months then the back log falls out suddenly.
I’d love to try henna, but I can’t be stinky for days. Jax is sensitive to smells. He’s only recently let me wear perfume again. I’m guessing all henna is smelly? I saw a cream henna on Amazon that looked interesting, but I don’t like that there is no hint at all as to your results before you buy it.
Hey there, Shirley here from FB and Twitter. Hubby and I have always thought youre beautiful! Weve spoken, therefore you are. (Grins)
Cant wait for lots of pics! Actually, itd be kinda cool to be there for the transformation of Punquin!
Happy All Hallows Eve season. 🙂
Thanks, Shirley! There will be photos, I’m sure!
Who told you it’s frivolous to dye your hair? Sounds like a Danny thing to say. Clearly, he just doesn’t understand.
I use Loreal Preference. My hair dresser says it’s the most gentle on the hair.
While he didn’t say exactly that, he doesn’t think I should dye my hair at all (though we both used to). And he said if I did, he’d prefer not red. Doh.
Well, it’s for me, so it’s for me to decide…
You are lovely inside and out regardless of hair color!
Thank you, Beachdog!
Henna is a good idea because it’s less harsh than regular dye, and it plumps up your hair strands a little. I used it once in high school, but I can’t remember what it smelled like. I just remember it was super messy to use – my entire bathtub was stained red. I haven’t dyed my hair red in years, but I know Feria makes a lot of good reds. If you wanted something less harsh, you could pick a semi-permanent instead. Sorry I’m not being much help – I know a lot about hair loss – but not a lot about how to make hair look good!
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I agree, you’re beautiful no matter what!
I have not dyed my hair red in years (my husband hates fake red hair..*eyeroll*) But I use clairol natural instincts when I dye my hair darker browns.. It’s the only kind I’ve tried that doesn’t burn my scalp. Other than manic panic, hehe, but it’s been years since I’ve done that one too!
I would highly recommend going to a salon and having a professional dye it there. The salon quality red dye that they use won’t fade as fast as the box stuff you get from the store. I have natural strawberry blonde hair but in the fall I always go for a rich red color. This year I decided to go to a Paul Mitchell salon to have it done and so far, I’ve had no fading whatsoever (it’s been about 4 weeks since it was done). I also do not wash my hair everyday because that causes it to fade faster too and when I do wash it, I use a shampoo and conditioner that protects color. Again, I use a salon quality shampoo and conditioner because the color protecting stuff on the shelves at your local Walmart or Target is still too harsh for dyed hair. Hope this helps!
Well you know I am all about dying my hair and I dye it red. I have loved Feria, but be careful. That extra color boost stuff is deadly stain wise. It will turn anything it touches pink! But I love the way that dye makes my hair feel. Good luck choosing a shade! And yes you need to feel good about you!
L’Oreal Performing Preference, “Lightest Auburn” #7LA
I get mistaken for a natural redhead all the time 🙂