Permanent Haircolor vs. Semi Permanent Haircolor

Permanent Color color can be tricky. Be it a first time color, color correction or a change be it lighter or darker. It can be disastrous without the proper knowledge. Hair can become green, orange, mousy, too dark or too light.

The trick is knowing what to use and when. What cancels out what and what can add to your color to enhance what you already love.

Ladies I know that some of you are not fans of the salon and prefer to do it yourself, but color can be like opening Pandora's box. You can open it but you never know what you'll get. Or to what degree.

I have had women come to me after trying to color their own hair with a variety of issues. Some have lightened their hair to the degree of being nearly translucent. Some have had their hair melt off in spots. Some have stripes like a glowing orange rainbow. Everyone has seen the three rings of color: lighter at the roots, darker in the center of the hair shaft and drab on the ends. All are consequenses of improper color application. Believe it or not I have even seen someone come in after trying to apply black hair color only to have it turn out blotchy. How is this possible? Black should be the easiest color to apply. Not true, especially if you do it yourself. It is impossible to see the back of your head. How can you distribute the color evenly over the hair shaft if you can't see it?

Sure having color done in the salon can be expensive but it can be more expensive if a stylist has to correct whatever is wrong. After you have achieved the color that you want remember to continue with your stylist, keep up with your treatments in order to keep your hair strong, healthy and with that natural shine, oil moisturizing treatments are a must.

Always use shampoo and conditioner designed to preserve your color. Face the world with beautiful strong hair, not the dull, lifeless boring hair that do it yourself types display.

PS: Don't forget to keep up with your trims, nothing is worse that silky beautiful hair with bushy dead ends. Believe me everyone notices.

Semi-Permanent Color

Most everyone loves hair color. It can be an extension of our personalities, enhance our beauty or just warm our skin. Hair color and also fill holes in the hair shaft making hair appear fuller and in better condition.

One thing about semi-permanent color is it only last for up to 12 shampoos. Sometimes the color can be prolonged if using color enhancing shampoos. I suggest that you always use shampoo and conditioner for color treated hair, they provide the properties needed to give your color longevity.

Color can be vibrant, subtle, or rich. If you love the color that you already have most color companies also offer clear semi-perm color. It can be used to water down (so to speak) a color that is too intense or just add shine to your own natural color as well as condition.

Semi-perm color is great for chemically treated hair as well as natural hair. I don't usually suggest that anyone do they're own color, but semi-perm color is safe and easy to use. If doing your own color, I suggest that if you have product buildup that you use a clarifying shampoo to clean the hair shaft of mineral, calcium or product buildup. Leave it on for 3 to 5 minutes after working it through your hair. Rinse, towel dry well and apply color, using heat will help the color penetrate the hair shaft. Natural as well as chemically treated hair especially if long may have porous ends. To even out color use a porosity controlling spray to even out porosity or use a creme conditioner that will even out porosity before applying color.

If in doubt contact a color professional, he/she will know what to do to give you the results that you want

Live well...

To weave or not to weave? That is the question!

Hair weaving has been around for decades, but never before in it's history has it been so popular or natural looking. Women are now weaving rather than buying and wearing wigs.

Weaving is not just used for length but many women are having their hair weaved for style alone. Women with naturally long hair are opting for shorter weaves rather than cutting their own hair. Or weaving in a certain color rather than committing to that color by dying their own natural hair. If you have naturally curly hair and want silky straight hair (or vice versa) it's yours for the taking.

Some women despise looking the same month after month and Bobs are a hit now, and knowing that tomorrow you can sport a funky bob like Rhianna or go for a more classic sleek bob like that of Mary J. Blige is very appealing to some of us. Be asymmetrical today and disconnected tomorrow, blond, brunette or redhead. Long flowing locks, extreme curls, the choice is yours, have a ball it's all do-able!

There are various techniques available to the consumer. Different types of weaves are braided foundations (perfect for full weaves) with or without net, bonding, fusion, lacing or clip on. Also there are lace front systems for more styling versatility. This system can be parted, combed back or worn with full bangs, side swept bangs etc. The hair can be pulled back into a neat ponytail or even twisted back and look very natural. This technique is very popular with celebrities and can be very pricey but totally worth it if you can afford it. Especially for those that prefer a natural fall and and look. System shapes and sizes vary, some are for the front or back hairline, some cover certain parts of the head and can be customized for a particular client. Therefore fitting the needs of any and everyone imaginable.

Lacefronts can be a God send for women and men with Alopecia Areata or hair loss due to Chemotherapy. They are less cumbersome than wigs and offer movement and better shape than wigs.

Remember do your homework, ask around try not to go for stylists that charge a ridiculously cheap rate. Chances are you'll regret it in the end. A professional will know how to cut and style the hair thus giving you a more natural look.

Also be sure that your stylist takes the time to make sure that you are comfortable and that there is no pulling or tearing of your natural hair. Make sure that braids are not too tight which can cause your own hair to be uprooted, which in some cases can be permanent. Wear a weave because you want to, not because you need too. I have seen this happen again and again, if you feel pain do not be afraid to speak up. A good stylist will understand and want you to be comfortable.

Live well....