Since we’ve been talking about hair colors recently….and seems there are several members here who color their hair regularly, I thought I’d start a thread regarding specific brands/colors.
I started getting full highlights at a salon in my late 20’s. LOVED it! After a few years, the excitement wore off and I decided I’m not going to spend almost $1,000/year to maintain my hair. Now the ONLY reason I currently color my hair is to cover the greys (about 10-15% of my hair is grey).
I use Ion Demi brand from Sally’s. I LOVE it! I mix 4N & 5G to achieve the dark brown/almost black that looks natural on me. It’s super easy and my hubby helps me with the hair on the back! :cb: This is the only brand I have used since I started coloring my own hair.
This is so interesting because I will only venture to a drugstore and have my hair turn orange because it's not meant for everyone. People around me color at home and they get fab result. How do u pick out the color and the toner and what is this equalizing neutralizing wizardry these stylist talk about.
Re: Hair Color - Brands/Specific Colors (Good & Bad)
^ Over the years I just watched and learned what colour/toner suits my complexion.
Even after that orange debacle I had, what I did was completely stopped using drug store brand colours. Only one I stuck to all these years is Wella/Schwarzkopf (usually the cream based ones) for all over colour+toner. I have even done highlights on myself and the results have been amazing. All you need to get is peroxide developer (20 volume for all over hair) 30 if you want a lighter shade/hue (like hazelnut/chocolate light brown) and even up for bleaching purposes, I wouldn't go over 40, You will fry your hair.
I actually suggest don't even do highlights at home, but all over colour should be a quickie without any issues :)
Re: Hair Color - Brands/Specific Colors (Good & Bad)
If I ever want to do a quick color job at home I use Vidal Sassoon, ION or bring home some Redken from the shop. I have had great luck with Wella as well...in fact we have a box color service we offer (you can bring your own color, we apply, wash and blow dry) and manyyyyyyy of the clients bring in Wella.
Re: Hair Color - Brands/Specific Colors (Good & Bad)
I use color only for my grays. I use the foam haircolor by Clariol and in between I use the Root Touch up by Clriaol Nice and Easy. I use a dark brown.
Of so what is a blue based neutralizer or how does one tone down or fight the orange in hair. I have orange and when I go to a salon, she uses a blue based on even a purple in my haircolor. Is that the 20 volume or what is it?!?
Re: Hair Color - Brands/Specific Colors (Good & Bad)
Yep, don't bother trying to do highlights at home.
As for all over color, I've only colored my hair all over to cover greys to I choose dark colors. I've never lightened my hair so not an expert on lifting colors.
I learned based on reviews on makeupalley that Ion colors run 1-2 shades darker. So simply by looking at the swatches at Sally's, I bought 4N & 5G. Makeupalley taught me that I should get a neutral color as that's the best for greys. I also learned there that I should get the volume 10 developer since I want 0 lift from my natural color. Ion also has a clear glaze that can be used to lighten the intensity of color. Like Reha said, all over color is super easy.
P.S. Brand wise Ion & Wella both gets lots of love at Makeupalley.
Re: Hair Color - Brands/Specific Colors (Good & Bad)
Jerome Russell lightening kit.. brilliant results and very easy to use.. I've used Schwarzkopf XXL in Absolute Platinum and Bitter Sweet Chocolate as well.. The former was ok but the latter turned my hair jet black instead of the chocolate it was meant to be..
I use the redken chromatics! It's really good, less ammonia and a lot of shine plus gentle on hair. Only the hairstylists can buy them from salon supply places so I have to get it done!