Maintining Blonde Hair | How I Tone My Hair
November 05, 2018 • DIY | Tips | Lists, Hairventure
DISCLAIMER: I AM NO EXPERT or PROFESSIONAL. Everything you see or will see in this blog about my #hairventure is based solely on personal experience.
When I started bleaching my hair years ago, I always end up so frustrated because I couldn't get to the platinum blonde state (Level 9-10) I always wanted. I would always end up with a corn-rust blonde that I sometimes love, but hate most of the time.
Instead of aiming for that platinum blonde hair, I'd just end up choosing a darker color (again) to cover up the brassiness. And I would always envy those that could get it done at the salon because I never had that kind of budget.
BUT, given today's hair technology evolution, platinum blonde (and silver, gray, ash hair) is easier to achieve not only in salons, but also in the comfort of your own home! DIY!
HOW? TONING PEOPLE! TONING!
Turns out, it's not only our face that needs toning. Hair needs it too! If you want to achieve that light blonde hair. Toning is the way to getting rid of all tacky muddy yellow tones, post bleaching.
So, what is toning? According to bellatory.com,
Toner is a sweet little product that neutralizes brassy yellow and orange tones on bleached hair. It is usually purple-blue tinted. When applied to bleached hair, it takes it to more of an ashy, dusty, or platinum color. That means a much more natural-looking hair tone! It can also make your hair look shiner and healthier.There are a lot of toners now in the market, but I'll discuss the few ones I've already tried and what I love and hate about them.
1) Wella Colar Charm Toner
Before using this, you may want to do research first which variant should be used for your current blonde shade. If what you are using is a bit darker than its requirement, it may not work.
When mixed right and applied on the correct shade, it works wonders and works fast. Although, I am not a fan of the stingy feel it gives, like when you're bleaching or using a really high volume developer.
REMEMBER: Do your research! Don't just dive in because it's a really strong concoction.
When mixed right and applied on the correct shade, it works wonders and works fast. Although, I am not a fan of the stingy feel it gives, like when you're bleaching or using a really high volume developer.
REMEMBER: Do your research! Don't just dive in because it's a really strong concoction.
2) Purple Shampoo & Conditioner
These two are a match made in heaven! It is a perfect combination made for every chemically treated blonde head. As I shared earlier, purple tones are used to neutralize the brassiness of the hair, so that in itself is self explanatory why Purple Shampoos and Conditioners are the best way to maintain blondes and grays.
There are imported purple shampoos like this from Generic Value Products (GVP), but I personally prefer using local ones like the ones from Beach Born and other local brands from Shopee.
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| www.beachborn.ph |
I love everything about this combo, except for the part where Purple Shampoos tend to dry your hair a bit so it should be used moderately. Using it 2-3x a week should be okay and should keep the brassy tones away.
2) FAVORITE: Purple Keratin
This is my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE and my current holy grail! My toiletry basket simply isn't complete without this. Everybody has been asking if i kept bleaching my hair to get the white its come to, but no. It's just this pretty thing right here. The power of purple shampoo, but with the conditioning powers of keratin! And everybody who does DIY hair coloring knows that keratin is your bestfriend!
I found this gem on one of my usual "let's find the cheapest option on Shopee" days. This kawaii themed shop (https://shopee.ph/melanchelly) sells this 500ml bottle for P288! And this lasted me 3 months!
I love everything about this product only sometimes, it's so potent that it stains your hair violet. However, you need not worry! You just need to mix it with a little bit of white conditioner and voila! You're all set!
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That's it! Care to share any of your toning routine? Comment below!
Friday's 10 Happy Things | 15
October 05, 2018
1. Why wouldn't this matchy outfit photo make me happy? Right?
2. And how about this little princess DJing at her own birthday party!
3. YUP! She's 3 now! Oh how time flies! <3
4. Did a hair color collab with Hey Berty! And will be sharing it soon here on the blog!
5. So. something REALLY bad happened recently. Given its complications and things that could go wrong with it, by know I should've been out of focus, out of line and out of this world. But for some really GOOD reason, I am okay. I'm trying to find a solution and despite how painful it is, I am TRYING to survive it.
6. So, Avery got this for her birthday. AN ACTUAL REAL DRUM SET. Sobraaannnggg cuttte! Thank you the grannies!
7. Got all good news and updates from Avery's therapist and teachers. So far, she's been doing really good the past few weeks! Her class schedule were trimmed down since she doesn't need it as much. So happy and proud of my princess!
8. Going purple and blue hair for my birthday. I'm excited.
9. This photo :P
10. Celebrating my 1st year anniversary with AdWolf next week! Along with my birthday! Hihi!
How was your week? Share with me the things that made you happy this week in the comments section below! Ciao
How I Removed Red Color on my Hair for P299!
October 02, 2018 • DIY | Tips | Lists, Hairventure
Remember when I shared my bleaching the red hair experience and it just turned peach pink-ish? Told ya'll I was going to find a way how to remove the remaining color... Well, I've finally figured out how to clear my hair of all the stubborn red/orange pigments!
Just to make it clear, I'll be sharing 3 things that I did to my hair to reach the almost platinum blonde shade it is in now. If you have red, orange or pink hair and would like to have it remove before jumping into another color, then read on!
DISCLAIMER: I AM NO EXPERT or PROFESSIONAL. Everything you see or will see in this blog about my #hairventure is based solely on personal experience.
1) DIY Concuctions
After bleaching my red hair, it went dry -- OF COURSE. So, I needed to have it rest before I go full on chemical warfare with it again. I searched for natural ways on how to (gradually) remove the color from my hair and I found two (2) that were quite effective.
(A) Anti-Dandruff Shampoo + Baking Soda
When you have color treated hair, you are advised not to use any anti-dandruff shampoo since an ingredient present in anti-dandruff shampoo strips away the color faster. Add an equal part of baking soda, which is natural ingredient used in cleaning almost all kinds of stuff --- You get an easy and somewhat natural color remover for your hair. I used this formula for about a week with my regular conditioner. Change is very gradual, but it works and is perfect if you're not in a hurry.
(B) Dishwashing Soap + Baking Soda
I know this is weird and not to mention makes your hair smell a little funny after, but it's not all bad. Mix equal parts dishwashing liquid and baking soda. Shampoo as normal. As you rinse, you'll see a bit of color down the drain. Although, this method might also need a few washes.
2) The (mild) Bleach + Shampoo Treatment
About a week into it, my hair somewhat returned to its natural soft state or at least to a state where it can handle a little bit of bleaching again. I mixed about 10-15grams of bleaching powder and 9% oxidizing lotion. After, I added in equal part shampoo. I just used my regular shampoo for this, but I read in a blog that using a clarifying shampoo does a better job. I used this every other day until my hair became about Level 8 blonde near the roots and Level 4-5 towards the end.
3) Full Chemical Treatment: Hair Color Erase
I knew there are several hair color removers in the market, but they're too expensive (for me) that I really tried the first 2 ways first since they're cheap and I already have them. But, I was getting impatient from removing all the dark tones that I finally decided I'd spend P500 - P900 for a hair color remover. Still, I was hoping against hope that I'd find something that is within my budget, and thank the online shopping gods, I DID! I found this shop on Shopee that sells repacks or "takals" of expensive hair stuff.
I purchased this 15grams repack of Matrix Essentials Solutionist Color Erase Permanent Hair Color Remover for P299! I just purchased one set since I only had shoulder length hair and would only need to remove color on the bottom half of my hair. The set includes a repacked powder form color erase, 100ml of oxidizing lotion and very precise instructions on how to use it. It looks like and has the same process as bleach, but it does not bleach the hair. It will only remove the current color and bring it back to the original state it was in. For me however, since I already bleached my hair before this, my hair instantly went from muddy orange to Level 8-9 blonde.
A little warning though to those who would like to try it --- IT WILL DRY YOUR HAIR. I was kind of shocked as to how dry it became after the color removal. It was more fried than when I bleached 2x in a week! It is very effective and it really does what it's supposed to do, but you have to be prepared for a lot of conditioning treatments after. Before using this, I would advise to stock up on Keratin treatments and deep conditioners.
Nevertheless, if you want it fast (because you are impatient like me) I would strongly recommend this! Just remember to condition A LOT and as always, never forget the holy grail of all Hair DIYers --- Virgin Coconut Oil. I also used my favorite Purple Keratin to remove the brassiness left after all the bleaching and color removing.
If you plan to try this product out, or any hair color removers/routines, share them on the comments below! I would love to hear them or maybe even try them out too!
PS. don't forget to follow me on Instagram and checkout my #hairventure highlights!
How I Bleach My Hair
September 22, 2018 • DIY | Tips | Lists, Hairventure
AND as promised! I'm gonna be sharing how DIY my hair color, bleach and everything in between! But, before I go ahead and start rambling, don't forget to follow me on Instagram and checkout my #hairventure highlights!
DISCLAIMER: I AM NO EXPERT or PROFESSIONAL. Everything you see or will see in this blog about my #hairventure is based solely on personal experience.
ALSO, before I started bleaching my hair I came from being a red head. Red pigments are hardest to remove and I knew it won't come off with the bleach, but yeah, I was excited :P
If you've known me for a long time you would know that if there is any part of my body where I really spend on, it's my hair and always the hair. I've always been fond and obsessed with coloring my hair, but of course while I was having fun, my wallet was suffering.
And so, with the help of my Mom from years back, we both learned the art of DIY hair care and coloring. It's been years since mom went on to the other side and I haven't colored my hair (loud) since then. Going back to it now is so meaningful to me that I just want to share what I learned from before and now to everyone.
(Wish you were still here, Mommy)
Back to the title of this post --- How I Bleach My Hair. While this process is already common, I know some people who are still afraid to do it because everybody knows it fries your hair. Specially if you don't know how to do it correctly. A few years back, I remember my hair felt like a broom from too much bleaching!
For first timers, I would always suggest having this done at the salon or with experts. If you are on a budget however, I know the first thing that would come to mind is doing it on your own or with a friend. Now, before you start hoarding stuff to bleach and color your hair, make sure you read through this post to see how I do it with as minimal hair damage and and as cheap as possible.
1) Believe in the power of VIRGIN COCONUT OIL (VCO)
A lot of people ask me how is my hair is still manageable after all the bleaching and coloring. This is the answer. Before I bleach my hair, I soak my hair in warm Virgin Coconut Oil. If your VCO is in a bottle, just heat water and put the bottle and the warm water in a cup to or you can just pop just enough amount for your hair in the microwave.
How long I soak it in VCO depends on my schedule, but it is advisable to soak it in for at least 5-6 hours or more. When I am on my lazy days, I soak it overnight and bleach when I wake up in the morning. NO WASHING.
2) Tools for Bleaching
Now, bleach is a very powerful compound and so is the oxidizing lotion/cream we use to mix it so we need to make sure we are well equipped! You will need a plastic mixing bowl, applicator (with or without comb), a towel or a robe and gloves. These four items are a must! If you have the budget, you can also go and invest on ear covers and some salon clips to help in sectioning your hair.
3) Bleaching Materials
Now the bleach! I used to by my bleaching powder in large tubs, but since I stopped and is just starting again, I buy mine in repacks and just enough to cover the length of my hair now. Good bleaching powders are light blue in color. I don't trust the ones that are white because, in my experience, they stink and are a waste of money -- it doesn't work for me. Anyway, along with the powder is the oxidizer (9%) to make it into a mixture. I got my Keratin Oxidizer from @pimpmyhairph --- this is the best oxidizer I've tried since it doesn't make my hair too dry.
3) Mixing the bleach and oxidizer
I have short hair now. I use about 30 grams of bleaching powder and mix it with 100ml 9% Oxidizing Lotion. What you're supposed to have is a light blue mixture with just the right amount of thickness.
4) Sectioning The Hair
4) Sectioning The Hair
I do quadrants when sectioning my hair and I bleach by section, starting with the ones in front onto the back ones. You can use hair ties or salon clips to do this.
5) Applying the Bleach
5) Applying the Bleach
As I said, I bleach one section at a time. Remember to start bleaching your hair at least an inch away from the roots since the roots tend to lighten faster than the rest of the hair strand. After bleaching the your hair, then you can start with the roots. After applying all the bleach, I massage the bleach a bit on my head to make sure I got it all covered.
6) Waiting Time
Waiting time depends on how light you want you hair to be, BUT REMEMBER do not go over an hour! Any bleach or hair color just stops working after an hour. Also, don't make your hair suffer that much. Since I need a lighter base for all the coloring I'm planning to do in the future, I let it sit for 45mins.
7) Rinse & Condition
7) Rinse & Condition
When rinsing, I make sure that I got all the bleach out. Dried bleach on your head will irritate your skin more. Your scalp has suffered enough during the bleaching process so make sure your you've washed out all the bleach. After which, I shampoo with my regular shampoo and CONDITION!
As I said, I came from a red hair before bleaching and so the bleach only lightened my roots and made my red hair a cute shade of peach pink ---- which was something I did not expect, but I love it.
Well, there you go... I hope you learned a thing or two about bleaching your hair. Remember, if you're not sure -- GO TO THE SALON! Or, if you're as obsessed as I am with DIY hair stuff, share with me your bleaching/coloring routine too!
PS. I'm still trying to figure out how to remove ALL the red pigments on my hair. Will share it here on the blog when I get it. :P
Friday's 10 Happy Things | 14
September 21, 2018 • Friday's 10 Happy Things
And so...
1. Caught my little girl singing the alphabet while I was getting ready for work! I thought the TV speaker was off or something, but NO! It was her! She was singing! It's the best progress we've had since she started her therapy! OMG. I AM SO HAPPY this could actually my whole 10. :P
But of course, there are so many things to be thankful for.
2. Bought this pair from some who just used it once or twice and decided to sell because it was big for her. Such a good buy! <3
3. Bought this too at H&M for half the freakin' price!
4. It was a salon date with the fam bam a few days ago and this little girl volunteered to get a hair cut.
5. After the haircut, this is her enjoying perfume samples at the mall. Haha!
6. Had a crazy night with crazy friends. This night was so random and turned out to be one of the most interesting nights we've had in a long while. The table beside were a bunch of kids who apparently had an uninvited guest with no money. While settling their bill, one guy started telling the uninvited guest (who was very mayabang btw) to cough up some cash as "ambag" but the guy had none. One bad word let to another and the next thing we knew, they were brawling outside the bar. Haven't seen such entertainment in years. :P
7. Finally had the time to go back to doing what I love --- HAIR COLORING! Will be starting my #Hairventure again and will be sharing it here on the blog how I do it on budget and how I TRY to minimize the damage.
8. Finally released a few new designs for Mainline Clothing Co!
9. Learned a lot about lightroom presets the past weeks! And I even got to write about some presets I like and where to get them.
10. AND this. Just this beautiful creature. :P
How bout you? Share with me the things that made you happy this week in the comments section below! Ciao!
Cover Photo by Kenrick Mills on Unsplash
Cover Photo by Kenrick Mills on Unsplash
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