If you have been following my #Hairventure, you probably know how I originally planned to go gray from red --- AND failed. MISERABLY. 

My hair got so toasted from all the color removing I did and it's current state will no longer take in hair color (except for semi permanent dyes that have no chemicals) --- during this time instead of going gray, I opted for blue and violet hues and accepted the fact that I will never get the silver gray that I wanted.

I know Manic Panic (a vegan brand) has Alien Grey, but I was hell bent on trying other brands since I've been using Manic Panic since 2010 and didn't want to be stuck to just one brand and not to mention, it's kind of pricey.  I don't have the heart to spend Php800 (plus shipping fee) on a single color hence, no gray for me.

I went from ash purple - pastel blue - sapphire blue - mermaid green - teal blue - bluish gray - and finally back to ash blonde.  UNTIL --- I discovered LUNAR TIDES. OOOHHHH MYYYY.  It has the same packaging as Manic Panic, but cheaper! ANNNNDDD, they have different shades of gray. You can choose how light and dark you want to go for Php650!

Okay, to answer where I got it ---- from Rainbowhead PH.

MOVING ON ---

Here's a before photo --- the awful and awkward state my hair is in now.  A weird shade of ash blonde.  This is a normal blonde I'm trying to maintain and keep away the brass with my favorite Purple Keratin Toner.


Lunar Tides comes in a 100ml plastic bottle packaging.  My hair now is about an inch or two past my shoulder. and that should be enough to cover everything, but since I want the top layer of my hair to be noticeably gray, here's what I did instead of buying 2 bottles of dye (because you know, queen of tipid haha)

I mixed 3 parts Lunar Tides Silver Lining with my Purple Keratin.  This I used in the bottom layers of my hair.  The remaining Silver Lining dye, I applied on the top layers and tips of my hair.

AND HERE is my gray hair after using Lunar Tides - Silver Lining.

This dye is best applied on clean damp hair.  Since it's not chemical based, it's very easy to spread on your (my dry) hair.   I did use an applicator at first, but towards the end, I just used my fingers and applied it like I was applying conditioner.

I originally planned on having it on my hair for 2 hours, but anime marathon & sleep happened. I left this on my hair overnight! And since there are no hasrsh chemicals --- no (in my case -- additional) hair damage!

UPDATE: Hair Color lasted for about 3 weeks on my hair --- with proper care (which I'll share again next time :P)
Check out other amazing Lunar Tides hair dyes at Rainbowhead PH.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

~

That's  it! Care to share any of your toning routine? Comment below!

Hello there. Welcome to this weeks' 10 Happy Things.  This is where we count the 10 things that made us happy over the week. Why? Because why not? 

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.

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.

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.

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!