Life Lately | Hello, 2019
March 01, 2019 • Life Lately, Personal
Life lately? I'm tired, but alive. I'm exhausted, but again, alive and still trying to make it.
My 2018 was like a Japanese rice ball wrapped in bad decisions, rolled in a bed of failed "new beginnings" and topped with financial difficulties.
I intended to end 2018 by leaving that bad serving of bento, wishing for a better serving in 2019. However, as they say in the books and movies, fate has a funny way of showing you "it's going to be alright." Too dramatic for you? Well, let me start by sharing with you how I celebrated my holidays last year.
For the first time ever, Avery and I celebrated Christmas with my Tita Marvi. We had a simple samgyupsal and shabu shabu for Noche Buena. It was a pretty fun celebration. Small, but we were genuinely happy because everybody spoke, shared stories and no one was acting out of character. I woke up the next day with a 39 degree fever and flu. Eventually, Avery caught the virus and we were both in an out of the hospital during the last week of December 2018. On the 31st however, durung Avery's second trip to the ER, she was advised to be confined.
My daughter and I said hello to 2019 with a take out box from Alex III for me and a bottle of milk, dextrose and bunch of other medicines for her.
We were discharged 5 days later and it just kind of went downhill from there. Avery's confinement came of as a financial surprise, but I was more surprised when I found out I wasn't eligible to use my Philhealth. Talk about being unprepared or just plain malas.
Mid January, things started to pick up a little. Office was toxic after the holidays, but we did find the time to unwine A BIT before January ended.
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| 2 Day Event at Taal Vista Hotel, Tagaytay |
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| Synergy at Bakasyunan, Zambales |
Just when I thought things were just about to get better, I received a 4:00 AM call from my Tita Marvi's phone. This was when I was just supposed to get ready for a set up for another event. I literally opened my eyes about a minute before my phone started ringing. It was my Tito on the phone. He was shouting. He was panicking. My heart stopped when I saw my phone ringing at that hour. Something happened to Tita Marvi. I knew that feeling. I knew, because I had the very same type of call about seven years ago. Same time of the day -- informing me my mom was gone.
Tito Jon said it was a heart attack, but an hour later, my cousin called back. Just when I saw his name in my caller ID, I already knew what he was going to say. Tita Marvi has left us.
I originally planned to make this blog post a bit long. I wanted to share how short life is and how we should learn to forgive and value everyone around us, but my eyes are too watery to even finish, my mind is too tired to think and my heart is too heavy to finish on a tone I originally planned to.
Bottomline, FAMILY IS EVERYTHING. Love them. Show it to them.
If there is one thing I have learned in all the passing loved ones in my life ---
It is the regret that death brings upon us that is always more painful.
Put that in mind and maybe, just maybe, you wouldn't be wishing for a reset button.
DIY Explosive (Reddish Orange/Brown) Hair Below Php500
February 23, 2019 • Hairventure, Products
For 2018, I focused on getting cold tones for my hair (ash, blue, green hues) and so for 2019, I planned to go back to the other side of the color wheel starting with my go to color --- red. But, I didn't want it to be just red or like really wild red, cause then it'll be harder to remove again.
I wanted to go for a ginger-ish, brownish red which is usually found on drugstore/common box dyes that uses developpers --- and as I've said on my IG, I've only been using organic/keratin/vegan hair dyes since October 2018 because my hair is already severely damaged. Luckily, one of my favorite local everything hair shop -- @hue.nicorn -- launched their own line of bio-organic dyes!
I wanted to go for a ginger-ish, brownish red which is usually found on drugstore/common box dyes that uses developpers --- and as I've said on my IG, I've only been using organic/keratin/vegan hair dyes since October 2018 because my hair is already severely damaged. Luckily, one of my favorite local everything hair shop -- @hue.nicorn -- launched their own line of bio-organic dyes!
I immediately got the shade EXPLOSIVE knowing it would be more vibrant on my blonde hair since as said on their IG, it's formulation can be used on unbleached hair. Anyhoo, the bio organic dye comes in a 200ml plastic container and its costs Php300. I only ordered one since I guessed the 200ml pack should be enough for my shoulder length hair.
Here's the state of my damaged hair before I did the coloring session. I had ashy blonde hair (maintained by Purple Keratin) and very dark roots.
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| Forgive my tutchang hair. HAHA! |
When I use semi-permanent dyes that are creme/keratin based, I no longer do my usual routine of putting in VCO since the dyes usually have their own conditioning properties. I just make sure I have clean, damp or dry hair. Personally, i prefer doing it on dry hair --- I have no (scientific) explanation for this, but somehow it stains my hair better when applied on dry hair.
I wasn't able to take photos of my coloring session because I was so much in the zone during the application. The consistency of the dye was so perfect (as if I mixed it myself) it was so easy to put it on. It also had strong pigmentation which immediately gives your hair that instant color.
For semi permanent dyes --- those that don't have chemicals that could harm the hair, I let it stay on my hair for hours. In this case, I had it on my hair for about 3 hours and voila...
BUT, a day after I wasn't satisfied with it's one color look and wanted more depth. I had this Chroma Celloshine in the shade Magenta on stock --- which I was planning for another color, but thought this might be it.
It was a very bright & neon pink concoction which scared me --- pink not being my color and all. What I did was mix it with a lot of white colored keratin (or you can do this with any white conditioner) After coming up with the color consistency that did not scare me, I applied it again on dry hair. This time only concentrating on the roots.
Chroma Celloshine is also highly pigmented however, I am not a fan of the smell and since it's really just colored hair treatment, it doesn't stay on the hair long
But it did give my hair a certain depth for a few days :) One amazing thing about Chroma Celloshine also is that it's super cheap! If you want to try out loud colors, but not quite sure if you can wear it for a long time, I highly suggest using this. Lots of sellers have them on Shopee for Php65. All in all, I only spent Php365 for the hair color, include shipping and it's still under Php500!
What do you think of my new hair color? What color should I do next?
Comment and share away!
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Products used:
Chroma Celloshine from Shopee
My Last Attempt to go Gray: Lunartides Silver Lining
January 21, 2019 • Hairventure, Lunar Tides, Lunar Tides Silver Lining, RainbowheadPH
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!
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.
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)
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Going Gray Collab with Hey Berty!
December 18, 2018 • Hairventure, Hey Berty
After talks and plans of doing a collab, we finally did it! My collab with Hey Berty! Where we attempt to turn his jet black hair into gray -- with less damage as possible! Before we dive into what heppened in our 2-3 day hair journey, I just want to share how this collab made me feel.
I FELT OLD. HAHA! ~_~ It was so nice working with someone who you've seen grow up right before your eyes! And so, Hey Berty -- can I just say how proud I am of you?
Anyhoo, moving on...
I already did a post on how I bleach my hair, so I wouldn't go into details anymore. But here's a photo to share what we used on this collab.
And here's how it turned out on the first bleaching...
And here's a special participation of our little helper...
~_~
Anyway, to know what happened and to hear how much I babble in real life, watch the full video:
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Don't forget to follow Hey Berty!
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!
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