That’s what color my hair will be by the end of the week. It’s a sad day in our house today, or at least in my corner of it. I’ve been in denial about this for weeks, but it’s really happening. Gone are the days of fabulous, salon blonde-bombshell locks; I’m now ushering in the new me in “Recession Brown” out of a box. Pains me to even type these words.
Naturally, I’m a brunette, but for the past few years I have convinced my husband that “everybody does it.” Everybody pays $150 to get their hair bleached in aluminum foil every 4-6 week, and it’s perfectly normal. I’ve loved being a blonde; I feel like it’s just “me.” But, a recent opportunity to go to Ireland for 10 days this summer (without kids) has prompted me to think about ways I can save for the trip. Obviously, I’m willing to do just about anything to get to the land of U2 and Guinness.
So, all this turmoil in the depths of my soul over hair color prompted me to think deeper into why this is so hard for me. Does the color of my hair REALLY have any impact on how I view myself or how others view me? Of course, we all know the answer to the latter is yes. Whether we want to admit it or not, we all have preconceived notions of people based on very superficial things, one being hair color. I have an engineering degree (yes, it’s true) but people have been much less inclined to believe me the first time I tell them since I have been blonde. From a personal view, I’ve never had to go back to brunette, so I can’t answer yet how I will feel about me.
But, I think this will be fun to report back on. I’ll let you know how the coloring goes and how the new Recession Brown Allison changes…or not. In the mean time, here are a few tips for you just in case you find yourself in a “taking a trip to Ireland” situation and need to save some money.
NEVER go more than 2 shades lighter. Trust me, it doesn’t work. You’ll end up a pinkish, brassish color.
ALWAYS color hair that is free from product and has not been washed within the past 24 hours.
ALWAYS follow the directions closely. There is a reason why you should start at the roots or at the base of your neck. Just trust the colorist in a lab 4,000 miles away.
NEVER wash your hair within the first 24 hours after coloring if you like the color. If the color is terrible, wash often with baby shampoo to try to strip the color. If all else fails, visit your stylist and go back blonde….or whatever color is you.
Twitter: @amiatead
my recession give-in was manicures. it was a sad day when i cancelled my standing appointment!
Twitter: @sillylittle
I go to a beauty school that does an excellent job. Half of what a regular salon would charge.
I too would give up coloring to go to Ireland!
Okay, I know EXACTLY what you are going through! I am a natural brunette, but for a little over 4 years out of college, I bleached my hair blonde (well, my stylist did). I went every month and shelled out about $125. Ouch. Not only that, but my fine hair finally had had enough and started breaking off – at the roots. And I used professional conditioner and everything!
When I went back to brown, I was scared at first, and didn’t think I’d like it. But after a short time, I actually was so glad that I went back! I really like my brown hair now!! I’m glad to be a brunette again, and don’t think I’d go back blonde. Plus, my hair is so healthy and shiny, and the upkeep is awesome!!!
A couple of things came to mind:
First, when you dye your light hair darker, be prepared for it to fade and lighten after a couple weeks. This is because the hair underneath is lighter.
Secondly, I TOTALLY totally understand what you mean about different hair colors being perceived differently!!! OMG – I can’t tell you the number of just stupid pick-up lines I’d get about my blonde hair!!! I thought it was a stereotype, but blondes are not perceived as very smart most of the time. It’s sad.
Good luck with the dye job – don’t be scared! Who knows??? You may end up liking it better too! It’s always fun to change up your look.
Rachel,
Your post makes me feel better! I thought that there was something wrong with me that this was so tough. Monday is D-day, so look for a Wednesday post of results….
I’m actually getting excited. I found a picture of Miranda Kerr and decided that her color was what I was going for. The BIG problem is that she is a Victoria’s Secret model. I think I may have an expectation in mind that the junk in my truck will disappear too as my hair gets darker.
Thanks for the encouragement. I’ll post before and after pics and we’ll take a vote for post Ireland hair color.
Allison
just do not go auburn!!!…that did not work out of the bottle and onto you hair. You will be sexy no matter what color your hair is….just as long as you keep your “eyes” the same color quote from Mary freshman year)!!
Allison-When I first meet you, you had dark hair and I loved it! I thought it was so pretty and rich looking………….either way, you’re a beautiful girl! Dying it red might make you fit in better in I-R-E-L-A-N-D :))))))))
Sorry I didn’t proof my message….met you!