Transformation Tuesday
I've been a long-haired blonde for well over 3 years (or longer) and as a cosmetologist, I feel the need to switch up my game pretty much all the time. I was surprised at how long I rocked the same hairstyle...I contemplated going back to my roots (DARK brown, like a level 3 or 4) but then I remembered how bald I am and the reason I went blonde in the first place.
I decided first to chop off about a foot or more of length to create the "Long Bob" hairstyle. I then realized my roots were far too dark for the upcoming season and decided it was time to highlight.
My method for highlighting my hair is EXTREMELY outdated. So much so that when I went to CosmoProf to pick up supplies, they no longer carried the highlighting cap I have grown accustomed to using. As previously mentioned, I do all of my own beauty stuff-I haven't been to a salon (unless I was working in one) for over a couple decades.
To achieve this CUT: (PLEASE ONLY DO THIS IF YOU ARE A LICENSED COSMETOLOGIST! Otherwise, take this post to your stylist to complete) start with your hair long and use a razor (mine is from Sally's) to start the lowest parting. Follow this taking horizontal sections all the way around your head until you have a blunt edged long bob-no layers. Soften the edges with your razor to minimize choppy-ness. I cut my hair dry.
(SIDE NOTE: I still have in hair extensions. I did this cut with each track, one by one, to make them all line up while attached to my head. I did not, however, bleach my hair with the extensions on)
COLOR: When you have achieved the haircut you love, head on out to Sallys and get the Conair Frosting Tipping Cap. Strategically pull out desired strands to lighten. I focused on the sides and top of the head to minimize the appearance of balding. To do the back, I guessed where the holes were-once you do this enough, you get pretty fast. Use a fine-toothed comb to ensure no hair "loops" are sticking out, if those are left, you will look like a cheetah.
When you are ready to apply color, get a bowl, brush, gloves, and processing cap. I got a packet of Blondor by Wella, 40 Volume Creme Developer by Kenra, and Koleston Perfect shade 12/81. I blended all three ingredients to create a yogurt-like consistency and applied carefully (not pushing onto the cap, that also creates cheetah spots) covering it with a processing cap. I left on for awhile, about 40 mins, checking on it every 5 mins and occasionally ran my blow dryer over the cap to heat it up. After the 40ish minutes of processing time, I took off the cap, let some air through the strands using a rat tail comb, and then applied another fresh mixture of the bleach concoction. I put the processing cap back on, blow dried a little longer, and then achieved the desired blonde (platinum) after about 20 minutes or so.
While rinsing, I used Oribe Bright Blonde Shampoo, leaving it on for about 5 minutes. Then I used the Oribe Bright Blonde Conditioner mixed with Oribe Gold Lust Repair and Restore Conditioner, Oribe Gold Lust Transformative Masque, and Paul Mitchell's Awapuhi Wild Ginger Keratin Intensive Treatment for a good amount of time. I just bleached my hair for over an hour, it needed to get super pampered afterwards.
I let my hair air dry after applying moisturizing products such as Paul Mitchell's Awapuhi Wild Ginger Styling Treatment Oil, Oribe Split End Seal, and Oribe Supershine Moisturizing Cream.
After you feel your hair is healthy enough to style (mine was pretty much a few hours later), feel free and blow dry and straighten (or whatever you choose to do, I put my weave back on).
