2020 is the best year yet, said no person ever. I think we can all agree this year has served us with some heavy punches and they’re not going away any time soon. In the future we will look back at this chapter with more wisdom and compassion but right now we are in the muck.
As for us hairdressers, our hearts ache not being in the salon. We are deeply passionate about our profession and our clients. We miss you, we miss our chats, we miss being creative and we miss our coworkers. Though we have taken a gut punch temporarily closing up shop we understand you too are likely stuggling with the unknown of when you can actually visit the salon again. We’re here to address your concerns and give some suggestions to help get you through.
Say No To Box Dye
This is going to be the toughest thing for you to do but hopefully with further understanding you’ll avoid at all costs. Here’s why:
1. Box Dye is not one size fits all.
They are packed with high amounts of pigment and ammonia to try to be as universal as possible. This not only means damage, it means that though the box says Light Natural Blonde the color will likely turn out dark brown. Often times your colorist is mixing multiple tones of pigments and developers to ensure the perfect coverage considering your natural level, percentage of grey, and hair porosity as all these things impact the results.
2. Semi-Permanent doesn’t mean it washes out.
The box may say Semi-Permanent but once box dye is on your hair it truly lives there until it’s cut off. Don’t be fooled by the name, you will likely battle your quarantine box dye days way into 2021.
3. Ingredients make a difference.
Box Dyes contain metallic salts, which can severely damage your hair if they interact with certain substances. This could completely change the course of your salon visits once we are able to go back to reality.
4. If you plan to lighten your hair post quarantine you will absolutely fight warmth.
Bleaching through box dye results in red and orange highlights and takes multiple visits to achieve anything close to a bright blonde hue without damage. This turns your appointment into corrective coloring and it’s important to know that means more time in the salon and more expensive hair appointments.
5. Not everyone needs a root touch up.
If you only get highlights or balayage you don’t need a root touch up! Yes your roots are showing, yes you might start feeling icky but if you put bleach or blonde box dye on your roots your hair will be completely uneven and your journey back to sun-kissed will be a long one. You are fortunate that you don’t have greys, just hang tight.
So Now What?
If you don’t have greys- Try to be patient and ride the wave with us. Focus on the health of your hair, do masks, enjoy the break from styling. If your blonde or balayage is looking dull or brassy a purple shampoo can do wonders!
If you do have greys- We understand it’s not so simple to just ride the wave and embrace your greys, especially if you are still out in the world working. You do have options that are way better alternatives to box dye so hear us out.
Try a Root Cover Up
Think of these like a makeup concealer for your roots. You can dust these mineral powders on your part and hairline and the coverage is actually amazing. Color WOW Root Touch Up covers greys, dark roots and refreshes highlights. Oribe also offers an amazing Root Touch Up Spray
If your root cover up isn’t cutting it anymore and your seconds away from heading to the grocery store for box dye consider this alternative. There are online salon sites like Madison Reed or ESalon that help you color match your roots and ship salon quality color and tools needed to do your roots at home. We must admit, it is nerve wracking to give you the wheel and hope it turns out right but given the circumstances we understand it may be something you have to consider for the time being. These online sites offer a more customized experience and higher quality product than box dye. Disclaimer: We have never used the color from these sites so do your research and enter at your own risk.
Be safe, keep healthy and we can’t wait to see you on the other side of this!
With love,
Your salon and stylist