Red Hair

Is it just me or has red hair suddenly taken over the hair scene? Seems like yesterday everyone wanted bleach blonde hair, or blue tips to show how rebellious you are, or even the full on Emo/Goth black look. Don't try to deny it, we've all made hair mistakes right?

Let me start my story back in 5th grade. The first time I was ever allowed to put hair dye in. I remember it like it was, well, 15 years ago. It was February, my mom came to pick me up from my grandmother and asked, “What do you want for your birthday?" Isn't that a good question! Most girls my age wanted silly things, like gel pens, notebooks, a password journal (remember those ladies?) or even toys, or clothes. Well I told my mom, "I want to dye my hair." My mother, who was a hair stylist at the time was of course all for it. So I thought long and hard, what do I want to do to my hair...

Blonder? No.

Blue? No.

I got it! Black!! No wait never mind.

Finally, after looking at a few characters, actresses, and celebrities, I landed on red. (Thank you Christina Aguilera)

So flash forward to a few days later. There I was going into school with two bright red streaks in my hair. I felt like I could walk on water! You know that feeling when you do something new and different and everyone is whispering about it but you just KNOW they're shook! I felt awesome. And that, ladies and gentlemen, is where my hair story begins.

Eventually I went in to a full on blonde stage, I was desperate to have platinum blonde hair just like Christina Aguilera had! But, that changed when I started hanging out with a more diverse crowd. A friend of mine at the time invited me over to spend the night, we decided we wanted to dye our hair...Black. That's right folks I went there. For those of you who don't know, there is no coming back safely from black hair unless you let it grow out completely, and depending on your hair that could take a LONG time. So my hair was dark throughout most of my high school years. After I graduated I started figuring out more of what I liked as far as hair, makeup, and all the extras go. I finally got brave one day with a little convincing from my cousin and sister. I took some of my saved up money, I went to Walmart and I purchased a "Splat" hair dye kit in the color “Luscious Raspberries." I was terrified, and excited. Mostly terrified. After I finally applied the dye, waited my 25 minutes and rinsed it out, I blow dried my hair and looked in the mirror and felt AMAZING! It was like I finally felt like myself. Ever since then no matter what color I decide to try I always end up with red somehow. Whether its fire engine red, burgundy, natural red, and every variation of bright red to deep red I've been able to accomplish.

I love my red hair. However, growing up and accumulating different responsibilities has made me realize that having red hair, is A LOT of work! A lot of maintenance. A lot of purchasing dye. Just all around a lot. I tried different suggestions from friends, beauty store workers, Google, all of it. Some worked temporarily. Some didn't work at all. I was so ready to give up. Dye my hair a natural brown and just roll with it. But I decided to make one final attempt at keeping my hair the color that I love it. So one a routine trip to my local beauty supply store, I stumbled across some products that not only helped maintain my color for up to five weeks longer than usual, but also didn't dry my hair out more, or make my hair smell like chemicals.

The first two products, a shampoo and conditioner set by "Zotos Professional" called Quantum Riveting Reds. This set not only maintains color but also (in my experience) helps replenish the color as well! I was very skeptical to try it, but I was on my last strand of hope for holding onto the beautiful red I had achieved.

The last product I want to mention, I came across completely by pure luck. After finding the shampoo and conditioner I proceeded to the check out and as I was talking to the employee, she asked if I had tried another product, "Naturelle Biotera." I had never heard of it of course but I gave it a try. Now what it says on the bottle reads as follows, “Sheer illuminator," and, "Tinted moisture treatment." It then says “shiny red" and “Polish & Glow for Reds & Brunettes." The employee told me to use this in the place of my conditioner every other shower. Well after trying that about three times I decided to give something else a try, after I touched up my roots and managed my color I did the usual rinse and used this in place of the conditioner that came with the dye. WORTH IT! I was thrilled. It was like looking at whole new person!

As time has progressed I have started using all three products in my shower routine and I have never been more satisfied with the maintenance of my color. I can go anywhere from four to eight weeks without applying dye!

So to all the ladies (and gentlemen) out there considering red for their next hair color, I highly suggest these products to reduce fading and loss of vibrancy. As an added recommendation, using cool water to wash my hair has helped extend my color life too.

Happy hair coloring, everyone!