Sunday, July 5, 2009

Frugal Files: DIY Hair

I haven't colored my own hair since high school. Ok, correction, I haven't colored my hair without promptly scheduling an emergency appointment to fix my efforts, since high school. It seems to be a lesson I have a really hard time learning. For whatever reason, I keep thinking that deep down I have what it takes to be a hair coloring genius and don't require professional training to hone in on these talents. Of course I would never practice on anyone but myself, and with my track record for good reason.

Now that I'm on Nick's debt reduction project, fitting in $150 for a highlight was out of the question. Since my hair has been blonde all year, and relatively close to my natural color, I thought I'd give DIY hair another try. I also remembered a colorist telling me that home highlights are easier to pull off the shorter your hair is.

Mixing up my potions in the bathroom
I left the bathroom to give Nick a break from the smell of the chemicals. It might have been more effective if I had taken the container of leftover bleach with me.


The first rinse out was a bit scary. My bleached strands were really blonde! But once everything was shampooed and combed back together, the outcome was less frightening. Shockingly, I achieved exactly what I wanted: a summer blonde color that was just one shade lighter.

At $10.99 v. $120 plus tip, I think I've done the Byrd Budget proud.

3 comments:

Natalie said...

I am impressed! Megan and I tried highlighting my hair once in Sunriver and it turned mustard yellow with specks of bright green. I haven't ventured to the hair color isle since. I'm sure its one of Megan's fondest memories of me! I love your hair style. Short fits you well.

Amy Marshlain-Tillman said...

It looks great! Your haircut is super cute too!

Anonymous said...

Yeah! Mine too! Your Dad's!!
As you know, we're Spokanians/Spokaners/Spokananians..whatever now, living in our cosy little condo in downtown Spokane...and so far, so good, I really like this town a lot, it's agreed with me, I think. We're getting settled, and we can even move pretty well through the condo; there's just some stuff still to be hung up (clocks, for instance - surprise!) & then your mom still needs to workon her personal stuff (clothing, etc.). Anyway, here we are, making the best of it, but off to a good start!
Love, your Dad