*interjection* I also wanted to share an update on my hair growth process; I haven't cut it yet. I just trim around the hairline whenever it's on my last nerve.
No Filter- lmao I love when people say that
She had a box of Feria in her hand, which in my mind is the devil of color brands. I damn near slapped it out of her hand. Although the pictures on the box portray some of the most attractive colors available it is very deceiving. This particular brand contains metallic dyes. Metallic dyes actually dull the hair and progressively change the color of your hair leaving behind metallic salts and a gross color. These metallic salts have a negative reaction to hydrogen peroxide. For those of you who get yours professionally done, you'll notice that they always ask (I hope!) when the last time you had a chemical treatment and what kind was it. That question can save your hair from being green, blue, or having no hair at all.
I also showed her boxes that say "no ammonia". When people see that they assume it will be healthier for their hair. Also not true. No ammonia means there is an alternative chemical that produces the same reaction as ammonia. Which may or may not be more harsh on your hair. So I also consider those a no go.
A quick explanation about ammonia. All permanent color contains ammonia. When mixed with hydrogen peroxide it creates a chemical reaction that opens up the cuticle of your hair to drive the color molecule into the shaft. It is a necessary component to permanent hair color. The percentage of ammonia in the product is the important variable. Professional lines typically have the least amount. (no, box color is not a professional line).
ALSO the most important thing I feel is to NEVER ever lighten your hair with box color, not even by one level. The thought of people actually doing that makes me cringe. You are guaranteed to damage your hair, bad. So if anything go darker.
I told her I totally understand that a professional job in this economy is financially tolling. So I helped her pick the best product within her budget and explained about the application and after care. She was the sweetest lady ever, she told me she appreciated my honesty and not trying to lure her into my own services. She thanked me for my time (2 1/2 hours) and went on her way. =) It was a great experience for me and I hope it was for her too.
Now I want to share with ya'll what I didn't get a chance to share with her. It's a way to save money on hair care products by giving you the facts about them.
While going to Paul Mitchell the School Jacksonville (hollllllaaaaa) we had the opportunity to meet with a number of professionals from every aspect of the industry. I enjoyed them all so much, taking what I could from each and applying the knowledge. But the one speaker that just amazed the shit out of me was a lady named Brenda Duval.
Brenda is a chemist for Paul Mitchell Systems, meaning that she is the innovator and creator of alllll of the Paul Mitchell products (incredible that she was standing right in front of me). She is very funny, kind, laid back and easy to talk to. She started by telling us her story of how she became the person she is today and then opened up the floor for questions. You could ask her ANYTHING you could think of about a product, its purpose, how to use it, how to not use it, the components within the product, etc. She never missed a beat, it was amazing. But one student asked, "what is the difference between the shampoo you make and a shampoo that you can buy at the grocery store." I'll never forget her response. She laughed as she said, "any chemist can make soap, no soap is better or worse. It's just soap." She told us that one of her good friends was the chemist for Pantene. She explained the difference between the two products with complete honesty.
*my recommendations*
If you had your hair colored professionally, I highly recommend to buy their lines "color protect" shampoo and conditioner to maintain your color longer. A generic product or another professional lines color protect will not maintain your color as well (and after all, why would you pay so much to have it done and not invest in maintaining it? You might as well throw your money down the drain) Pantene I would only recommend to people who have virgin hair, meaning no color or chemical treatment at all in your hair. Their shampoo and conditioner contains a fatty molecule that sits on top of your hair strand giving it that crazy beautiful shine you see on tv. Now if your hair is already chemically treated, when the fatty molecule sits on your hair it will cause breakage because your hair is too weak to support it. No good. I wouldn't recommend VO5 or Suave, do I need to explain why? As far as everything else, I believe it would come down to your own preference. If something isn't working for you i.e. your hair is still dry or oily. Try a different product or different line until you are satisfied.
I'll be forever grateful for the knowledge Brenda shared. And for all of my Gainesville friends, she has her own salon called "Beach Break Salon" it is right on University. If you're looking for great hair on a budget that would be the place to go, she genuinely isn't interested in breaking your bank. She understands her clientele includes broke college students =)
If you have any questions for me please please puhleassse ask. If I don't have the answer, I will find it. You'll probably make my day =)
Have a great day and love the ones you're with
-Ari
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