I get a lot of interesting questions both in comments and via email, and thought it might be fun to start posting my answers on here for you guys in "Ask San" posts! So for the first question post...
Ask San: Hair questions!
Lots of people ask me about my hair cuts/colors/style/care/whateverness online and in person, so I've tried to compile the most frequently asked questions below. If you'd like to see more photos of my different hair colors and styles, go here. And while you are at it - check out the links for Special Effects hair colors on Amphigory.com - they have amazing customer submitted photos for each shade!
What color/brand of hair dye do you use?
Special Effects is my favorite hands down (true colors and long lasting!). However, I've used a lot of different kinds over the years, so I'll break it down by the looks above (click the links for a photo):
1. Pink (and Black), Atomic Pink by Special Effects
2. Teal (and Black), Sonic Green by Special Effects
3. Green with Turquoise highlights, Atomic Turquoise by Manic Panic - applied to yellow based hair with white highlights (Yellow turns it green, white keeps it true to color)
4. White (and Black), This was done for me at the salon, so not sure! It took about 3 hours.
5. Black, Natural Black by Nice n' Easy Clairol
6. Light Pink, Cupcake Pink by Special Effects
7. Red, Red by L'Oreal Excellence HiColor
8. Purple and Hot Pink, Hot Hot Pink and Purple Haze by Manic Panic
Is that permanent?
The blackish color - yes (that's my real hair!) but the funky colors - no, they are semi-permanent and fade with time. I have found that blues, greens and purples fade very fast - like in two weeks. Light pink hair fades within 1-2 weeks for me. But hot pink and deep red shades last a reaaaal long time and fade much slower. I touch up my pink hair every 2-3 weeks, but it can definitely last longer than that. The red or hot pink color changes slightly with time, but will never truly go away.
What shampoo/conditioner/styling products do you use?
Shampoo: I alternate between Happy Hippy and Big by Lush. Conditioner: Veganese by Lush, only on the ends since I have thick oily hair. Styling products: I use hot rollers on my hair and spray each section lightly with hairspray before curling. I loooove Aveda's hair control spray but its a bit pricey, so right now I'm cheapin' it up with Suave Extreme Hold in 10. I use cucumber melon baby powder to fluff my roots and absorb oiliness.
What do you use to bleach your hair?
If I'm bleaching it for red or hot pink shades, I do it myself and I use the "Beyond the Zone" 40 vol. bleach kit. It is pretty inexpensive and can be found at a lot of beauty stores in the US. If I want it bleached for blues, greens, purples, light pinks or whites - I go to the salon. I am not good with toner, and you need to tone the yellow hues out of your bleached hair for those shades!
What color is your hair naturally?
Its a very very dark brown with a bit of black and red mixed through out.
Is your hair damaged/have you ever damaged your hair?
My hair is in really good shape due to the fact that is very oily, thick and strong. It can handle a lot of chemicals and still look decent! But I have had my hair ruined before due to extreme over processing... It took hours to dry, felt like plastic, and when it finally did dry - it stretched like cotton candy when touched. All my hair eventually broke off an inch away from my scalp, forcing me into a very short pixie cut. It was pretty upsetting, so be careful if you are experimenting with your hair!
I've always wanted to to dye my hair but:
I'm afraid - I don't know how - My job may not let me, etc.
Not a question, but I get this comment A LOT! My opinion: I didn't know how to dye or bleach hair in the beginning, but I did some research online, followed directions... and I turned out ok. Doing a test strip is a great way to learn! If you are scared about damaging your hair, have a salon do it for you. Most places will talk to you for free about what you are interested in and give you a price estimate. As for jobs approving - you'd be surprised! If you work in a creative atmosphere or for a small company, people can be more laid back about funky hair. It never hurts to ask your manager if they are comfortable with you dying your hair. And if they say they aren't, you can go with clip-in extensions - which come in many colors and lengths. (They can be pretty fun!) Life is short - if you want funky hair colors, go for it!
If there are any other hair questions you have,
or if you'd like to ask another question - send me an email! :)
