Well... I'm doing it. I'm going natural!

[Darkessa]

~~Updates on page 2 and before&after pics on 3~~

Well.... Going to try to at least. :meditate:

So it has been a LONG time since I last posted here, but I knew that there are probably TONS of you who would love to see how this whole thing plays out. So pics will be posted on here with updates (hopefully) as soon as things happen.


So heres the story!
In 2010 I bleached my whole head of hair, and ended up with... Well this...

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a93/avril_kss/Hair/011-1.jpg (http://s9.photobucket.com/user/avril_kss/media/Hair/011-1.jpg.html)

Sorry... :flower:
Then I fixed the color to this.

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a93/avril_kss/Hair/006-2.jpg (http://s9.photobucket.com/user/avril_kss/media/Hair/006-2.jpg.html)

And then because of damage, had to chop it to this.

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a93/avril_kss/Hair/IMG000010-1.jpg (http://s9.photobucket.com/user/avril_kss/media/Hair/IMG000010-1.jpg.html)



Ever since then I have babied the crap out of my hair, and dyed it myself with a box dye. It started off with just a dark brown permanent, then after my wedding and an accidental darker color that was practically black... I decided to go full black. So I did.

It has been dyed dark brown, then all black... With permanent dye... For 3 years. shudder:
And it now sits at my tailbone. (Pics on page 2)


Now I want my natural color back! Which is very similar to this, maybe a bit darker. (Pics of me with my natural color on page 2)

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a93/avril_kss/Hair/light-brown-hair-color_large.jpg (http://s9.photobucket.com/user/avril_kss/media/Hair/light-brown-hair-color_large.jpg.html)

I have already done a bunch of research and found several methods I can do on my own to remove color and have done 5 treatments. It HAS made a difference, but not a ton. The biggest change is in my roots that accidentally turned a copper... then a yellow blonde...

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a93/avril_kss/Hair/gCjQoDy.jpg (http://s9.photobucket.com/user/avril_kss/media/Hair/gCjQoDy.jpg.html)

I was originally going to do a bunch of this myself until I just couldnt handle it anymore, or I could pay to have something professionally done... But I got impatient.

I mentioned to my mother a while ago that I wanted to do this, and she said that she would pay to have me get it done for my birthday. It isnt until July, but she said that I should just go ahead and get it done asap. :cheese:


SO!!!! Heres the plan.

I have an appointment with my trusted hair stylist on the 22nd, she is going to use this "less damaging" expensive product on my hair about 3 times in one day to remove as much black as she can. Then she is going to attempt to dye it as close to my natural color as possible. It most likely wont be perfect, but it will be SOMETHING.
I am also fully aware and alright with the fact that I will most likely lose anywhere from 3-5 inches of hair from this process. I wont be incredibly upset, but we will both try very hard to prevent losing as much length as possible.
While I wait for the 22nd to roll around, I am going to continue doing the treatments Ive been doing to help as much as I can, and I am going to try VERY hard not to get it on my roots anymore... lol.

As soon as I wash my hair/do a treatment next, I will get an updated picture of the length and color of various sections of my hair and I will of course post updates and more pictures along the way!

Im beaming with excitement about it!
Wish me luck!

[browneyedsusan]

Good luck!

Share how it comes out! :)

[maliaraQs]

Wow, that is quite the ordeal and very entertaining to read. I've gone through crazy stuff like this too. I'm looking forward to following this thread and seeing updates!

I think I will do no-coloring with you, at least until autumn when I like to go dark again.

[ErinLeigh]

Thank you for sharing the photos and plan. I am excited to hear how it comes out so will be checking back.
You are very beautiful by the way. Wishing you the best success! Good luck.

[shutterpillar]

Good luck! I'm excited to see how it turns out for you!

I thought I was going to grow out my natural color as well. That lasted for about six months and then I discovered henna. :laugh:

[Synnovea]

Welcome to liberation!

[spidermom]

Wishing you well. I kind of have a hard time with this reasoning, though. Whenever I've decided not to do something to my hair anymore, I just stopped and put up with two or more tones or textures,the natural consequences of no longer bleaching or perming or whatever. It would never occur to me to decide "I'm going to stop doing this to my hair, but first I have to do this, and then this, and finally THIS." Why? Attempt to look more natural? But it's not natural.

I hope you love the results.

[Darkessa]

Wow, that is quite the ordeal and very entertaining to read. I've gone through crazy stuff like this too. I'm looking forward to following this thread and seeing updates!

I think I will do no-coloring with you, at least until autumn when I like to go dark again.

Good luck to you! *crosses fingers*


Thank you for sharing the photos and plan. I am excited to hear how it comes out so will be checking back.
You are very beautiful by the way. Wishing you the best success! Good luck.

:o <3


Good luck! I'm excited to see how it turns out for you!

I thought I was going to grow out my natural color as well. That lasted for about six months and then I discovered henna. :laugh:

Haha!! Darn Henna, pulling in another one! :p


Welcome to liberation!

Herehere!!


Wishing you well. I kind of have a hard time with this reasoning, though. Whenever I've decided not to do something to my hair anymore, I just stopped and put up with two or more tones or textures,the natural consequences of no longer bleaching or perming or whatever. It would never occur to me to decide "I'm going to stop doing this to my hair, but first I have to do this, and then this, and finally THIS." Why? Attempt to look more natural? But it's not natural.

I hope you love the results.

I definitely understand where you are coming from.
But the reason is not necessarily that I just want to be all natural, its that I want to BE my natural color. If that makes more sense.
:blossom:

[VanillaTresses]

Sending you good wishes for your back to natural journey! I'm going back too, albeit via a method more akin to what Spidermom suggests. :flowers:

[spidermom]

I get it. I fear too much damage with your plan, but that would be my hair. I don't know how resilient your hair is, of course. Mine isn't at all.

[alanna77]

I had to do something very similar back in January, except I'd dyed my naturally platinum blonde hair pink...and couldn't get it out after my office changed their dress code to disallow bold colors. Bleached the crap out of my hair and used way too much toner (which then turned my hair splotchy light pink and lavender...pretty colors, awful look). Eventually had to dye it neutral dark blonde to cover the tones that were stuck in it and work my way lighter...once my hair was all one color again, I got it chopped to just past my shoulders. I've never gone through so much conditioner and hair oil in my life, but it was worth it. I didn't have time to just wait for it to grow out with the whole work situation going on and I did manage to eventually get my hair to a point where the growout isn't completely obvious. I've been working hard to get it healthy again ever since and it'll be a while before all of the damaged areas are gone, since I'm more concerned about maintaining length right now. I'm getting married in July and need BSL hair for the style I'm trying to do.

[ErinLeigh]

I do the same too. I need hair at a starting point I am comfortable with. With my job I have to look professional and honestly emotionally its hard for me to just grow out a texture or color I hate. I do the final fix too before starting something new.

I hope everything turns out perfect for you.
-------------------
Alanna, I'm sure everything will be fine by the wedding. The right products can do wonders to make hair feel and look much better. Its going to be beautiful for the big day. Congratulations by the way.

[momschicklets]

That first picture had me shudder: Wowsers! Fun to read your story, and I really hope you end up with the hair you love. I'll be waiting for updates....:face:

[Unicorn]

many here recommend oiling with coconut oil prior to colouring to minimise damage

Unicorn.

[ErinLeigh]

Yes coconut oil left overnight to really soak in. I find it helps so much before doing harsh things to my hair.
I really hope the stylist is gentle on your hair. I am glad you trust her. Do you think you can ask her in advance what this "expensive less damaging" product is that she is going to do 3 times? It will give you time to research and check reviews so you know what to expect and what the possible issues to watch out for could be? It can also give you time to decide if you want to break it up into a two or threee appointments instead of one so you can deep condition in between.

If they sell it at salon, I really recommend the Redken Extreme Builder Plus Deep Treatment Conditioner to help hair recover from the chemical service. Follow the Redken each time with a deep moisture treatment with no protein and it can help a lot. The Redken has hydrolyzed protein, ceramides, palm oil and 18-MEA which will help put some good stuff back into hair, and the moisture pack to follow will soften it back up and help you retain moisture. This combo has all but saved my chemical fried hair. I know all hair is different but the Redken does have all the ingredients in one jar that bleached hair needs so hopefully it can help yours too.
IF they don;t carry that see if there is any good deep treatment the salon offers with some of those ingredients.

[MaryO]

Whahaha, had a bit of a laugh at you in the first pic! Grrr! ;-) Very curious to see how it turns out, will check back in. Good luck!

[Ruzovy]

Wow, I wish you the best of luck, hope you don't have to lose much length! :)

[Islandgrrl]

Yikes...that first picture! :bigeyes:

The process to get here you want to go sounds like its going to be really hard on your hair. I hope the damage can at least be minimized through pre oiling and good conditioning. I don't know what else would help or I'd suggest it! I'm curious to see how it all plays out.

[Darkessa]

I get it. I fear too much damage with your plan, but that would be my hair. I don't know how resilient your hair is, of course. Mine isn't at all.

Understandable! Thank you for the concern!
My hair is surprisingly resilient, but I know this wont be perfect. Im alright with it. :)


I had to do something very similar back in January, except I'd dyed my naturally platinum blonde hair pink...and couldn't get it out after my office changed their dress code to disallow bold colors. Bleached the crap out of my hair and used way too much toner (which then turned my hair splotchy light pink and lavender...pretty colors, awful look). Eventually had to dye it neutral dark blonde to cover the tones that were stuck in it and work my way lighter...once my hair was all one color again, I got it chopped to just past my shoulders. I've never gone through so much conditioner and hair oil in my life, but it was worth it. I didn't have time to just wait for it to grow out with the whole work situation going on and I did manage to eventually get my hair to a point where the growout isn't completely obvious. I've been working hard to get it healthy again ever since and it'll be a while before all of the damaged areas are gone, since I'm more concerned about maintaining length right now. I'm getting married in July and need BSL hair for the style I'm trying to do.

Oh that sucks!!!! :grouphug:
I dont have anyone pressuring or needing me to change my hair color, its just that I personally dont want the line and I really want to be my natural color again. :)


I do the same too. I need hair at a starting point I am comfortable with. With my job I have to look professional and honestly emotionally its hard for me to just grow out a texture or color I hate. I do the final fix too before starting something new.

I hope everything turns out perfect for you.

Im glad someone else understands!
I do want to keep the health and integrity of my hair, but it is very important to me to feel good about the way it looks too.


That first picture had me shudder: Wowsers! Fun to read your story, and I really hope you end up with the hair you love. I'll be waiting for updates....:face:

Haha. Right? It was awful. :/


many here recommend oiling with coconut oil prior to colouring to minimise damage

Unicorn.

Im planning on HEAVILY oiling it about 24 hrs before and washing it just before I leave. :)


Yes coconut oil left overnight to really soak in. I find it helps so much before doing harsh things to my hair.
I really hope the stylist is gentle on your hair. I am glad you trust her. Do you think you can ask her in advance what this "expensive less damaging" product is that she is going to do 3 times? It will give you time to research and check reviews so you know what to expect and what the possible issues to watch out for could be? It can also give you time to decide if you want to break it up into a two or threee appointments instead of one so you can deep condition in between.

If they sell it at salon, I really recommend the Redken Extreme Builder Plus Deep Treatment Conditioner to help hair recover from the chemical service. Follow the Redken each time with a deep moisture treatment with no protein and it can help a lot. The Redken has hydrolyzed protein, ceramides, palm oil and 18-MEA which will help put some good stuff back into hair, and the moisture pack to follow will soften it back up and help you retain moisture. This combo has all but saved my chemical fried hair. I know all hair is different but the Redken does have all the ingredients in one jar that bleached hair needs so hopefully it can help yours too.
IF they don;t carry that see if there is any good deep treatment the salon offers with some of those ingredients.

I asked her once but forgot to write it down, thank you for reminding me to ask again!
And I was planning on heavily oiling it for weeks after the treatment. :p


Whahaha, had a bit of a laugh at you in the first pic! Grrr! ;-) Very curious to see how it turns out, will check back in. Good luck!

Hehe!! Thanks!


Wow, I wish you the best of luck, hope you don't have to lose much length! :)

Oh god me too! Haha


Yikes...that first picture! :bigeyes:

The process to get here you want to go sounds like its going to be really hard on your hair. I hope the damage can at least be minimized through pre oiling and good conditioning. I don't know what else would help or I'd suggest it! I'm curious to see how it all plays out.

Thank you!

[Darkessa]

Here is the update promised!!

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a93/avril_kss/Hair/April2014.jpg (http://s9.photobucket.com/user/avril_kss/media/Hair/April2014.jpg.html)

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a93/avril_kss/Hair/IMG_0661.jpg (http://s9.photobucket.com/user/avril_kss/media/Hair/IMG_0661.jpg.html)

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a93/avril_kss/Hair/IMG_0665.jpg (http://s9.photobucket.com/user/avril_kss/media/Hair/IMG_0665.jpg.html)

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a93/avril_kss/Hair/IMG_0666.jpg (http://s9.photobucket.com/user/avril_kss/media/Hair/IMG_0666.jpg.html)

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a93/avril_kss/Hair/IMG_0662.jpg (http://s9.photobucket.com/user/avril_kss/media/Hair/IMG_0662.jpg.html)

I also found some older pictures of my donning my natural color!!! :D
I had no idea I had them.

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a93/avril_kss/Old%20Stuff/P1010277.jpg (http://s9.photobucket.com/user/avril_kss/media/Old%20Stuff/P1010277.jpg.html)

This is dyed, but very close.
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a93/avril_kss/Old%20Stuff/P1010188.jpg (http://s9.photobucket.com/user/avril_kss/media/Old%20Stuff/P1010188.jpg.html)

[tanchoulita]

Did you mean natural colouring? I love the ends of your hair. They look soooo nice. How do you get them like that? My hair isn't straight so my ends can't never look that nicely even but constantly dry. Share!!

[MsBubbles]

Woah! You really do have very resilient hair! If that'd been mine it would've all fallen out or broken off. So lucky you, on that one!

I understand having to look professional and put together for work. I tried to get a colorist to bring my brassy, growing-out highlights down to a color closer to my own. Cost me money. Turned out with a green hue. Washed out after 2 months! So good luck with whatever you try.

My natural hair color is about the same as that model's pic you posted. I just wish I had that hair texture too.

We have a 'growing out bleach or dye' thread around here somewhere that has been going for years and years. You may find some tips on that thread.

BTW: You are pretty and suit all of those hairstyles!

[Darkessa]

Did you mean natural colouring? I love the ends of your hair. They look soooo nice. How do you get them like that? My hair isn't straight so my ends can't never look that nicely even but constantly dry. Share!!

No I mean I am going to dye my hair back to its natural color, whatever it takes. :p


Woah! You really do have very resilient hair! If that'd been mine it would've all fallen out or broken off. So lucky you, on that one!

I understand having to look professional and put together for work. I tried to get a colorist to bring my brassy, growing-out highlights down to a color closer to my own. Cost me money. Turned out with a green hue. Washed out after 2 months! So good luck with whatever you try.

My natural hair color is about the same as that model's pic you posted. I just wish I had that hair texture too.

We have a 'growing out bleach or dye' thread around here somewhere that has been going for years and years. You may find some tips on that thread.

BTW: You are pretty and suit all of those hairstyles!

When I bleached it all those years ago, I definitely had it fall out and break off!! I had inch long pieces on the top of my head from the breakage.
My hair is by no means ultra magical. lol
But I have made it MUCH stronger since I made the bleach mistake!
And awwwe!! :o Thank you!

[georgia_peach]

I hope you get great results today, Darkessa. :)

[zirena]

Can't wait to see the results, your hair is gorgeous now and I'm sure it will be even more gorgeous afterwards!

[threadOfGold]

Kind of off topic but.. Oh my goodness you are BEAUTIFUL!! And good luck on your hair journey :)

[Darkessa]

Kind of off topic but.. Oh my goodness you are BEAUTIFUL!! And good luck on your hair journey :)

:o Awwwe. Thanks! hehe.


Now for comparison pictures!! It didnt end up as noticeably different in coloras I had hoped because the formula used was for professional permanent dye... Not boxed. So not all the black came out.
But it is a lot better. AND I didnt have to cut ANYTHING off at all! *dances*

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a93/avril_kss/Hair/IMG_0666.jpg (http://s9.photobucket.com/user/avril_kss/media/Hair/IMG_0666.jpg.html)
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a93/avril_kss/Hair/IMG_0691.jpg (http://s9.photobucket.com/user/avril_kss/media/Hair/IMG_0691.jpg.html)

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a93/avril_kss/Hair/IMG_0662.jpg (http://s9.photobucket.com/user/avril_kss/media/Hair/IMG_0662.jpg.html)
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a93/avril_kss/Hair/IMG_0689.jpg (http://s9.photobucket.com/user/avril_kss/media/Hair/IMG_0689.jpg.html)

Before
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a93/avril_kss/Hair/April2014.jpg (http://s9.photobucket.com/user/avril_kss/media/Hair/April2014.jpg.html)

During
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a93/avril_kss/Hair/IMG_0685.jpg (http://s9.photobucket.com/user/avril_kss/media/Hair/IMG_0685.jpg.html)

After
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a93/avril_kss/Hair/IMG_0688.jpg (http://s9.photobucket.com/user/avril_kss/media/Hair/IMG_0688.jpg.html)

[door72067]

Welcome to liberation!


quoted for truth!!


I am 2-1/2 years dye-free and couldn't be happier I chose to do it (although, I did cut to shoulder to get rid of 98% of the dyed hair and have 1 more trim to get it All)



good luck with your plans!

[Larki]

Gorgeous new hair, Darkessa!

[Nightshade]

Oh that turned out lovely :)