Giving up the dye/bleach and growing out natural? Share your progress.

[Aerya]

When my unbleached hair was long enough for me to look at it in real life and not in a mirror (around apl, I think) I asked myself how was it possible for my hair to be that nice, with the shine, the look and the softness of healthy hair. I had bleached/dyed my hair for almost a whole decade when I decided to grow my bleach out. At the beginning of my journey, it was very hard for me, and the reason why I didn't just give up, it's that my hair was too damaged to dye it again. My hair was blondish because of my attempt of dye it of a color close to my natural one, but it was so damaged that it couldn't take a brown dye. Even the roots. And my hair was long, it was already around waist, and I had to choose between color and length. I already had the goal of long long hair. I choose to don't touch it with dyes and let it grow.
My last attempt with dyes was in October 2019. It was hard, but believe me I'm glad I did it. For the health of my hair, but also because I'm now used to my natural color. I would like to have a darker brown or even a black (tried some deposit only dyes a couple of times, both faded completely in few weeks) but as permanent state of my hair, it's just so easy to have my color. And I do find it felt like an addiction, I 'had' to dye my hair and I'm glad I don't feel that urge anymore. For months now I dye my ex-blondish hair with deposit dyes, and sometimes I'm even tired of that. And I definitely can't wait to have healthy ends. A dream.
And right now it does feel like two heads of hair. Almost everything I try works on my unbleached hair and doesn't work on my bleached hair.

This is so encouraging, thank you for sharing Your starting point sounds very similar to where I am now. I did have about a year of regrowth a few years ago, but then I stupidly dyed it with a "toner" that was actually a permanent color, and of course, once I had done that, I lost my motivation for a while. This time around I'm not trusting anything with peroxide in it. I used to feel similarly to you about my natural color, I wanted it to be darker and more of a contrast to my skin, as well as match my style better. But I came to realize that my natural color simply fits my skin and features better. With darker hair, I always had to wear more makeup to match the heavier contrast. Whereas lighter hair offers too little contrast and makes my face appear a bit shapeless. My natural color is a sweet spot for me, even if it is not the most exciting shade. And I do like the authenticity of accepting what Nature has given us, despite the mega industries working their butts off to convince us otherwise. Rejecting the mainstream ideals is metal in itself, no?

[angel-baby]

Trying something fun while I grow out my roots!
I don’t really like the look of platinum hair with really long dark roots, but I think that pastel pink looks great for growing out brown hair.

I ordered some deposit only color (Good Dye Young in Puff Pink, I wasn’t sure which brand to get so I just got one that Bat mentions often) and I think I’m going to go over all my blonde on Friday, just in time for Valentines Day. The roots will be left alone to keep growing out brunette.

I already miss the ethereal cloud of blonde, but pastel pink will be super cute. I’m really excited for what Bri-chan said about the shine, softness, and health of natural hair.

[Bat]

Trying something fun while I grow out my roots!
I don’t really like the look of platinum hair with really long dark roots, but I think that pastel pink looks great for growing out brown hair.

I ordered some deposit only color (Good Dye Young in Puff Pink, I wasn’t sure which brand to get so I just got one that Bat mentions often) and I think I’m going to go over all my blonde on Friday, just in time for Valentines Day. The roots will be left alone to keep growing out brunette.

I already miss the ethereal cloud of blonde, but pastel pink will be super cute. I’m really excited for what Bri-chan said about the shine, softness, and health of natural hair.

I haven't tried puff pink before I hope it works for you I definitely suggest mixing it with conditioner because the stuff is really thick

[angel-baby]

I haven't tried puff pink before I hope it works for you I definitely suggest mixing it with conditioner because the stuff is really thick

Thx for the tip! Can I use it on wet hair or does it need to be dry?

[Aerya]

Trying something fun while I grow out my roots!
I don’t really like the look of platinum hair with really long dark roots, but I think that pastel pink looks great for growing out brown hair.

I ordered some deposit only color (Good Dye Young in Puff Pink, I wasn’t sure which brand to get so I just got one that Bat mentions often) and I think I’m going to go over all my blonde on Friday, just in time for Valentines Day. The roots will be left alone to keep growing out brunette.

I already miss the ethereal cloud of blonde, but pastel pink will be super cute. I’m really excited for what Bri-chan said about the shine, softness, and health of natural hair.

Sounds like a great idea, and perfect for Valentines day! Fantasy colors look great with roots IMO, and with longer roots it turns into a really cool ombre.

[Bat]

Thx for the tip! Can I use it on wet hair or does it need to be dry?

i used it on both, i didn't notice any difference, other than it being easier to spread when wet

[Stray_mind]

I have a little bit of roots showing. It's been about 1.5-2 months since i dyed my hair last.

[Aerya]

Stray, your hair looks lovely! Your wurls are so soft-looking and pretty I’m looking forward to seeing your progress, your pictures were always so inspirational the last time!

[Bri-Chan]

This is so encouraging, thank you for sharing Your starting point sounds very similar to where I am now. I did have about a year of regrowth a few years ago, but then I stupidly dyed it with a "toner" that was actually a permanent color, and of course, once I had done that, I lost my motivation for a while. This time around I'm not trusting anything with peroxide in it. I used to feel similarly to you about my natural color, I wanted it to be darker and more of a contrast to my skin, as well as match my style better. But I came to realize that my natural color simply fits my skin and features better. With darker hair, I always had to wear more makeup to match the heavier contrast. Whereas lighter hair offers too little contrast and makes my face appear a bit shapeless. My natural color is a sweet spot for me, even if it is not the most exciting shade. And I do like the authenticity of accepting what Nature has given us, despite the mega industries working their butts off to convince us otherwise. Rejecting the mainstream ideals is metal in itself, no?

This isn't the first time for me too. I didn't touch my roots for more than a year the first time.
I actually look better with darker hair. A dark brown makes my eyes look even darker and more intense. With dark brown I need to use less makeup. People who knew me while I was constantly dying my hair thought my natural color was indeed dark brown or even black. Indeed, I also did a professional color analysis a while back, (I don't know if you know this thing) and my natural hair is actually the lightest shade of brown my color complexion can be ok with, and not the best one (which is rare, but not impossible). I don't look bad with my color, it just isn't the best option for me.
However, I really enjoy the absence of regrowth every month and I love how the color is always ok.

stray, you hair has grown so much since the short cut!

[Bat]

My hairs a plan boring level 5 just as average as my weight eyes and height but I want to try and see if I can go until June without dying my side shaved parts I'll still dye the rest black when I will trim which will be bi monthly