A Trip Down Blonde Memory Lane

As I wrapped up this last week as a blonde, I looked back and reflected on my toe head years.


My natural hair color is dirty/ashy/mousy blonde that has darkened subtly with age.  This color doesn't do much for my complexion.  It looks good in certain lighting, but mostly, I think it just makes me look washed out. 

100% natural

Yes, I know as the saying goes, "If you have straight hair, you want curly hair.  If you have curly hair, you want straight hair"...and I guess the same applies to color.  Well, in my late teens, I wanted to attempt a more glamorous, bombshell look.


Being a college student without much cash on hand, I opted for a cheap bottle of Sun-In at the grocery store.  Have any of you girls used it?  It can lighten any hair color, and trust me, it makes a drastic difference!  (PLEASE TAKE CAUTION: If Sun-In is used with other hair dye, it can literally melt your hair.  I've heard scary stories.  It can only be used on hair that is 100% natural.)


The chemical reaction is activated by the heat of the sun's rays and works best if used in the summer.  In the winter, it can be activated by the heat of the hair dryer.


My mother didn't think this would be a favorable look for me.

Mom thought the "blah" look was more preferable.

Let me set this scene for you:  It was the summer of '07.  We were on a beach trip with some family friends, and Mom was begging and pleading with me not to go any lighter!  I was already two or three shades lighter than my natural hair color.

A few shades lighter, posing with my sisters after a day or two at the beach

But alas, it was an itch I just had to scratch!


I saturated my scalp and all my layers from root to end.  I sprawled out in every position imaginable, seeing to it that Mr. Golden Sun was shining down on me at every angle possible.  Each time my hair dried, I continually dampened it with ocean water and repeated the process.


The result: Platinum blonde!  Like WOAH!


"You just look like a Playboy Bunny," mom said with scornful disgust.


One of my all time favorite compliments...although, I knew I cold only pass as a Bunny from the neck up.

Ironically, Trae was giving me "bunny" ears in this pic.

I enjoyed my platinum blonde for a while.  Then a problem arose.  My roots started coming in.  Try as I might, I could never achieve the same color.  Nothing compares to the summer beach sun.  The hair dryer just didn't do it for me.

Roots!  This look makes Sarah Jessica Parker look like she came fresh from the salon!

Finally, I went to my beautician, Sophy for some highlights and eded up looking normal.  Not bunnyish; but arguably, a more tasteful shade of blonde.

More expensive, but not as obvious when roots come in!

For those out there on a budget and not wanting to spend hundreds on coloring, I highly recommend John Frieda Sheer Blonde Go Blonder spray.  This would have been a great option for me, had the product been around a few years ago.  It can be used easily to lighten hair a few shades or to maintain an existing blonde dye job.


It is heat activated and is recommeneded to be used, for best results, with the hairdryer and straightener.  Like Sun-In, it works after only one use, yielding quick results.  The root problem can be tackled head-on, and it can be used with other dyes.  I have received many compliments since using John Frieda Go Blonder.  It definitely creates a salon look and saves a lot of moolah! 

From left to right: John Frieda Blonde, Salon Blonde, Natural Blonde

But like any lightening treatments, John Frieda can be damaging if overused.  I'll probably do a post one of these days on how to protect and recover hair from damage.  I'll have to do some research first though.  I'll admit, as much heat related styling and coloring as I do, I'm the queen of split ends.


Anyway, looking back on all these blonde escapades, between my natural dirty blonde, Sun-In, salon highlights, and John Frieda Go Blonder, I would have to say the latter two are my best and most practical for maintenance looks!

Spring 2007

Fall 2007

Fall 2008

Fall 2011

I want to hear your hair coloring successes, horror stories and funny misadventures.  Post comments below!


XOXO!


K.K.