By: Marcella Reed
We all have that one, “why the hell did I do that” hair moment, right?
Well let me tell you I’m all for the most crazy outrageous looks. Blue hair, feathers hanging off my nails- I’ve had it all. Blue hair really sounded like a good idea until you actually take a look in the mirror and realize you resemble the Cookie Monster:/ If you’re like me, you’re trying to keep up with the ever-changing trends. But unless you’re Brittany and can shave your whole head and can still afford to go out and purchase those 300 Dollar extensions- steer clear of coloring your hair at home! You never know what you’ll end up with…EEEkkkk
Working at a hair salon I’ve seen my share of mothers frantically calling wanting an immediate fix for their daughter’s do it at home hair color.
Why is box hair color so bad you might ask?
1. Unpredictable Results
Box color users did not attend cosmetology school, and don’t understand the “laws of color.” You probably aren’t sure exactly what color your hair is when the color is processing, or when to take off the color to achieve your most desired result. You probably don’t know what colors to mix to cancel out undesired tones in your hair, and we don’t expect you to. Box color is more like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re going to get.
2.One Size Does Not Fit all
Box color tries to formulate so everyone and anyone can use it. Unfortunately, not everyone’s hair type, condition or color are the same. Chances are if you have already dyed your hair previously, your processed hair isn’t going to need that strong of a developer; don’t damage it more by getting one size fits all, box color. You do not want this ‘one size fits all’ mentality when choosing your hair color, give yourself customization and expert knowledge, and seek a hair professional who will be able to accurately create a color for you and only YOU!
3. Regrowth troubles
You probably thought your regrowth would look like the rest of your head because that’s what the pretty lady on the box looks like, right? WRONG! I know this may seem repetitive, but it’s all about the ability to customize. Your regrowth is virgin hair, and the remainder of your head is already processed, or has seen some damage due to UV exposure or styling. Think you can pair up a good box color for your regrowth and pair it with the right box color for the rest of your hair without it looking like two different colors? Didn’t think so, leave it to the professionals.
4. Metallic Salts
There are still box dyes on the market today that use Metallic Salts, an ingredient used in hair color since the 1800s. You don’t use Candlestick Phones from the 1890s, right? Why not think the same way with your hair and treat yourself to some innovation. Metallic salts build up on the hair each time you use that box dye or Henna, (the supposed natural hair color) causing your hair to darken past your desired result. Not to mention that if you ever want to go lighter, Metallic Salts are difficult to remove for even the most savvy hairdresser (we’ve seen lots of smoke and smells, it’s not pretty). What’s worse? The building up of the Metallic Salts will over time begin to make the hair feel hard to the touch.
5. That $10 Box Color Won’t Feel That Affordable After a $300 Color Correction
Well, orange you the hair expert? We say orange, because that is often the color your hair will turn when attempting to lighten with box color. Do your hair and wallet a favor, don’t spend $10 on box color, and then $300 on a color correction. Trust me you’ll be tearing out your hair literally later.
Comment with questions or feedback below. I’d love to hear from you!
-Marcella 🙂
