Because I want other women considering this shift to see my process, I’ll share even the ugly pictures.
Here’s my hair a few days prior to the appointment.
Phase 1: bleach cap. My fabulous stylist Emily made a concoction of bleach with shampoo and water to dilute the bleach. I see my future as a lunch lady at this point of the day.
Round 1 washed out. The color came down quite a bit. I love how white my character streak is now!
Round 2: I have never had so many foils in my hair! Emily put in loads of highlights, which will help blend the white as my natural color grows out.
Round 2 washed out. My hair sucked up the toner, and the ends are once again nearly as dark as when we began. Naughty, naughty ends. Emily cut a bit off the bottom to see if that would help. It did not.
Round 3: Emily put on another round of highlights. She hadn’t wanted to, but it really did make a difference. She cut at least two inches off.
Finished: Here I am, hair shorter than it has been in a long time, lighter than it has been in about 15 years. I’m not quite used to it. To be honest, I’m mourning the inches off–no more braids or up-dos for a while. I know it will grow back, and it will grow back silver.
Next salon visit will include more highlights, and then it really comes down to patience from that point. I’ll keep you posted!
Thanks for checking out the pictures and for all the encouragement. I cannot wait to see what my hair looks like a year from now!
*I asked Neal what he would call the color, and Autumn Wheat was his reply. Some day he’ll tell me “ice queen white”.
oh my goodness!! what a change.
love, love. . . love!
the colour is so flattering with your skin tone, and quite striking with your dark eyes. great move!
I think it looks lovely – very swanky!
Looks great!
Love it! I can’t wait to see it in person! I swear that Neal and Kyle are related. Kyle calls my hair Swedish Assassin Blonde.
Beautiful! Your stylist is a good one.
Just beautiful!
Oh, and the hair is fabulous, too. So proud of you.
I actually really like that color on you – so different. Thanks for sharing this process.
I love it! You look tres chic!
You have a great stylist and she did a great job of working with your skin tone, your desire and your goal! FTW!
I think it looks fantastic. And I love that you are sharing the photos with us. My hair has gotten long, probably about as long as yours was, and it bugs me. It’s always blowing in my face or needing fussing with. I think I’ll get it trimmed to about the length yours is now.
I love it!
i love it! You look so beautiful. Thank you for sharing this journey with us!
Thank you so much for sharing this process! I too am trying to figure out how/when to transition. The color is lovely and you look great!
I think it and you look fabulous! Really, really nice color. This is helping me consider taking the plunge!
I just came across your blog. You are very brave putting all those photos of the coloring process up for all to see. The results are really beautiful.