The Challenge of Maintaining Intense Hair Colors The challenge of maintaining intense hair colors is to slide over unicorns because we humans are snatching your fame with our hair, possibly brighter than the Northern Lights. Yes! You got it; we’re talking about the (un)natural, intense hair colors. The blue of the ocean, the green of the lush forests, or maybe even the fiery red of a dragon’s breath – when it comes to our tresses, we aren’t scared to be a walking, talking masterpiece from Picasso’s secret hair dye palette. But let’s swallow the bitter pill here (or the bitter multicolored marshmallow?). We all know how much these hues love to play hard-to-get! Washing your hair feels like letting a part of your soul legit drain off (your money too, that’s right), looks duller than a dusty chalkboard, and, um, did someone say frequent unwelcome touch-ups? So, I hear your cry, my colorful comrades, and I am here to help. In this blog, we’ll unravel the mysterious labyrinth of intense hair color, making it as easy as 1-2-3. From picking the right shade and preparing and protecting that fabulous mane to clever tricks to keep that color as crisp as a sunflower on a sunny day, we’ve got you covered. But remember, they’re not grey hair (yet); they’re strands of glitter highlighting your extraordinary personality. Ready to dive into this rainbow rabbit hole?! Choosing the Right Hair Color Let me guess: you’ve finally gathered the courage to shake your world upside down and embrace your inner chameleon by attempting to join the vibrant hair color tribe. Well, strap in; it will be a wild, colorful ride. But first, let’s decipher the perfect shade for you. Are you on Team Warm or Team Cool? No, this isn’t some fashion clique war. It’s simply about determining your skin’s undertone. The quick-and-easy “vein test” will sort this out. Just look at the veins in your wrist. Are they blue or green? Blue-ish means you have cool undertones, while green-ish implies you’re on the warmer side. Your newfound squad will help guide you in the right direction for matching hair color tones. Just remember: opposite colors complement each other. So, if you’re chilling out in cooler undertones, pastels and ash tones are your jam. Now, let’s enter the world of color levels and tones. So basically, levels are the darkness or lightness of a color, while tones refer to the underlying color *(read that in a mysterious voice for added drama)*. To begin with, let’s not skip seven levels in one go. Baby steps, amigo. Overly ambitious jumping could lead to fried hair or an accidental segue into neon orange territory. Yikes. Finally, before we unleash the rainbow warrior in you, let’s get realistic about maintenance. Do you have the patience to treat your hair like it could break while softly whispering Céline Dion lyrics? Vibrant colors need love, care, and attention to stay vivid.. like your annoyingly needy ex. Consider your commitment to washing, styling, and touch-ups before opting for that glowing unicorn mane. So, what color will it be? The world (and your hair) awaits… Preparation is Key Oh, honey, let me tell you – dyed and done isn’t the end. You need a solid base to hold that vibrant color, starting with healthy hair. I know, boring, right? But trust me, dehydrated, straw-like hair isn’t cute, and it won’t hold on to that stellar fuchsia you just paid a pretty penny for. So, treat those luscious locks with the love they deserve! Now, before we color, let’s talk hair masks. You want your hair to be a smooth canvas to paint on, and hair masks are like the dreamy Bob Ross of hair care. Throw on a good hair mask like Ouai’s Treatment Masque (your hair will thank you) for an intense, nourishing treat that prepares your mane for that new popping color. Now, let’s chat about research because there are choices! Consult a professional. Yes, Karen, that means not just going to your cousin’s friend’s sister, who swears she’s a hair expert. Check for reviews of past work samples or ask around for recommendations. You’ll feel much more at ease and confident about the flamingo-pink dreams you’re about to turn into reality. So, there you have it! A sturdy routine to prep your hair for the Willy-Wonka-esque colors you crave. While it might seem like you’re preparing for a NASA mission, having the perfect canvas will ensure your wild colors stay picture-perfect. So, please take a deep breath and get ready to crush that colorful life because you’re worth it! Protect Your Investment Once you’ve turned your head into a canvas displaying an art piece straight from a sophisticated color wheel, protecting it becomes a primary job. I’m not Indiana Jones, but even I can tell you that preserving a multicolored crown requires more than just a Fedora. Let’s start with hair hygiene. Opt for a color-safe variant instead of that generic, run-of-the-mill shampoo you’ve been using. Think of it as that lovely friend who refuses to spill your secrets, or in this case, hair color, into the dreaded drain. While at it, grab a color-safe conditioner too. That buddy will ensure your hair’s smooth without turning your rinse water into a color palette. Next, minimize heat styling. The straighteners, curlers, and blow dryers, love or hate them, are the arch-nemesis of your fresh color. They can suck the life out of your freshly colored locks faster than a teenager drains your Wi-Fi. So, limit your usage, and use a good quality heat protectant when you can’t resist. It’s like a sunhat for your hair – practical and stylish. Are you confronted with your color going down the drain with every shampoo? Embrace washing less frequently. Imagine telling your partner, “No, I’m not lazy. I’m preserving my hair color by avoiding showers– doctor’s orders!” A legitimate excuse to avoid everyday hair washing and invest in snazzy dry shampoos. But...