PINK FRIDAY
After months of rocking granny-inspired locks, I decided to take inspiration for my most recent hair appointment from the mythical creatures of this world - i.e. unicorns and mermaids. The end result, a bubblegum pink bob fit for My Little Pony's World of Equestria.
The decision to go pink is one that has weighed heavy on my mind over the course of this month; and is a decision that I truthfully didn't commit to until I was perched in the chair this past Friday. But with encouragement from Nikki, my stylist at GoodDay Hair Shop, I decided it couldn't hurt to dive, quite literally, head first into the world of pastel hair - at the end of the day there's always a bleach cocktail to wash the colour away should it not suit. But luckily, there was no need for a bleach cocktail this time around, the colour was perfection - a sentiment typically felt after I leave the shop.
I always envisioned that I would feel overtly girly with the presence of pink hair, but that couldn't be farther from the truth. The purple tones, which Nikki incorporated into the pink toner resulted in a look that is neither girly, nor 'fake'; simply an iced out pink that's reminiscent of rose quartz.
THE SALON / GOODDAY HAIR SHOP
My loyalty to GoodDay Hair Shop has been strong since I first made the transition from brunette to blonde last summer. And rightfully so; a quick look at their website/instagram and you'll understand why they are quickly becoming the go-to for alternative looks in Toronto. Now coming up on the one year anniversary of donning blonde locks, I've found myself reflecting on the experience as a whole, and figured it was the perfect time to answer a few of the questions I'm frequently asked relating to the process.
Feel free to ask anything I might have missed in the comment section below!
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is your natural hair colour?
Naturally my hair is a medium to dark brown, depending on the season. However before I began the process of lightening my hair to a silver shade I had highlights placed throughout my ends delivering an almost-ombre effect.
- How long did it take you to transition from brunette to silver?
The entire process took two appointments over the course of 6 weeks. During the initial appointment Nikki made it clear that there would be no way I could obtain white blonde after a single process. That said, she promised she would do everything in her power to get me there quickly, without damaging my hair - a promise she definitely kept! We bleached my entire head during both appointments, and toned with a silver shade to minimize any brassiness. Since those initial appointments we've simply had to bleach my roots and re-tone every 6-8 weeks.
- What is the duration of your typical salon appointment?
My typical appointment lasts anywhere from 3-5 hours depending on how well my hair co-operates with the toner, and whether or not I get a trim. There have been occasions in which my hair simply will not take the toner, and others where it grabs hold of the colour so quickly that Nikki and I are forced to make a run for the sink in order to avoid a neon mane - definitely not my steez.
- How much does an appointment cost?
At the stage I'm at now my appointments typically range from $130 - $200, depending on whether I get my a trim. However you should expect to pay between $200 - $300 for the initial appointments as bleach will need to be applied to the entire head, rather than simply the roots. GoodDay Hair Shop does provide consultations, during which pricing can be discussed for your specific hair length/desired style.
- Do you do anything in preparation for your appointment?
To prep for my appointments I typically will stop washing my hair 3-4 days in advance. This ensures that my scalp is protected when the bleach is applied, and helps to minimize the irritation felt as the bleach sits on the head. I also like to treat my hair during my final wash with a protein-rich conditioner/hair mask to help further protect my hair during the processing. My personal favourite: the PHYTO Phytokeratine Extreme Exceptional Mask ($54).
- How often do you need to schedule a re-tone/roots appointment?
In order to keep my locks looking as fresh as possible I head back to GoodDay Hair Shop every 6-8 weeks to bleach my roots and get a re-tone, during which I can choose from a multitude of colours/tones.
- What products do you use to maintain the colour?
At the end of each appointment I typically purchase the GoodDay Hair Shop Silver Fox Shampoo ($16) & Conditioner ($16), which Nikki will custom colour to match the tone chosen during the appointment. The addition of colour (whether it be purple, blue, or pink) helps to prolong the effect of the toner in my hair, and also helps to minimize the appearance of brassy tones. That said, there has been the odd occasion in which GoodDay runs out of these products and I'm stuck using drugstore brands. My favourites: Clairol Shimmer Lights($10), available exclusively at Sally Beauty, and Lush Daddy-O($10).
- How do you ensure your hair maintains it's health with such consistent bleaching?
Trims are a big thing for me. I find as long as I get my hair trimmed every other appointment it maintains it's health. It's also smart to limit how often you're washing your hair, as this will not only prolong the colour, but will also allow the natural oils from your hair to replenish your scalp, keeping it at it's utmost health.
- Do you have any suggestions when looking for a salon?
Research is so big when looking for a new salon; everything from their website to their Instagram can give you insight into their work. Take a peak at their tagged photos, reach out to others who have experienced the salon, or simply go in for a consult. For the most part you'll get a feel for whether this is a salon you can trust or not.
As mentioned above, should you have any additional questions I might not have answered feel free to reach out to me in the comment section below, or, if it's something you feel is too personal, send me an email at contact@brattyb.com. Always happy to help a fellow babe make their way to the unicorn side.
Would you dye your hair pink?
Let me know in the comment section below.