About Sweetmama Editor
Nadine Silverthorne’s love of journaling began in Grade One with the entry, “I am the greatest dancer!” Two babies (and countless diaper changes) later, she has found her home away from home as editor of SweetMama. Don’t miss her humorous bi-weekly accounts of the joys and pains of working while raising them fabulous.
DIY Hair
silver spoons canada
(Apr.20.09)
Last week I promised that I would write about my journey from fabulista to recessionista. Week one was tough, but I managed to cut corners and save a few bucks -- or rather, I managed not to spend money that I didn't have.
After I wrote that I'd be colouring my own hair, I received countless emails from readers, acquaintances and friends suggesting different brands of hair colour to try. But it was my research queen friend Marla, whose email stood out the most. "Put down the drugstore dye! I will take you to the beauty supply and set you up with professional stuff you can do at home." (I'm paraphrasing.)
So we headed to our local mall and she generously walked me through the choices and all the necessary accoutrements. We chose a warm dark brown for the Schwartzkopf Igora line, but when we went to get the developer, the choices were 10 Volume or 40 Volume. I've been colouring my hair long enough to know I needed something in the middle. The woman who ran the beauty supply shop wanted to make the sale and convinced me I'd be fine with either -- at which point I was really wishing I had gone to the drugstore.
I was very worried about getting dye on my all white bathroom floor, so I went to my mom's to have her help with doing the deed. I mixed the colour and developer as I was instructed and hoped for the best. After being used to perfect dye jobs from my fabulous hairdresser, I was very critical of the results. Something went wrong somewhere, though the average person probably couldn't tell. The roots are a shade or two lighter than the rest of my hair. Dark roots on blonde hair is accepted thanks to Madonna; light roots on dark hair = just plain bad. And I can already tell this isn't going to give me 4-6 weeks of grey coverage.
Recessionist-ugh Week One Verdict: Dying my own hair was not necessarily the cheaper option. With less than perfect results and my mother's carelessness ruining her shirt (guessing a $25 value), I probably could have skipped a haircut and simply paid $40 for my usual professional dye job and a good chin wag with my favourite gay man. But I'm not ready to give up yet. I'll be trying again next month, so send your suggestions in and I'll report back next time.
Next Monday, I'll be writing about my experiences going cheaper on food...
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