For several years now, I’ve wanted to go blonde – after all, blondes have more fun – right? Maybe, but according to Rachel Grante, Colour Director at Arthur Christine salon, nestled outside of Washington D.C., channeling my inner Ciara would come at a cost – both financially and possibly physically.
In fact, Grante who has over 12 years’ experience in hair styling and coloring, cautions anyone considering hair color to keep several things in mind.
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1. Internal health – While you may be thinking “Wait, what?” Grante says you are what you eat. “If your caffeine intake [coffee and soda] is out of control and you’re not drinking water to replenish the nutrients that would normally [when following a healthy diet] replenish your hair, it becomes brittle, dry, resists color and creates breakage.
This rule also applies to those taking medications or readying to have surgery. “Your hair is down. Meaning, chances are it is in a weakened state because your body has to use good nutrients to focus on healing.” In these cases, Grante says she asks customers to come back in six months after they’re hair has had time to “recover.”
2. Education – Although I’ve grown accustomed to stylists giving me the look I want at any cost: money, damage (that I wasn’t entirely aware of), Grante argues that, “if your colorist cannot educate you properly on the risks accompanied with coloring your hair – specifically lifting it – they shouldn’t be touching your hair.”
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In other words, a consultation is key to great results. “You have to consider texture, health, current hair color and the event that you may not get the color you want right now. Sometimes it is a process.”
3. Hairstory – For relaxed hair, apply relaxer no less than two weeks before getting color. Attempting to do both in one sitting will cause immediate breakage to any “highlighted pieces.” Always be open and honest about your hairstory. After all, past chemical treatments of any kind will affect results.
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4. It’s a process – If you’re going from dark to light hair, “lift no more than 3-4 levels at a time.” For curly girls, this will “prevent destroying your natural curl pattern.” Anything more could leave you with straight, crispy ends. It’s better to take your time and do it right!
5. The investment – Know the cost. Not only are you paying for the service, but you’ll need to invest in quality products to care for that new coif. Grante suggests “Euro products” as they are “far superior” to many of the mainstream “sulfate free, argon oil, natural hair” products we see pushed on YouTube and popular forums.
Look for products that are rich in moisture, take your vitamins and follow a balanced diet. Grante recommends “fish oil” vitamins, as let’s face it, taking Biotin alone is not enough. “It’s just like eating broccoli. While Biotin is a popular supplement for hair, skin, and nails, there’s little evidence to suggest that taking it can prevent hair loss or stimulate new hair growth.
When it comes to caring for your new color, Grante advises that you use heat no more than once a week. Going for a swim this summer? Lather your hair in coconut or castro oil. This prevents your strands from absorbing the water and chlorine. Guess what? Sunscreen also does the same trick.
Rachel Grante and Dusan Grante’s, celebrity clientele includes Nicole Murphy and Don Benjamin. Most recently, the husband-wife duo styled pop star Manika at the 2016 Grammys. For more information on their services visit: www.arthurchristine.com.
