My hairstyle in 2001, when I had red highlights
It’s been over a decade since I’ve colored my hair. I used to get red highlights in my hair — which my husband loooooooved — but it was too much work to keep it up.
At right is a blast from the past from my early twenties (!), when I had red highlights.
In the decade-plus since, I’ve stuck to my natural dark brown hair color, as seen below in the pic of my hairstyle from 2010. In the past few years, more strands have turned silver, which my husband also loves. I don’t mind the silver — which really catch the light in photos! — but I’ve been thinking lately about going for a warmer brown color.
My hairstyle in 2010, with my natural hair color
I’ve been hesitating because I didn’t want the fuss of upkeep or having to deal with roots growing out. That’s why I took the plunge recently with a demi-permanent hair color, which fades after a couple of months and doesn’t leave a line of demarcation with new hair growth at the roots. I asked for a warmer chestnut color, with undertones of red.
Below is a collage from my recent trip to the cosmetology school salon. FYI, I currently go to the Aveda Institute in Portland, and if you’re interested, here’s my post on why I get haircuts at cosmetology schools.
I took pics during my hair color, cut, and final hair style:
I asked for the same hair cut as last time, as I’m still digging the ’20s-style bob with bangs.
Here’s a closer look at the structured bob:
The color is very subtle in real life, and I like how the warmer brown catches the light. It’s like I have natural highlights. And best of all, some of the silver strands still shine through, while others have turned a golden copper. Sam says it’s the best of both worlds! 🙂
So how do you like this subtle hair color shift? Would you consider trying out a demi-permanent hair color?
I’m actually debating what I want to do with my currently red-highlighted hair because, yes, the upkeep is crazy! I’m currently thinking I’ll dye it really dark brown or almost black. Although, I like the idea of a brown with red undertones. I think I want something low maintenance next, though!
I think going really dark would be an interesting look… maybe try a demi-permanent color for the transition? It’s really low-maintenance way to go with color, because no roots.
I’ve been wearing a dark auburn brown with candy-apple-red highlighted bangs (inspired by ballroom dancer Kasia Kozak) on & off for several months. The red highlights have terrible staying power but they fade to a nice copper shade so I don’t get too cranky. However, last haircut I had my stylist do the highlights more coppery to begin with–it looks more natural and they fade to a bronze-y (or brassy?) color that I still get a lot of compliments on. What I like about my color (and yours) is that even on healthy hair the color gives extra shine and glow. And I think color looks really good on a bob because the cut is supposed to look a bit monolithic (so to speak) and the color reinforces that impression.
Thanks, Laura, and I love the sound of your bold red bangs! And I like the way you phrased how a bob “is supposed to look a bit monolithic” — yes, it’s a very bold and structured cut! My straight hair does very well with these structured cuts, and it’s fun to play with my bangs for different looks. 🙂
It really does look nice!!! I love your hairstyle now, it is so stylish!
And yes to the cat post! Did you see my cat brooch I made in my latest brooch post?!!?
xxx
I will have to check out your cat brooch! I have a silver cat brooch gifted to me by a friend years ago. And thanks for the compliments on my hairstyle 🙂
It’s a great look for you Jen! 🙂
Thanks, Mike! 🙂