REAL Exclusive Magazine

Fifty Shades Of Gray

By Sheila Venancia

It is seems that today’s men generally dye their hair for three reasons. Many want to conceal the strands of gray hair creeping into their hairdos. Others want to change their look and add a little excitement to their style, or make a statement of some sort. But before you start coloring your hair, there are a few points you should keep in mind regarding hair coloring products.

WHICH COLOR
First of all, there are three major levels of products you can use to color your hair:

A Level 1 product is called a Semi-permanent color. This will add color to your hair without drastically changing its natural color. Level 1 products are generally used by men with 50% gray hair, or those who want to slightly enhance their natural color. This type of product typically last for 6 to 12 “shampoos” and does not lighten your hair permanently as they don’t contain ammonia or peroxide.

A Level 2 product is called Demi-permanent color. Level 2 products have a color enhancement factor, which is a little more visible than that of first level products. The color should last around 24 to 26 shampoos, depending on its strength. In general, it is used to blend and cover up gray hair.

Finally, a Level 3 product is known as Permanent color. Permanent colors are, as you might have guessed, permanent. Men seeking a significant change in hair color should use these. At this level, it would be wise to consult a professional colorist because the process often involves more than one step.

Your hair might need bleaching, or a more complicated double coloring process. Because the color is permanent, you’ll also be obliged to touch up your roots every 4 to 6 weeks as your hair grows back.

Sheila Styling Publisher Ed Bertha

WHAT TO DO
Now, before selecting your hair color, let’s go over the pros and cons of getting the job done professionally versus doing it yourself with an at-home kit. I cannot emphasize enough, it is always recommended that you consult a professional colorist before attempting to dye your hair on your own, especially if the color change requires double process techniques, bleaching or toning. A colorist has all the tools and knowledge to get the job done right the first time. To find a qualified hair colorist, ask friends or acquaintances for references.

THE RIGHT COLOR
Now, without going over all the “laws” of colors, here are some points that will surely help you select the perfect dye. First of all, hair color is assigned a level number from 1 to 10, 10 being the lightest and 1 being black. Lighter colors, like blond, reflect the greatest amount of light while colors closer to black reflect the least.

At a very simplified level, hair coloring is all about finding the right amount of color to add or subtract from your current hair tint. Sounds simple, right? Well it isn’t!!!!!! There’s a wide spectrum of colors to choose from and achieving the perfect color can be very tricky.

CHOOSING YOUR HAIR COLOR
Any of us could dye our hair pink, green or black (if we wanted to) but depending on our “natural” hair color, the process varies from a simple one-step dye to a more complicated double coloring process. Generally, for those with black hair, it’s easier to achieve shades of red and dark brown. For those with brown hair, coloring to achieve other shades of brown, blond, caramel, and red tends to be more straightforward. Finally, men with blond hair can easily get their hair lightened or altered to black, browns and reds.

FYI …… Your choice of color should also be based on the analysis of your skin tone. Consult your hair stylist, they can provide you with insight that comes from training and experience.

MAINTENENCE TIPS
1- Use a shampoo and conditioner specifically designed for color-treated hair.

2- To avoid your hair color from fading in the sun, make sure to wear a hat or appropriate sunscreen (i.e. hair products that contain UV protection) when exposed.

3- Your hair should be dampened with spring water before getting into chlorine; this will help dilute the chlorine, which normally damages hair’s color.

A FINAL SUGGESTION
If your hair is very gray and you are considering coloring it to anything darker than a medium brown make the change in phases. Start with a light shade of the color you eventually want to end up with. Live with it for 4 to 6 weeks and then, if you still desire a darker shade or color, see your hair stylist for another color treatment. By then your roots will probably be in need of a touch-up anyway. You may even consider extending this phasing in of your color change over more than two treatments. This will allow for a “not so obvious” transition that won’t have your friends doing double-takes when they see you next, but instead asking you “what’s your secret, you look so much younger lately”.

If you cannot say “I love my hair”, then maybe it is time for a new hair stylist.

Sheila Venancia International Hair Stylist – (941) 822.2152

Sheila Venancia has over a decade of distinguished international experience. Originally from Brazil, she trained with leading international hair professionals in London, Spain, Brazil and the USA. In Brazil, Sheila rose among the top-ranking hair and makeup artists, catapulting her into the celebrity arena. Sheila’s work has been featured on Brazilian television shows, newspapers and magazines. Her specialties are non-toxic Japanese hair straightening, laser hair extensions, and high-end modern styling. Sheila may be reached at (941) 822.2152 or sheilasvs@hotmail.com.

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