The last time I dyed my hair, it was in my early teenage years and it was red, short and horrible. Ever since I was a child, I’ve never liked my hair. I thought it was imperfect, thick, naturally wavy, and frizzy. I was envious of girls with bone straight silky smooth locks and wondered why I couldn’t have been born with those genes. These days, I’m not as mean to my hair, especially now that it’s matured into a tolerable mane. I’m actually happy that my hair is thick and full instead of thin and flat. It only means that as I age, the least likely I will go bald. LMAO. Ever since growing out the nasty red colour, it’s been black all the way.
Until now.
On March 11th, 2016, I decided it was time for a change. Cue in hair genius RYAN of Toni & Guy in Yorkville, Toronto. Ryan has been a hair stylist and color technician/instructor for quite some time. I was lucky that he decided to take me on in their hair program, as he is the most senior colorist with many years of experience. It made me comfortable in knowing I was in the hands of an instructor. And boy, were his hands magic! The technique Ryan used is called balayage. “Balayage is a French word meaning to sweep or to paint. It allows for a sun-kissed natural looking hair colour – similar to what nature gives us as children – with softer, less noticeable regrowth lines. The principal idea being less is more when creating soft, natural looks.” I originally wanted honey colored hair, something that can be manageable. I was able to keep my dark locks, while adding in lighter tones all over. He did this in THREE STAGES as seen in the visuals below.
My one fear was damaging my hair and not being able to do the up keep. But I knew if I wanted it to look fabulous from week to week, I needed to pay extra attention to it.
Below, some SIMPLE TIPS on keeping your colored hair looking healthy and luscious:
1. DO NOT WASH YOUR HAIR EVERYDAY. I have a mildly oily head, and when I didn’t have colored hair, I washed it everyday. But after this whole process, it’s impossible, you will only damage it further and your ends will definitely suffer. I wash it only twice per week, max.
2. USE HAIR MASKS OR COCONUT OIL AT LEAST ONCE A WEEK. I prefer using organic coconut oil because it’s cheaper than hair masks. Also because you can buy big jugs, whereas hair masks, they come in tiny little containers that will not last you long. But either way, you are essentially bringing back moisture into your hair to help protect it. I like to leave the mask or coconut oil in my hair for hours while I do other tasks.
3. USE AN INTENSE CONDITIONER WHEN YOU SHOWER. Leave it in for at least 5 minutes, and it will help a little with detangling your hair, post shower.
4. IF USING HEAT, APPLY A HEAT-PROTECTING STYLING PRODUCT. I can’t avoid using a curling iron. Especially with this long mane. I love to give my hair beachy waves, so I make sure to protect it from the heat with a spray on heat protector.
5. EAT HEALTHY. Foods that include iron-rich protein feed your scalp and hair by building strong keratin, the protein that strengthens hair, improves texture and stimulates growth.
Ultimately, I feel like a different woman with my new hair. I feel more confident, sexy, and glowing. I want to thank RYAN for giving me this feeling. Make sure you are following his hair journey here. I also want to thank TONI & GUY for giving me this opportunity. If they didn’t contact me, I would still have my boring black hair! Make sure you’re following them here.
Hope you enjoy my hair evolution!
Xx
Tee
Ryan Bone, Senior Hair Stylist & Colorist working his magic
Rob Pupo, Senior Stylist and Owner of Toni Guy putting the finishing touches on my hair!
A little bit lighter and cooler, stage one complete!
Stage two – honey I’m homeeee! Loving a deeper beige, honey color
Stage three – my summer ready hair is complete!
To make your booking with Ryan, give Toni & Guy a call at (416) 920-7775
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