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It's a rotten miserable day outside, your thighs are definately bigger than they were yesterday and you've got the mother of all zits about to erupt on your altogether less than perfect face. Any woman worth her salt knows that the 'ugly syndrome' only attacks her and that Gwyneth Paltrow couldn't look ugly if she wore a sack and dyed her hair blue! You know from first hand experience that cellulite does exist and that smiling gives you wrinkles. Sounds familiar? Are we downhearted? Well frankly...yes. So what's the answer? ( Sorry what was the question again? ) Well, you've already cut a few bits off your hair when you were 'ugly' last week so it's time for some serious action. It's definately time for that all too familiar brisk walk to the chemist, no not for a bottle of arsenic, but the next best thing. The solution to all your problems. The panacea of all ills and the answer to every woman's dreams. The trusty semi-permanent! Now don't you dare try to pretend that you're not guilty because I know you are. I'm not in this alone. I can't be the only person bringing a smile to the Clairols Managing Directors face. I'm not the only one contributing to Recitals bank balance. So, you've bolted down to Boots, marched purposefully to the appropriate counter, a determined look on your face - I will be beautiful - and there you are with the 'Outrageous Red' box gripped firmly in both hands. Study the picture. Yeah she looks like a 'happening chick'. Turn the box over, glance at the instructions ( it would be rude not too, right?) Turn the box again, pretend to read and understand the long list of petrochemicals about to 'care' for your hair. Aqua? Yes, you recognize that one. Always top of the list on all products so it must be okay - can't pronounce the next one so it's back to the picture. And then, all of a sudden it happens. That voice. That little nagging doubt. Well, maybe not 'Outrageous Red' but definately 'Daring Damson', Change boxes. Actually, 'Subtle Sable' might be more me. Change boxes. Then it catches your eye. Natural brown. You don't give it a full on look, that would be backing down. No, you avert your eyes to the 'Positive Plum' whilst surreptitiously shuffling your feet along to the 'Nearly Natural' section. Taking great care not to drop the determined look from your face you fix your eyes on the box of 'Brilliant Beetroot' in one hand while cleverly reaching for the 'Natural Brown' with the other. Now, yes, now's the time to raise your eyebrows and look mildly surprised as your eyes slide over the box. How did that get there? Oh gosh, I must have picked it up by mistake but, oh yes, now that I look closer that shade really suits that otherwise plain-looking lady on the box. Note how exquisitely it highlights her features, compliments her skin tone and looks altogether so erm.. Natural!. (Arch the eyebrows here again, just for effect) Giving the 'I didn't know brown hair could be so interesting ' look you discreetly push the 'Purple Passion' to the back of the shelf. Saunter sexily to the counter (Well Natural Browns can be interesting too!) hand over your cash and emerge from the store clutching your precious parcel. Looking like you've just conquered Everest (or made a successful soufflé) you stride home grinning like the proverbial Cheshire feline. Great! well .. maybe great. Well ... sort of okay. Oh all right then. It's there again. The voice! Well I'm going to ignore it. Okay, I admit' to any reasonable sane and logical human being it may seem utterly ridiculous to spend hard earned cash on a bottle of liquid that will turn your hair into a psychologically modified replica of the shade you woke up with, but hey what the heck? Who wants to be a reasonable sane and logical human being anyway? I'm a woman for Gods sake - enough said! |
Permanent confusion? If you're a little confused with colouring jargon, especially if it's your first time, look out for key words. Permanent - as the name suggests this should last until it grows out. Contains both ammonia and hydrogen peroxide it can produce dramatic colour changes. But remember, if you want to go from dark brown to blonde you will need to use a 'pre-lightening' product for best results. Semi-Permanent - These usually last about 8 - 10 washes and fade out naturally. Particularly good for enhancing your own colour or for less dramatic changes but as they don't contain peroxide they can't really lighten your hair. Toners - Usually wash in - wash out these are the least permanent of all colours Good for enhancing natural hair colour, brightening light strands and enriching dark ones. These only last a few washes but are useful for adding interest maybe for a special occasion or party and have no re-growth problems. Colouring mousse - This is completely non-permanent and will wash out easily. Good for ringing the changes as you could use a different one each week. Helpful if you can't decide what suits you best but least dramatic of all colour methods. Top Tip If you have taken the plunge and coloured your hair don't forget to change your range of products accordingly. Look for ones specifically designed to keep coloured hair looking good. Try the L'Oreal Elvive range which contain a sunscreen or one of John Friedas Sheer Blonde range ( A favourite with the stars!). Aveda's range of colour enhancing shampoos and conditioners are reputedly amongst the best, and give a wonderful shine to coloured tresses.
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