It looks as if my rooty experiment is at an end. I perform in A Piece of My Heart in late May and my hair color is not appropriate. I’m playing Whitney and she is described as: “Tall, slender, withdrawn, contained. Very aristocratic in bearing and quality. A Vassar graduate.” The play begins in the 60’s and concludes 20 years later. My two-toned hair doesn’t match the character description or the time period:
The cut is fine, but I need to do something about the roots. I’m considering:
1. Highlighting all of the roots white blonde for a summer-in-the-sun look.
2. Highlighting only the top layer white blonde for the same look. I won’t be pulling my hair back in the show, so I don’t need to bleach the roots underneath.
With the first two options, I can continue growing out dark roots with light ends after the show closes. But I worry that I’ll run into this problem again in my next show. So, maybe it’s time to end the experiment and dye it all one color:
3. Back to red.I loved the red, but it was so high maintenance and hard on my hair. If I returned to that shade, I would not use box color again, but would have it done in the salon.
I’m torn, what are your thoughts?
Do low lights and highlights. It will be too blonde and drying to do your whole head white blonde.
ReplyDeleteHi Kasmira! I love the red on you. I think the warm color looks great on your skin tone and really brings out your eyes. What if you went to a brown color with some red in it? That's another option.
ReplyDeleteI love the red on you, too! But what about a compromise--golden brown? (I'm wondering if the very light blonde will go with the character?) It sounds kind of plain, but I'm curious what you'd look like that way. And you're never plain, so you don't have to worry about that, regardless of hair color. :)
ReplyDeleteOr I like what Jennie said about the reddish brown.
I would love to see you in a soft brown. It would be low maintenance and I think make your eyes really POP. I love brown hair and blue eyes!~
ReplyDeleteI agree with Jennie - try a brown with red tones in it. But, I would recommend going to the salon, at least at first. Reddish-browns can often turn kind of purple. Or, you could go to the salon and have it down and then do henna on it a couple weeks later (do a strand test first, henna is unpredictable over dyes sometimes) - I've never gotten the purple-ish tone with henna on my brown hair, it just gives wonderful coppery highlights.
ReplyDeletedefinitely either go red or a chocolatey brown with red undertones.
ReplyDeleteI think the red/brown would be best for your skin tone and eye color.
if you don't want to spend a huge chunk of cash getting your hair colored, you could always go to the aveda institute!
I just love the red... so that was my vote.
ReplyDeleteI find it hard to believe that red could be more high maintenance than such a light blonde, but I have a lot of copper tones in my hair and going blonde was a disaster for me, so I might be biased.
ReplyDeleteI think you should return to red and get it done at a salon.
Everybody seems to like the red better. I admit I didn't like the blond at all when you first did it, but it's grown on me, and these two pictures demonstrate why, for me. The blond brings out your cute freckles and the roses in your cheeks better than the red does. So I'm going to go against the crowd and say to stick with the blond. Maybe ashy blond, which wouldn't be so obviously different when growing out.
ReplyDeleteHi. I was hard for me to get used to the blonde, but now that you have grown it out, I have come to really love it...but I vote for a reddish brown, since we have not seen that color on you and I think it would look great. What does Beefy think?
ReplyDeleteI think a warm honey brown would be lovely!
ReplyDeleteRed suits you and actually makes you look very youthful :) (like in a good way - not in a childish way)
ReplyDeleteThe red is fab on you but I am also a fan of low maintenance. So I voted other and here are my thoughts: Have you been brunette or dark brown recently? I think that would really make your eyes pop. And there are so many varying shades you could do that wouldn't be very high maintenance.
ReplyDeleteps. Opps if I an not the first comment to suggest this. I forgot to skim first.
I would suggest going brunette. Your character does not sound like a redhead to me (tempestuous and temperamental) or a bleached blonde (carefree and/or modern fashionista). Brown hair seems to be more versatile of a haircolor. It could suit a variety of character traits.
ReplyDeleteI also think that you would look great as a brunette. Your blue eyes would be hypnotizing. :)
I'm like you and have tried many different shades of hair color. I always come back to blonde - it's more low maintenance than people realize. You just have to do a few highlights here and there, not bleach it all out. Red always fades out on me, too much work. Personally, I think you look smashing as a blonde!
ReplyDeleteI think the red really makes your eyes pop and flatters your skin. If it's damaged from the bleach, try henna. It's what I always turn back to and it works magic on my hair. I just applied henna this week (I have a similar haircut to yours) and a chunk in my bangs that I had bleached and rebleached until it was fried already looks so shiny and healthy again. I get all of my info and supplies here: http://www.hennaforhair.com
ReplyDeleteI'm a henna nerd; if you have any questions about it, email me!
I love the blonde...the red is kind of heavy for someone with your fair skin. The blonde is lighter and brightens your face. While the red is very attractive, I have to go against the crowd here and say that the blonde is better!
ReplyDeleteIt depends what you're wanting to achive. If you like the blonde, do some hilites (to match the blonde) and low lites (ones closer to your natural) and you're set for summer. Gets rid of any lines and buys you some time! Easy, beautiful and a nice to grow out until you decide what you really want to do!
ReplyDeleteAnd please, please, PLEASE don't box die it. It's SO bad for your hair. (This is strictly from a stylist's opinion.) Whatever change you make, I would reccommend a pro!
Good luck on the choice!
Kasmnira, I just adore the red on you! It makes your gorgeous blue eyes pop and warms your skin and makes your adorable freckles make sense.
ReplyDeleteI've always been a fan of you as a redhead (um, it has nothing to do with me having dyed red hair also).
ReplyDeleteI wonder if it was hard on your hair due to the length? I have been dyeing mine red for years (from a box, with the approval of my stylist) and as long as you keep it well conditioned and trimmed regularly, it doesn't get dried out or fried. I also only use a blow-dryer on it...I save the flat-iron for special occasions.
every one seams to be saying with blond or red and a few light brown, your never shy with with fashions so why not carry this over to your hair and try a new shade, of course it can be challenging at first,
ReplyDeletewhy not try a grey shade it not all about age with this shade it just another way of making a style statment opening up different options for you with fashions.
I voted for blonde. This is a little off topic, but would love to know what lipstick you are wearing in the big lead photo. It's FANtastic!
ReplyDeleteI also like the red better than the blond- I feel the blond washes you out just a tad and you are a very convincing redhead. That said, my first thought when I read your character description was honey brown- it would be a good neutral, low maintenance and a nice change!
ReplyDeleteI didn't read all the previous comments, so I may be repeating what others said, but maybe go in-between the white-blond and the red - a strawberry blond? Just a thought! Might be easier upkeep and would be lovely for summer.
ReplyDeleteIf you like your hair as it is now, what about a wig??
ReplyDeleteI think the super pale blond washes you out a lot and actually makes you look paler than you are. Anything with warm tones as opposed to ashy ones will look great. I loooove your red hair, but that's probably because I've always wanted to be one. ;)
ReplyDeleteI' know you're reading this idea for um-teeth time: How about brown, ehe? Chocolaty or brown with a red undertone. I think you'd look fab as a brunette. And the sun will give you some natural highlights.
ReplyDeleteI loved the red. It's so flattering on you!
ReplyDeleteMy recommendation would be to talk to a great colorist, and let their advice help guide your decision. I've been going to my girl for years and she's never steered me wrong.
You look great blonde. An aristocrat would definitely have one color. Why not go Rich Brown ? It's easy to change back (I know) and you will be closer to your natural color when the play is over! When I think of withdrawn and contained aristocrat I think brunette.
ReplyDeleteno red right now...wear a wig if necessary... seriously the biggest challenge here is NOT going to be your hair looking punked out. You are going to have to be "withdrawn," and that is going to take some acting effort now that you are hopping around.
ReplyDeleteWhere's the play gonna be? I haven't gotten to see your work yet! My neighbor is also an actor in many plays around Cinti. and he said he knows you!!! I bet you've worked together! I won't name him, but he knows me as the crazy hippy cat lady who doesn't "keep her yard up" ! (I am the dandelion queen). They follow me where ever I go! Let us know when and where!
ReplyDeleteI think red hair is gorgeous on you and you look less washed out, but red is a pain in the ass to keep up! I voted to just do the top roots. No point in damaging the rest if it wont show. Plus, blonde hair rocks ;-) But I'm partial.
ReplyDeleteI get my hair done at a local beauty school, and they do WONDERFUL. I like to add low lights (in addition to highlights) because it adds some dimension, AND it makes it last SOOOOO much longer because it helps transition the roots to the rest of the hair. Anyways, I like you in both blonde and red, but blondes have more fun, LOL :) Whatever you choose, you will be as gorgeous as ever.
ReplyDeletehttp://fashion4economicallychallenged.blogspot.com/
as a Whitney....i vote chocolaty brown :) but i do think the red looks marvelous on you!
ReplyDeleteIm with Sheila, course I am a redhead also..Love you in red..
ReplyDeleteI found I just need to be really faithful about conditioning my red, and use a color booster shampoo more often, if you decide to go that route.
wow...a lot of "us" bloggers love your red!
A chocolate brown, mmmm with your eyes....wow would be aweseome also!
You are pretty no matter what! looking forward to the transition...
So surprised to see how many have voted for red! Don't get me wrong, I think you look great in both hair colors.
ReplyDelete...but I just love your blonde look! Thus, I voted for highlights throughout the roots. However, doing in some lowlights as well, or maybe dying the whole hair a bit warmer blonde might work as well. And having your hair thoroughtly high and low loghted will make the roots less obvious as your hair grows. As a true ash blonde Scandinavian aspiring to have a darker hair color, I share your root dilemma!
PS. I've followed your blog for a few years now, but shame on me, hardly ever leave a comment.
Go back to the red. I can't imagine that red would be harder on your hair than bleaching and highlighting.
ReplyDeleteI voted for highlighting the top white blonde for now. I LOVE red hair and just in the past year have been dyeing mine red. But if figure if you want the two-tone, give it one more shot... then if you run into this problem agian, dye it. Who knows- maybe your next character will be a rebel and the two tone will fit.
ReplyDeleteI am impressed that you are so dedicated to your work that would change your hair color for it. I would just wear a wig! I think you should stay a blonde but go slightly darker. Isn't your natural color a bit darker than what you have now. Or maybe a strawberry blonde? Red is such a pain in the butt and you have already been down that road though I did like it a lot. Either way, you will look beautiful!
ReplyDeleteRETRO REVA - the show will be at the Madisonville Arts Center. I'll post more details, soon!
ReplyDeleteA - I'm wearing L'Oreal HIP Shine Struck Liquid Lipcolor in 662 "Arresting."
Jamie - Beefy wants it red. And he's also the director.
To those that suggested brunette - I'll think about it!
To those that suggested a wig - my director strongly objects. :(
I was really skeptical of the growing-out-your-roots trend until I saw a girl downtown working it! She had really dark brown roots and the rest of her hair was reddish. She had the roots grown out to almost her eyes and it looked adorable on her. That doesn't solve your issue though. Could it be as simple as a hairpiece/wig if you really want to continue with your hair experiment?
ReplyDeleteI'm kind of excited Beefy likes the red because even though you could probably rock any color, you as a redhead is just ridiculously awesome. When I first started reading your blog (many moons ago) your hair inspired me to go to the salon with a picture of you to try to get your color. It came pretty close and I've been red ever since. Team Redhead!
ReplyDeleteHow funny is that !
ReplyDeleteI was just asking Beefy if you had plans to dye your hair.... personally loved the red.
Have you tried dying it with henna ? Is your hair dry or oily?
Lorena - I'd say my hair is on the dry side. I haven't tried henna - I've been afraid of the reaction it could have with the dyes I've used before.
ReplyDeleteDye it to as close to your natural color as you can. Then you can let your hair recover for a little while. The blonde and red look great, but damaged hair is no fun.
ReplyDeleteI've only used henna over dyed hair; never had a problem. http://www.mehandi.com/shop/hennahow.pdf
ReplyDeleteI loved the red on you, and with it so short it shouldn't be as hard to maintain, or as damaging. If you're going to a salon anyway you might try some lowlights in there too for a little more drama. Salon dyes seem to last longer in my experience, so maybe you'll only need to do the entire length every other time; the other visits your hairdresser can just fill in the roots. Aveda dyes seem to be the most gentle on the hair and scalp, if you can find a salon that uses them. Whatever you decide to do, I'm looking forward to seeing it!
ReplyDeleteWell, I was going to suggest brown as a director, but if Beefy is the director and he wants it red, then I guess you have your answer! I do love the current two tone though; in fact, I like it more than the all blonde you originally had and I might even like it more than the red!
ReplyDeleteNo matter what color you go with, break a leg! I love Piece of My Heart, but man is it a hard show to do.
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ReplyDeleteDefinitely go back to red! I *really* miss your red hair as it was absolutely 200% perfect on you.
ReplyDeleteI think you should dye it. I'm not a fan of the two tone.
ReplyDeleteYou should go back to your natural color! Or at least close to it. Maybe a golden blonde if you really think your hair color is so boring. To me, a person's natural color always looks better than a dyed color. It's how you were meant to be!
I really like your hair two toned. I think that if you highlighted the roots with the same color as the your top hair, you can keep the blonde, but have the warmth of the darker color underneath!
ReplyDeleteWith your skin tone and eyes, I think a cool-toned red would look great on you. I am a stylist, and would LOVE to see you with a rich red. Your eyes would just Sparkle! I use Paul Mitchell color, and one of my favorite formulas is a 5R, 5V, and 6N. There is enough brown in it to keep the red from fading really fast (a problem most people have after transitioning from platinum)
ReplyDeleteI've been red myself, so I know how quickly it can fade. I sometimes used a semi-permanent color to refresh the color when it faded in between touch-ups. Semi-permanents are not harsh and really help with shine. Something like Natural Instincts from Clairol would work well and not be too pricey.
ReplyDeleteRED! I think it suits you more than anything else.
ReplyDeleteThis follow up is kinda late..but
ReplyDeletehenna is great if you have oily hair but then it would not work on you as it dries it up !
Look forward to seeing you back in red, I think it accents your features very positively .)
I know this comment is about a week late, but when I think of aristocratic and withdrawn, I don't think of white blonde. I think brown - I like the idea that others suggested of brown with reddish hints to it. That is my vote.
ReplyDelete