[AleksFrazzle]

I have very curly hair. I once bleached it to platinum and it was healthy; well I wanted to go burgundy and when I did it my hair turned black. So I tried to restore health first with deep conditioners and olive oil treatments and then I tried this recipe for vitamin c and shampoo mix it stripped it pretty well turned the dark color into a caramel color then I conditioned it and then did the mixture again and it took more out to a dark red orange. So I conditioned for two days straight; I bought this l'oreal effasol color remover and did that just yesterday. Let me tell you it burned so bad that I could only leave it on for 5 minutes when the least recommended time was 50 min. When I rinsed my hair was dry that it didn't move. So I used this keratin deep conditioner and made a honey,mayo,olive oil,yogurt,egg, and mixed in some deep conditioner and my hair is a lot better but not exactly wonderful. So anyway I am dying my hair silver white based; I wanted to know what to do to make and keep my hair healthy and soft as well as remove the color, my hair now is a light strawberry blond with white highlights in it. I got some quick blue bleach and 20 vol crème developer but I only want to Have to bleach TWICE at the MOST. What should I do? I can't handle the damage! Thank you

[Lanist57]

First, what is your NATURAL color (the color that grows out of your head without any color/bleach)? That will make a difference in the results. Also, if you can live with the strawberry blonde color for another 3-4 weeks, DO! Your hair has been through too much processing, and it needs a break. So does your scalp! I certainly recommend you see a professional for any more color and a thorough conditioning. Your hair is "sick" and you would see a doctor if your body was as sick as your hair is now. Hair may break off and grow back, but if you cause that kind of damage to your scalp, you could damage the follicles and cause permanent damage and/or hair loss) However, since I have a feeling you are going to self-treat, here's what I recommend (I am a professional hairstylist). Go buy some good, salon quality shampoo and conditioner, and also a great deep conditioner. For your super curly and damaged hair, I would suggest you shampoo only every other or every 3 days with a gentle or repairing shampoo. You may condition your hair in between the shampoos if needed, or just on days you shampoo. Once a week, use a deep conditioner meant to help treat damaged hair. Redken is a well-known and easy to find brand that won't kill your budget. Start with Redken Extreme shampoo and Extreme conditioner, and use Redken Extreme Strength Builder or Extreme Rescue Force once a week to help keep your hair healthy. After your first round of Extreme, you could switch to Redken All Soft Shampoo and Conditioner. It's a great blend for long-term health of your hair. If you can find the It's a 10 product line near you, I'd recommend that instead. AFTER you have saved your scalp and hair health, you may proceed with color. Once again, I would suggest a professional, but if you do it yourself, do not try to go more than 3 levels lighter or darker by yourself in one sitting. Bleach on hair removes proteins, damages the cuticle (The cuticle should lie flat on the hair, but is roughed up by bleaching process), and requires you keep up with good product to maintain your hairs' health. Please do not fall victim to Pantene. It may make hair shiny and feel nice SHORT TERM, but it is coating your hair with a waxy buildup which actually does more damage in the long run by "suffocating" the hair from being able to absorb natural oils and moisture.

[AleksFrazzle]

Thank you very much. I purchased some really good conditioners and one with keratin. And have left my hair alone; it's a lot healthier feeling and looking. My natural color is a light golden blonde with white, red, black, and silver highlights. Sounds weird but it was. I'll keep doing what you said and give my hair a long deserved rest. Thanks again