Hair help. Please

[MrsFTigalar]

As the title suggests really. It's over a year since I had my hair coloured, and months since the last trim.

Things that might be useful to know... I'm a SAHM and 17 weeks pregnant. That said I like my hair to look nice - hoping it distracts from the pallor induced by perma-vomiting. I've done curly girl in the past which brings out my waves, but for some reason have stopped.

But what to do? And what to ask for? Ineed relatively easy to maintain but don't have a history of asking well at the hairdresser.

Also, would a box dye cover up the delightful two tone effect of my growing out highlights?

Is that your hair in its natural state? Do you need to straighten it? What colour would you like to try? Going darker would give it a lovely shine but would it suite you? What colour eyes do you have? Would you prefer it to stay long or go short?

I would go on Pinterest for some inspiration and speak to a good stylist who can tell you if the cut you like would work with your hair and if the colour would suit you. But I would get the colour done in a salon. It'll look much nicer and last longer.

I get my colour done in a salon a few times per year and maintain it myself in between - by using shampoo and conditioner for brunettes and using nice n easy root touch up. I do have a lot of grey though (although only in mid 30s!)

Be wary of a box dye on top of existing dye - my hairdresser rolls her eyes at this "solution" - better to get the advice of a professional when it comes to colour.

To be honest, it looks as though it could do with a bit of a chop and some fresh colour - either re-highlighted or a block colour to match your own natural colour if that's the route you prefer.

I would get a root stretch/reverse balayage and tone the old highlights with a demi or quasi. You could try going for a block colour but bleached hair is always going to have trouble holding on to colour for any length of time.

A good serum or oil will help tame some of the frizz. The Maria Nila one is fab, pricey but lasts ages. Our last bottle lasted six months with two of us using it daily.

A long layered bob would suit wavy hair www.google.co.uk/search?q=long+layered+bob&rlz=1C1AVNG_enGB674GB730&tbm=isch&source=iu&ictx=1&fir=2T0vGE8I__ZH2M%253A%252CC9uCzIg1X4ZfpM%252C_&usg=__N_Z6efruidrPEppTts_u9DyCWx8%3D&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiSqM_87tLbAhUdM8AKHSJ8A_MQ9QEINTAF#imgrc=PDM9rxn9H7oG2M:

I’d chop into a lob and leave the ends the colour they are- people are paying good money for that effect! Then go back to the curly girl method (more ot less) and let the waves come back- they probably will at a shorter length. I do curly girl (ish) and just run almond oil through my hair which seems to condition/de-frizz and I avoid a brush. Fingers only works for me anyway.

What is a root stretch/reverse balayage it sounds painful.
I'm no hairdresser but I've been in your shoes. I would keep some of the lighter ends and have lowlights (a colour near your own) put through it so that the ends are blended in a bit more. So you keep some light in it but that might it look sunkissed. I would have a good trim as well.

What is a root stretch/reverse balayage

It's where colour is applied only to your roots and then pulled down (with a comb not by actually yanking or stretching your hair) through the top of the mid lengths until it fades into the natural or bleached colour.

www.google.co.uk/search?q=root+stretch&rlz=1C1AVNG_enGB674GB730&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjLvsXgv9PbAhXnIcAKHWZfAGEQsAQIKA&biw=1024&bih=700#imgrc=Yllv1Oh9l8FzMM:

It gives a rooty look similar to balayage but without the harsh demarcation line you get when colour or bleach grows out naturally.

That said, if OP opts to lose most of the length a root stretch would have to be coupled with a few carefully placed highlights/freelights to bring some of the lighter colour further up. So, if she did go for a lob and didn't want the hassle of upkeeping a balayage or lightened look, an all over block colour would be the better option. But a decent salon would talk through all that with her in the consultation.

That is what I need - to cover my grey but not have to have my hair highlighted! Not hijacking thread but I was wondering what to ask for..

Thank you so much. Everyone!

That is completely natural, air dried hair. My natural colour does have a fair old whack of grey coming through at the temples.

I've picked up some new sulphate and silicone free shampoo and conditioner. But Boots were out of curl crème today, so that'll have to wait.

The long bobs are perfect. I think I need it to hit just below my shoulders because of my chubby face, but the long layers should work with my waves.

Colour, if not from a box, will have to wait a month or two. But I love the idea of stretching my natural colour into the highlights to break them up.