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hair colouring questions

14 replies

Grumblyberries · 21/07/2020 15:55

for years now, I've seen a mobile hairdresser who colours my hair. She's about to retire, and I've no idea where to go. She just does my roots each time (dark brown), and occasionally highlights, presumably as it's better for the hair.

I look on the websites, and the prices and names for colouring really confuse me! I presume that for the first time, they will have to do my whole head not just roots, to make sure the colour matches, even if I found out exactly which brand/colour she uses normally? And then do they just do roots each time after that, like she did? But there don't seem to be different prices listed, so it's all the same regardless of how much they have to do? But I will probably have to shop around to find a stylist I like, which will mean having the colour done again each time with whatever brands/colours that salon uses? I used to go to mine once a month, and she'd trim off the split ends and do the roots all at the same time. It's curly, so harder to trim!

And of course right now, the roots are a couple of inches long, and a lot of places aren't taking new customers, so there might be restricted choice already. I was so looking forward to getting it done again, and the thought of finding somewhere new and going through all the hassle of trying stylists out dismays me.

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Mnhealth202020 · 21/07/2020 16:32

Stop assuming things, just call a salon and ask. They might be fully booked but their phone lines should be open for you to ask questions, you might even be able to book in for a consultation.

mommybear1 · 21/07/2020 16:39

Can she recommend a replacement? If not ask her to tell you what colours you have that way you're armed with the information beforehand and can see what salons charge / fine one you are comfortable with.

Grumblyberries · 21/07/2020 16:48

yes I will ask them, but just want to have the right ideas/words before I do it. I haven't been inside a salon for years, and it's a bit intimidating!

She can't recommend anyone, since she's been mobile for ages and just goes round to customer's houses, so doesn't know much about any of the salons. I'm trying to find out exactly what colour she uses though.

I have looked at the price lists online, can't really tell what half of it means, but it looks like it'll be at least double what she charged. Or maybe not so much if I don't have them cut it at the same time, that's a thought, perhaps not doing that every month would make it more doable.

I'm a bit desperate now as it was last done mid-Feb! So finding somewhere that will take new people is a priority.

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Cuddling57 · 21/07/2020 16:54

I would get all the details you can from her - what is the brand she used, the colours used and anything else she can tell you.
Then I would spend some time telephoning local salons and also mobile hairdressers to get an idea of price and when they would be available. Write it all down then ring your favourite back to book.
I totally get where you are coming from.
I feel stuck with highlights but haven't been for ages and I'm just not sure what I should do next!

Good problems to have though Grin

Mnhealth202020 · 21/07/2020 17:09

It doesn’t hugely matter if your new hairdresser uses the same brand of dye or not. They mix the shade that you want based upon the level and tone and will aim to get it as close as possible.

It probably will be more expensive, mobile hairdressers tend to be cheap.

You don’t have to get your full head dyed, just ask for a root tint.

Salons near me are taking new clients, yours probably will too.

I think you’re stressing over this for no reason. You will need a colour consultation and skin test beforehand as you’re a new client, where they will advise exactly what you need and how much it costs. They’re the experts and will figure out the action plan themselves, you don’t have to do the guesswork.

Grumblyberries · 21/07/2020 17:17

yeah, I think I'll have to just go/ring for a consultation and find out that way. The one nearest me had a sign about only taking current customers, and another online one said new customers were for cuts only at the moment, until they're ready to do skin tests again. But hopefully they're exceptions.

so looks like I'll have to just do some ringing around or asking if anyone I know has recommendations. I guess I've benefited for quite a while from the cheaper price of the mobile one, time to join the real world!!

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Mnhealth202020 · 21/07/2020 17:41

Generally, where do you live? People here might have recommendations for a salon.

Also check Instagram for a potential salons

Grumblyberries · 21/07/2020 18:01

I've found a couple of possibilities, and will look up reviews.

Instagram is a good idea, thanks

Feels easier to start ringing around places now that I know there's not much standard between places - the names of colour choices on the price lists are all very different etc, so nobody is going to know when they go to a new place.

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Cuddling57 · 21/07/2020 18:10

Good luck!
Are you on local Facebook pages? I find them helpful for recommendations.

Grumblyberries · 21/07/2020 19:09

thanks, that's a good idea too, will see what I can find

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Cuddling57 · 23/07/2020 18:30

Did you find some prices op?
I've been looking and found the salons seem to charge just as much for full colour as they do for highlights. I thought it would be cheaper!

Grumblyberries · 23/07/2020 19:28

yes I've looked at a few, and it seems to be just one price for full colour, and another for highlights, and another for full colour plus highlights. Only one that I've seen has a 'regrowth' price, which is only about £5 cheaper than full colour. Mostly you have to combine it with a cut, too. And others have various terms that I don't understand so not totally sure what services they offer - I've emailed some and waiting to hear back! I guess they're all pretty busy these days.

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Cuddling57 · 23/07/2020 21:31

It almost makes me want to reach for the box dye... Shock!

Grumblyberries · 23/07/2020 21:45

I wish I could! I"ll be spending over double each month if I keep going every 4 weeks. Think I"ll have to change that. My hair is too big and curly to do it myself though. I wouldn't have to have it cut each time, but a lot of places only do colour with a cut, or for an extra charge. I guess it would be a bit cheaper to just pay the charge though.

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