[ratmist]

Quote:

Originally Posted by knoxydoll

You'll look great with black hair but I'd suggest using a semi-perm black instead of a level three just so that if you ever change your mind about being the colour it won't be a double (sometimes tripple) process to get it out. That or having to shave you head. It's also a lot easier (since you natural is brown right) with growth and really doesn't damamge your hair. I'm also saying this from personal experience.

This is absolutely the best advice as for the technical side of dying black. Go for semi permanent, and get it done professionally if you can afford it. I've lifted the next bit of information from another person for if/when you want to lift the black out of your hair:

1. Clear two days from your schedule. It takes one day to get the color lifted to begin working with it. It can take 2-3 processes of lightening and stripping, depending on how long you've been coloring it black. It took me three processes once after I'd been coloring it black for a couple of years. Then you'll want to sleep on it and come back the next day to begin adding the color you want to tone it. Get a hat, you will probably need one after that first day--you can look rather leopard spotted.


2. Do not screw around. Do this with a professional. It can cost between $150.00-$200.00 (I'm accounting for the tip you WILL leave her, right? hee hee). You need to do it with a stylist because he/she will know how to watch for breakage if your hair begins to get damaged. Last time, I did it on an impulse and just went to a chain salon in the mall and had the girl do it. I does take HOURS, if not all day especially if you have longer hair.


3. Do not go into the salon with a picture in your mind (or in your hand) of exactly what you want. Keep an open mind and know that this is a process and that your best goal to shoot for is to leave the salon with the black gone, a nice color, and with your hair still intact. Do not force the hair, work with what it gives you.


4. If your hair came out in decent condition but you want it a bit lighter, give your hair a week to get back to it's normal ph balance and then go back in to have it lightened more. Give it a rest, then go again. Do this until you reach your goal.


4. Personally, I bleach it 2-3 times (usually 3), then add a nice light brown color all over and then foil in blonde highlights to cover unevenness. I find that works the best!

[One reason] I think my hair holds up is because I don't use store bought hair products. Buy your shampoos and styling aids in salons. Store bought hair products are full of alcohol and wax fillers and bad stuff for your hair that perpetuate dryness and moisture problems. Salon products are not full of junk, only good stuff. And most salon products are not tested on animals, either! After you've done something horrible to your hair (such as bleach black out of it), condition it deeply and be kind to it for a couple of weeks. It will restore itself.

(Taken from:http://www.funadvice.com/q/help_me_257)