Good to know! Thanks!
Posted by on 09/28 at 06:42 PM
Café Gray
Product Watch
We all have a few tips up our sleeves. Want to share? Tell us your very favorite shampoos, conditioners, shine boosters, styling aids. What makes your hair go from gray to great?
Posted by on 12/06 at 02:12 PM
Back to Lori’s question about Pink’s bright white hair --
I’ve had three great colorists respond to the “Can you get white out of a bottle?” question. Short answer – NO. Long answer – it takes patience, time, money and commitment.
Brad Johns, National Color Director of Elizabeth Arden’s Red Door Spas, suggests the primary technique that all colorists agree upon. A 7th stage bleach and a white or silver toner.
Will this bleach lift dark hair all the way to white? More like pale yellow. And that’s where the patience and time come in.
Beth Minardi, Color Director of the Minardi Salon, advises that hair be pre-bleached with an oil-based hair lightener. This is processed until the hair reaches an almost white “palest yellow” stage, which can take up to two hours. After this, you’ll be shampooed, conditioned, and dried. If the hair has not come up to palest yellow, you’ll be asked to come back to the salon in 48 hours. When you return, the lightener will be re-applied for up to 90 minutes. Then it can be shampooed, conditioned and toned with a non-ammonia “white” toner. This process should be repeated every 3 weeks. As Beth says – it’s POSSIBLE – but it’s a real commitment. Highlights, wigs, or white extensions woven into the hair is the more modern way to go. She says you can treat very, very short hair this way (like Pink’s), but with very dark, long hair, any of the above is a better idea.
Brian Redman, Color Director of Hair Designer TV, stresses the commitment and “deep pockets” needed for this switch, stating that Pink undoubtedly has those. He also advises that the ideal conditions for going white in one visit are fine to medium texture virgin hair, and a light natural level. Barring this, the results become less predictable. He also says you’ve got to give the lightener time to work, and if it hasn’t in 1 ½ hours, it’s time to consider other options, after you shampoo, condition and dry the hair. Finally, it usually will be toned, as all have agreed, but the toner may actually make the hair somewhat darker if it hasn’t lightened enough in the first place.
All stress this must be religiously maintained and is an on-going process. It ain’t easy being Pink – or white! 
Posted by on 09/29 at 10:48 AM
Shew. That made me tired. Just thinking about it makes me tired. :o)
So many work hard to stay away from such a natural color....then others work so hard to get it. Makes no sense! :o)
So much easier just being natural...but then we all know that. :o)
Posted by on 09/29 at 12:36 PM
Ain’t it the truth?
Posted by on 09/29 at 12:56 PM
now that the roots are really comming in and noticably at that...every morning when i showere i can feel the difference when i wash my hair..it is definitly softer although i still have the coarse syuff in the back where it is darker
next time i send in pics i will try and photograph the back i really had no idea how much difference there is back ther too!! actually that is all done since my hair back ther is short…
i have been using a nice goldwell shampoo for colored hair should i finish it up??/ or should i find something that can help with that oxidized look??
thanks guys
and wow is that second sememster GROWING like my hair inbetween color..in the old days!! 
louann
Posted by on 09/30 at 03:40 PM
Just opened my new Bloomingdale’s catalog “Beauty Benefits.” It has a new to me product from Federic Fekkai that I think I want to try during the coming holiday season. Has anyone tried “Spray on Hair Crystals”??? It comes in three shades, so I assume it deposits color. Copper and Bronze would seem to be out of the question, but Champagne sounds like it might work. My hair has lots of pepper with a dash of salt so some sparkles in the evening might be just the ticket.
Posted by on 10/15 at 03:11 PM
Why do I have visions of that fake snow that used to spray out of cans?? Funny, I actually asked someone about the idea of putting little light reflectors into a spray-on hair product about a year ago. They said there would be a problem with the actuator clogging, and a comb-out problem. See? Frédéric Fekkai just doesn’t listen. And that’s why he’s pretty darn smart. Let us know when you try it. And if it imparts any blonde/champagne tones to your hair, although you may not be able to tell.
Posted by on 10/15 at 03:32 PM
once upon a time in the 60’s my mother would spray her hair with a silver lacquer i seem to remember it came in gold and silver ...she did this to “even” out her color...man it was a big deal she would go outside and spray and spray!! then wrap it up and do it all again the next week!!
so in other words “everything old is new again!”!!!!
louann
Posted by on 10/15 at 03:33 PM
I posted some comments on the “conditioner--Love it or leave it” site. I think they should have been over here. So sorry! 
“Question concerning shampoo and conditioner for gray/silver hair: I have used Clairol Shimmer lights (didn’t seem to do anything) and Pantene Silver expressions which worked for awhile and then I didn’t notice any change. What do you all use? I use the Pantene set on one day, Suave Clairifying set on the second day, and finally Aussie Moist set on the third day. That’s my rotation.”
Now I know why my hair was looking so “old”. I washed it everyday and used the Pantene too often. It probably doesn’t help that my hair is thick, somewhat coarse, and will frizz at a moment’s notice.
Any advice? Please? I should say any more advice, because I just finished reading this entire commentary and plan on trying everything mentioned, if I can only get my hands on it! 
Posted by on 10/18 at 08:02 AM
That should hold you for awhile, Mary! There’s also advice on shampoos, conditioners, treatments and styling products in the book, broken down by hair type/problems. And you also might want to check out Products You Should Know About under the Care & Treatment Tab.
Any time hair looks “old” or dull, it’s usually because it’s dry and thirsty. You never want to over shampoo, and you shouldn’t use blue shampoos every three days. Your best bet is to concentrate on good moisturizing products and treatment serums and masks. That’s what restores life and vitality to your hair.
Posted by on 10/18 at 09:08 AM
My favorite shampoo at this moment in time is Aveda Smooth Infusion. My hair is thick, coarse, tends to be dry and frizzy on the ends, but this shampoo calms it nicely. I highly recommend it!
Posted by on 10/18 at 09:49 AM
Ooooh, greeneyes, good tip as I think my hair is a lot like yours. I’ve got an Aveda salon up the street. Think I’ll put that on my list of things to do today. Although I still do love my Ojon Moisturizing shampoo, but it’s nice to switch off every once in awhile. Hair gets tired of the same old-same old. Thanks! 
Posted by on 10/18 at 09:53 AM
Diana - I hope you like it. (I still haven’t tried the Ojon, so can’t compare it.) I also enjoy the smell of the Smooth Infusion.
I also tried the Aveda Dry Remedy shampoo and finished with the Dry Remedy Mask. It was “heavy.” My hair was really flat and kinda limp. So, I’ll try it again in a couple of weeks and try to decide if I like it. It may be one of those products you only use about once a month for a deeper conditioning. Not a great smell, either. :o)
Posted by on 10/18 at 03:13 PM
HELP!!!! I have been on a few times - sorry pics still to come! I am a 38 year old british woman living in Sicily with my silver fox husband - I gave up dyeing and had a buzz cut sept 07 - from shoulder length dark brown v curly hair - kept it short til Jan and have had til now growing it out (bad hair year....curls grow out and wide very slowly....) so I decided to get irons just to make a seem a bit longer and give me a different look every so often (not too often as was loving the nice condition of my non coloured hair) got the irons yesterday and straightened it all in the evening - bit suzy quattro but felt ok but horror of horrors this morning in strong sunlight YELLOWWWWWWWWWWWWWW thought it was maybe a product I put on my hair - anti frizz serum - so washed it with the blue shampoo to remove yellows - no joy! help what should I do? any advice? I really did not go mad with the straighteners - just did a section for a few seconds and moved on to the next - all my lovely white and silver looks all nicotine stained!!!!!! what have I done? fried my hair???? Ithink I will go to a salon and get pro advice tomorrow, but do any of you ladies have any to give me. I am so p****ed off as it is sooooo slow growing and was a really white/silver pretty colour - now fess up time, as I was playing with my new toy (or so I thought) my husband came in and I did a tiny bit at the front of his - he had gel in - and his went yellow too - his is almost that lovely pure white at the front - eek I have wrecked two silver foxes!!!!!! but some of you straighten too don’t you? what did I do wrong!!!! please help thanks Catriona
Posted by on 10/19 at 01:07 PM
i really wish i could help you but ...i will say this… I LOVE ITALY AND SICILY when you send in your pics make sure there are a few cypress trees in the back ground!!
(my dads side is all from naples and below!!)
anyway i know i read on here somewhere that happened to someone else...hang tight one of these bright women will help you through this!!
louann
Posted by on 10/19 at 01:15 PM
Dear catinsicily-- yes, this question has come up before. Go to the blog “Gone Gray. . . and Loving It?” here at the Café, and go to page 4 of that blog. You’ll see a few postings about it. It starts with Norabb on 10/01, then goes through my second answer to her on 10/03. There is one other possibility—even though you say you were extremely careful—and that is you COULD have scorched the hair. Let’s hope not. If that’s the case, a blue shampoo isn’t going to help.
I know none of this is very comforting. I know a quick fix would be better. And, believe me, I know the feeling of long-awaited silver hair turning yellow. It should disappear over time, but none of us want to wait for it. . . again! 
Posted by on 10/19 at 01:43 PM
Okay, I just got home from my local Ulta and Sally Beauty Supply Store. I don’t feel so good! 
There is so much out there to try! Whoa!!!! I can truly believe that the hair and cosmetics industries are making millions if not billions of dollars. (I wasn’t so sure before because I only went to the grocery store or Wal-mart or Kmart for stuff).
I think I was intimidated a little bit (okay, maybe a lot) because unless you know what you are going for, it is really easy to get lost in all of the packaging (it’s so pretty and sparkly).
I think I’ll wait until I chop my hair off (in about 4-6 weeks) and look at the options again. I’ll check out this website and the book too. Also, if anyone wants to offer suggestions, I am very game. My natural hair is medium-thick, medium-coarse, and as you can tell by the pics; wavy.
Thanks for your help.
M
Posted by on 10/20 at 10:00 AM
ok i went to my local beauty supply...i think they suggested AG?? anyway she likes it betterthan shimmer lights…
but i won’t do anything till i am totally sone with this whole transiton thing…
good luck..it really won’t be long till we are there and then we’ll be saying NOW WHAT CAN I DO??
haha
in the meantime i have to get back to my risotto!!
it’s a little cool out there tonight...great comfort food
louann
Posted by on 10/20 at 05:48 PM
Have to laugh, Louann. Pretty soon there will be an article on that very subject ("Now What?") written by moi on another website. We can’t say a word about it yet, but just thought I’d let you know great minds think alike!
Hmmm, don’t know this AG product—is that the full name? If they suggested it instead of Shimmer Lights, I have the feeling it’s just a blue shampoo. But don’t know for sure. If it is, if you are sure there is no semi or demi-permanent color in it, if you are sure it will just WASH OUT, then you don’t have to wait until you are done transitioning. But a blue shampoo is pretty pointless unless you have a substantial amount of silver in your hair. Some people think it “tones down” their oxidized color. Only sometimes. A blue shampoo counteracts traces of yellow in the hair that gray/silver—or even platinum blonde— hair can get. If one’s oxidized shade is mostly red, blue won’t help. However, if your hair has oxidized to brassy blonde, it can soften it. But then again, so can a wash-out color rinse, like Roux Fanciful.
I never used blue shampoos until I was through transitioning, either. Well, as through as I am at this point. But now I do about once a month, and I like what they do. OK, can you pass the risotto now, please??
Posted by on 10/20 at 07:59 PM
I agree with you Louann and Diana too. I have to get through transition first, ask some questions and then try the product. Thank goodness this website is here to help with the transition period, it seems to last soooo long!
Diana, does the blue shampoo get used only once a month? I was at the grocery store and the Pantene silver expressions says that you can use it every day.
What is your feeling on this?
M
Posted by on 10/21 at 05:32 AM
What product do you know that doesn’t like to increase use-up rate? It gets factored right into the cost of goods. My favorite trick is convincing women they should shampoo twice every time. Unless you have a build-up of product gunk on your hair, that’s really not necessary. A good surfactant should whisk away daily grime and grease in one application. And if your hair is really full of styling products, you should use a clarifying shampoo. But not every time.
Knowing P&G;, I would think Silver Expressions has some conditioning agents in it, but not having the ingredient listing in front of me, I’m not certain. What I do on this site is give you the best advice I can. A true blue shampoo is more drying than those that do not deposit color on your hair. If you don’t want to wait a full month, at least use it every two weeks. Hope this helps.
Posted by on 10/21 at 08:33 AM
You remind me of the good advice I have gotten from many different people. (not all at the same time mind you! ) What you say makes so much sense, I’m sorry to say it totally escaped me until you said it.
Thanks for the good advice. My using the blue shampoo to often is probably what dried my hair out so much and made it look lifeless and dull (the reason I began coloring it again). I think if I just leave my hair alone (once the gray has come in), I may just see that wonderful natural “blue” agent you describe in your book. I am after all half Asian.
Posted by on 10/21 at 08:49 AM
Just wondering if anyone has tried this shampoo.
Klorane Centaury Shampoo http://www.folica.com/Klorane_Centaur_d477.html
I’m not at the point of need a blue shampoo (I don’t think), but I’m trying to get prepared.
I was at target yesterday and saw a lady with lovely white hair, with an awful blue tint. Oh, how do I avoid that one?
Leeja
Posted by on 11/06 at 09:34 AM
Very easily, Leeja—just don’t over-do the blue-shampoo. And PS, your hair is now a nice shade of silver. If it begins to take on a yellow tinge, that’s the time to use a blue shampoo. But only about once a month, or once every two weeks if it goes really off-color. I use mine that way, just to crisp up the color, even if it doesn’t look “tarnished.”
Posted by on 11/06 at 09:48 AM
I have used 1 tablespoon of baking soda diluted in an 8 oz. glass of warm water.
Brush hair to remove tangles, poured the mixture onto my hair using fingers to distrubute then comb thourgh.
If your hair has build up of hairspray, conditioner, gel etc. you will be able to see the build up comming off your hair, it also seems to make my hair very soft and shiny, perhaps its the gentle acid ph level of the baking soda.
It’ also a nice gentle body scrub that leaves skin baby soft!
Posted by on 11/07 at 08:34 AM
ooops I almost forgot be sure to rinse all the baking soda out of your hair! 
Posted by on 11/07 at 08:37 AM
If you find the “blue” shampoo too harsh, use a small amount and add a bit of conditioner.
It works for me.
Posted by on 11/15 at 05:13 AM
I have dry hair and I often “wash” my hair with conditioner.
Posted by on 11/15 at 05:21 AM
Never thought of trying those suggestions about the “blue” shampoo!
Thanks, Mary
Posted by on 11/15 at 05:59 AM
1st gray hair @ 13, never looked back! “Say No to Miss Clairol” has been my mantra. At 54, I’m almost totally silver & it’s better than ever. Wear it long, just had 2 inches cut off, so the ends are perfect, & my hair dresser did the most fantastic flat-ironing—silky, swingy, smooth! Does anyone have any experience with a “THERMAL STRAIGHTENING” process on gray hair? The lure of wash & go is very tempting!
Posted by on 11/30 at 11:17 AM
LTWILTON - you’re my hero to have never colored. :o) Send in a picture for the great grays gallery so we can see your silver hair! :o)
Posted by on 11/30 at 11:42 AM
I second that, LTWILTON—your hair just sounds fab! I would be curious to know, too, if anyone has done “Thermal Straightening.”
Posted by on 11/30 at 12:16 PM
I know that others have written about not having great results with at home glazes, but I just tried new to me, Clear Shine—John Frieda Collection - luminouscolor Glaze—three shampoos in and I’m sold.
For those who haven’t seen my pic in the Members Album, my hair is way more pepper than salt. And, it is brown pepper instead of black pepper. I tried the blue shampoos to get my whites to pop, but they really didn’t. And the brown was more poop than pop. Sorry, just couldn’t resist the pun. A new strategy seemed to be in order. First I switched from Pureology shampoo and conditioner to the new Panteen Ice Shine line. I’d been using Pureology products for years, but it didn’t seem like my hair was getting enough conditioning any more. The glaze was an unplanned purchase. Hey, I was in the hair care aisle, the pressure got to me! The combination of these three products is, at least for now, giving me much much shinier hair. Sometimes just changing product is the answer. I love it when things are simple.
I think someone earlier wrote that the John Frieda Glaze made her feel like her hair was weighed down—my hair is very fine and I’m finding I have more body with it.
Speaking of shine brings to mind sparkle. I’m still waiting for my Fekkai Spray on Hair Crystals—Bloomies sure is taking its time. My party is on Friday...maybe I’ll break down and just go into the darn store. What a concept! While I’m at it, Fekkai has a travel size kit of its glossing line available for Christmas giving...maybe I’ll just give myself the gift of sampling those products to see just how shiny things can get on top of my head.
Who knows maybe folks will be “blinded by the light!”
Posted by on 12/07 at 12:29 PM
Hi Cheri—glad you’re trying new things, and can’t WAIT until we see those Fekkai Spray on Hair Crystals. Seems like you ordered them a long time ago—better call Bloomies!!
I’m surprised you’re not getting the moisture you want with PureOlogy. Have you tried their Hydrate System? There’s a Hydrate shampoo, conditioner, and what really works great is their Hydra Cure Intensive Moisture Hair Mask. It’s got lots of goodies in it—shea butter, jojoba, mango and avocado oils. Really yummy. It provides deep hydration, sheen, and repairs brilliantly.
Another thing that might work for you is their Shine Max—you just add a few drops to your conditioner, leave on a minute or two before rinsing, and your hair will feel silky smooth and have great shine.
Don’t forget to take a pic before your party for our Holiday Glam article (see new posting in the Café—Glam for the Holidays!
Posted by on 12/07 at 01:33 PM
Diana,
Gee, just when I thought I’d figured it out. No, I hadn’t used Pureology’s Hydrate system ... I’d used their products for years and had really liked them. Guess, I’d best keep my eyes open for their whole product line in the future. It’s back to Pureology for me—this time, I’ll be using the Hydrate System. That Shine Max sounds pretty darn cool too. Drugstore.com has the Shine Max on sale right now, so I don’t even have to leave home to try it. Is there a shine in the air? I think so!
Thanks for the heads up!
Cheers,
C
Posted by on 12/07 at 02:13 PM
Hi there,
I am now addicted to the Kevin murphy products..
They have a deep-conditioner called born again and a styling-product called sticky business.. It molds your hair in place.Ideal for people who dont like the blowdryer very much. Great stuff,with a soft smell.
Petra
Posted by on 12/09 at 05:26 AM
ok ms d....
i have googled ostrich collars...without much success...so can you guide me??? i really got a kick out of tht and now i am CURIOUS ?!
si this where i should post this type of question??? oh great oz???
off to work see ya all later this afternoon....
louann
Posted by on 12/11 at 07:08 AM
Heee, Louann—almost forgot to answer this. Ok, got the ostrich thingy at Saks a couple of years ago. So it’s probably not still around. But the mfg. was Adrienne Landau, so if you google them, maybe you’ll come up with something similar. I think Neiman’s also carries them.
Posted by on 12/11 at 05:37 PM
Has anybody tried John Frieda Luminous Colour Glaze? I was shopping yesterday and the product caught my eye but having been chemical free for a year and 4 days (haha, yes I am counting) I’m nervous in case it leaves a deposit on the hair.
Here is the product information: http://www.johnfrieda.com/products/lcg-clear-shine/
Posted by on 12/19 at 01:44 AM
Um, I should have read through the previous posts before! Don’t worry, I see the product has already been tried and tested.
Posted by on 12/19 at 04:23 AM
Page 3 of 4 pages « First < 1 2 3 4 >
Next entry: Conditioner -- love it or leave it?
Previous entry: Talk on!
recent entries
- New Year, New US!
- Newbies ‘09
- Home Sweet Home
- Silence is not Golden
- Silver & The City
- See You in September!
- Gone Gray. . . and Loving It?
- Hooray, Hooray, It’s the First of May!
- Let’s Hear It For The Newbies!
- Color me crazy!
- The Best and Worst of Being Gray
- What do YOU think about going gray?
- Playing the waiting game?
- Calling all “preemies”
- Friends & Family
- Gray hair and your career
- What are you afraid of?
- Anti-aging for your hair
- Conditioner—love it or leave it?
- Product Watch
- Talk on!
First Time User?
Click here to register (current members please login). A Member Registration screen will come up, and you can fill in the fields you see. Be sure to click “I agree to the terms of service,” then hit submit.
In a few short moments, you will receive an email thanking you for your new member registration, and asking you to click on a link to activate it.
Now you can re-join Café Gray. Login, and leave a comment to any posting you like. We’ll all find out the products we like best, the problems we’re having, the triumphs we’ve felt. You’re a Member! Tip: If you don't want to login each time you come to the Café, simply never log out.