Monday, October 4, 2010

Some thoughts on (re)becoming a Brunette

As it has been about 6 months since I went back to my roots, I thought it would be appropriate to share some thoughts on the subject.

First, vainly, I can't decide if I am prettier as a blond or brunette.


The good news is my husband really likes it dark. And his opinion ranks top of the list. I think the brunette is better suited for my eyes and skin tone. I could be wrong. I think the blond washed me out a bit. I was told at first that darker makes you look younger. I have not found this to be the case. I think I look about the same.

Second, keeping up the color is HARD. Not because of gray (no gray yet, thankfully) but because of the RED that my dark brown fades to. In my simple mind, I thought I could dye my hair dark once or twice and then just let the natural grow back in. Wrong! After a few weeks it fades into a (trailer park-esque) reddish brown that is not attractive and not what I want. The constant upkeep has been a major headache. Constant upkeep, I may remind you, is one of the reasons I decided to forgo the blond. Cruel trick of nature to have to work so hard to keep up the brunette!

Third. I do sort of feel like the odd man out among my children.

But fit it better with my sisters.

I have recently found a product that helps keep the red out. It is a color depositing conditioner by Aveda made especially for dark hair. So far, I absolutely LOVE it. It is doing it's job quite nicely. (but stains my hands, I kid you not.)

If you have any opinions on my hair change, I would be interested in hearing them. I do not mind if you want to be anonymous. I do not mind if want to be honest. (I would appreciate you to be kind though.)

12 comments:

Kira said...

You are one of those blessed individuals who can pull off either look-- and pull them off WELL. Lucky girl.
I agree that the dark compliments your skin and eyes. I may be a bit prejudice-- but I think brunettes are naturally more striking! :)

Jessica said...

I noticed as I went darker (after my blonde-ish sojourn in the state of Blonde), it took about a year before the dark held a lot better. Love that aveda product. I'll have to look into it.

I'm seconding Kira, about the fact that you can do both really well. And that is saying a lot because I do not like brunettes who go very blonde, usually.

Meredith said...

You know...red is not such a bad thing. :) Here I am TRYING to get the red to pop out of my natural highlights (and using John Frieda's Radiant Red really REALLY helps!)

I LOVE the brunette on you! You look great as a blonde, but I think you look younger as a brunette.

I say, stay dark and embrace the red that happens to pop out! :)

Meredith said...

And I really hope that the reddish brown that you are referring to as "trailer park-esque" is NOT the reddish brown that grows on me naturally. :) Because, I might be offended... LOL

Carie said...

No, Meredith the red in my hair is NOTHING close to the gorgeous red in your hair. Mine screams "dye job gone bad." Yours scream "don't hate me because I am beautiful!"

Whitneys said...

I think you look great both ways. Really. Like others have said you can easily do either. But, if I had to pick just one, I would say I like blond better. (Always have.:) Maybe I am just being sentimental, but I really do. And you know I love dk brown hair. But again, either one looks good. Lucky you! (Jason just walked in and says he kind of votes blond too.:)

janice said...

I like the brunette! But that is how I remember you most.

heidi said...

i surprised myself with my answer. perhaps i am being sentimental because i haven't seen you in forever, but i love the blonde in that top picture. that's how i remember you and how i think of you. so very carie.
BUT, brunette has it's moments.

Ellen said...

I love the brunette, Carie. You look fabulous!

Bonnie said...

Maybe you could have the best of both worlds and do a dark base color with blonde highlights? I just saw a picture of Natalie Portman with her new color and I think it would look fabulous on you!

MissRochelle said...

Carie you look beautiful both ways, but (maybe i'm bias) I think blonde makes you look brighter. BUT any excuse to use Aveda is a good one.

Beautifully Quirky said...

I am just someone who hit the "next blog" link and happened to come across yours. I myself have been debating about going darker. My fear is that if I don't care for it I will have a hard time getting back my current light color. You've gone back and forth - is it difficult (expensive)?

Based off your pictures, you are a beautiful woman, blonde or brunette. I do agree that the darker color warmers up your skin tone. As far as not fitting in in some family photos, I can sympathize with you. I was born with yellow hair and blue eyes to parents with dark hair and eyes.

The Aveda production you mentioned I will have to tell my mom about. She's dying to keep greys at bay, but the red is shinning through as well. Thanks!

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