Wigging out? How to style hair at home
With lockdown restrictions easing in some parts, finding some time in salons might still be hard to come by. Whether you’re finding trouble getting in to see your favourite stylist or you just don’t feel comfortable venturing outside, you can still do something with your hair.
Getting a cut
For those of us in desperate need of a trim, it’s imperative to have a great pair of shears. But sometimes trims aren’t enough. Call it a lockdown breakdown or a change you would have done anyway, if you just can’t wait for an appointment you can give yourself a dramatic makeover from the comfort of your home.
Whether it’s a dramatic blunt bob or a layered lob with bangs, watch a few videos for the type of haircut you have in mind.
Some caveats: it’s probably not a good idea to go to a pixie cut while at home. Look up some techniques and people who actually have hairstyling experience and recognize that some techniques might be hard to adapt while you cut your own hair.
Layers
Crafting layers in your hair can transform even a basic trim into something glorious. Use thinning shears to thin out thick hair and create movement in your hair.
Colouring your roots and greys
Just can’t wait for your colourist? Grab the box dye–it’s about to become your new best friend. Colour swatching might be tricky, especially if it’s been a while since you’ve done your own colour at home.
To minimize regret, determine your undertone. Trawl the drugstore for your colour–their online store or online pharmacies. For now, go with the closest approximation to your natural hair colour: read the descriptions and check swatches, if possible.
Combat brassiness with some purple shampoo if you’re a blonde, or a blue shampoo if you’re a brunette. And use colour-treated products to get more mileage out of your dye job!
Removing your extensions
If you were scheduled to remove your extensions during lockdown, chances are you’re over having them on your head by now.
But taking extensions off at home is not easy–or recommended. First, determine if you can–or should–try your hand at removing them. If you can grab a hold of your person or a hairstylist friend, do so. At any rate please take your time, be cautious and do research before you attempt to remove them.
Plant yourself near a mirror to do the next few steps.
For sewn-in extensions, you might be able to do it at home if the gap between your scalp and your extensions is wide enough. Use alligator clips to separate your extensions from your hair. Feel for the thread attaching you to the extensions and cut with a sharp pair of scissors.
For tape-in extensions, de-tangle your hair and your extensions and, again, use alligator clips to clip hair away from your extensions. Use oils or hand sanitizer to loosen up the adhesive. Let it sit for about 20 minutes, before trying to pull it off. If it slides off easily, it’s time to take out the extensions! If you can’t move them easily, wait to remove them when you can!
Breathe a sigh of relief when you’re done!
