Just a background, I have sensitive skin (ezcema) and as an extension of that, a very sensitive scalp. I was previously diagnosed with seborrheic dermatitis and would sometimes use medicated shampoo when my scalp condition worsened. My dermatologist also once advised me to not dye my hair as it will affect my scalp. As a result, I have been sporting flat, black, long hair for a few years now. The last time I did anything other than cut my hair was in 2008.
I was bored.
A few weeks ago, I visited Picasso Hair Studio and met with Alan Chia. After some discussion (I did not want anything crazy but craved change), he suggested that I (i) dye my hair to soften my look; and (ii) perm my hair. Because of my sensitive scalp, he suggested I use their non-ammonia hair dye. I agreed. As for the perm, I made an appointment to see him again on 8 March 2015.
During the dye process, I did not get any stinging from the chemicals and I do not think dyeing my hair affected my hair or scalp much. Although the flaking is back, I cannot be sure that it is not because of the stress I have been experiencing at work so I am not attributing that to the dye job. However, I would say that I did not like the shampoo and conditioner samples I was provided with. It was the Redken Color Extend Magnetic Shampoo and the accompanying Conditioner. They had a nice scent, reminded me of pudding, but I felt that they left my hair rather oily. I was given 3 sets of the samples and still have 1.5 sets left. I have now purchased my own shampoo and conditioner and am planning to only use these when I am travelling.
As for the result of the dye job, it is a very dark brown color, such that it is not easy to discern that I dyed my hair. Some might say it is a waste of money but in my view, the color is easy to maintain and gives my hair more dimension under bright light or sunlight so I am happy. Maybe sometime in the future, when I get bored again I can do something more drastic. We shall see.
Haircut + colour + treatment after colouring cost me S$159.
