2020 certainly was a year full of challenges. When we started shelter in place in March, 2020, I had just moved and Covid-19 entered our lives. The last time I saw my colorist, Gari at Archer Salon in San Francisco was February, 2020. I was planning to go once we moved- at the end of March for my 8 week color touch-up. Well, we all know what happened next…

Shut down of all hair and nail salons. So, I waited it out, thinking that everything would open back up fairly quickly! Who would have thought…….

Finally on November 5 after months and months of anticipation, the day came for my color transition from my grown out faded red hair and stripped white roots to silver-grey. I honestly was not how my hair would look. I was both excited and nervous too, as I knew my color would need to be bleached. I’ve read so many horror stories about hair damage after bleaching. Plus my previous colorist told me that I would have to cut my hair to really transition to grey the right way. I had contemplated going grey before…

Would going grey make me look older or at least my age!!? Over 60.

I was the only one in the hair salon that day. Gari and his assistant gave me the VIP Covid safe treatment, which included a private parking spot right in front of the salon.. huge since the salon is on a (once) busy street in Union Square, a black paper mask, and a pair comfy velvet booties. The process took about 9 hours. My hair was bleached and checked in stages. The good news- I was told that my red lifted much more easily than Gari thought it would. I was happy about that too.

The time actually went by quickly. It was nice to catch up… I was getting really excited to see the outcome.

Once the my hair was bleached then Gari deposited different color glosses and toners, plus Olaplex to minimize any damage.

I was thrilled to see my transformation and absolutely loved the outcome. The color looked gorgeous and I felt younger and lighter.. go figure. I sent some photos to my husband… who even now is not quite sure he likes it.

Experimenting with different make-up shades and colors is fun. I can now wear colors that I could not as a red-head. I get lots of compliments too!! Except my husband is still debating!

It’s been 12 weeks since my color change.. and I continue to love the look. The salons are shut down again, but that’s Ok. On Gari’s advise I bought, Mr. Smith Blond to minimize any yellowing and Guy-Tang Color 10A to use as a gloss every 8 weeks or so.

I’d love to go just a tiny bit more silver.

There is some breakage, but I’ve been taking care of my hair by continuing using Olaplex No. 0, No. 3, No. 6 Plus weekly shampooing with Mr. Smith. Blond.

I get lots of compliments too!!

By the end of 2021 all my true color should be revealed!!

Happy New Year!!