Caught Red-Handed – Mahogany Red Hair Color Makeover

This shop was compensated by Schwarzkopf #FashionColorExpert #sponsored

Winter is just a few weeks away and it is time to make some changes. I don’t know about you but I love to change things up a bit. I’ve never been one to do things in a conventional manner. I love wearing bright summer colors in the winter. I’m a little different and I’m quite ok with that tidbit.

Well, this winter season is no different, so I decided to change my hair color. OK, so let me rewind. I recently attempted to dye my roots and cover up those disrespectful gray hairs that keep waving and speaking to people. For some reason, the color didn’t take and my hair was a hot mess. So, I decided that instead of correcting the color I would change everything up. Honestly, I’ve been missing my red hair.

If you’ve been around here for a bit, you know that I haven’t been to a salon since sometime around 2007 and I normally color my own hair. I’m all about the DIY hair process and I’ve learned what works for my hair over the years. Honestly, I can’t see going to a salon at this point, not because I have something against stylists, I won’t go because it will cost me more based on the length of my hair. At a certain point, stylists start to charge more and I totally get it. My hair sucks up product, so I don’t blame them. I’m all about being cost-effective and doing my own hair just makes sense to me.

For my hair makeover, I used the Schwarzkopf Color Ultime Hair Color Cream in 4.2, Mahogany Red. The process was super easy and I’m happy to share it with you, along with a few hair coloring tips.

My first tip is to figure out how many boxes of color you need for your hair’s length and thickness. My hair is waist length when stretched and it’s SUPER thick, so I have to purchase two boxes of color.

Next, if you have dark hair and you are trying to choose between two shades, go with the lighter shade. It’s far easier to darken your hair if it is too light than it is to lighten it more. OK, so that’s more like it’s less stress on your hair to darken it but you get my point. I’ve learned over the years with having naturally black hair, going a color two shades lighter than what you want is your best bet. Believe it or not, the color I had before was a platinum blonde hair color. See my point?!

I’ve also learned to use the conditioner that comes with the color kit. Brands create their own conditioners that work best with their hair color. For the first one or two conditions, I would use the bottle that comes in the box.

Another tip to coloring your hair at home is to apply Vaseline to your hairline. I’m super messy when it comes to my color application. I mean, legit super messy. As in, the first time I tried to dye my hair red, I put down the painter’s plastic to keep my floors to protect them from any spills or splatters. It worked for the floors but my walls were a mess. Then I had the audacity not to wear gloves and my hands were a red crazy-looking mess for days. Most importantly, I had hair color all on my ears, forehead, neck, and cheeks. Don’t even ask how I got hair color on my cheeks. LOL! Anywho, applying petroleum jelly (and wearing gloves) makes clean-up super easy. I will say with the Schwarzkopf color I didn’t have any issues getting the color off my skin. If you do the allergy test like you are supposed to, you will get a good idea of how difficult the color will be to remove should you get it on your skin.

Speaking of the allergy test, I would highly recommend doing the test. I’ve had some hair colors in the past that have caused an allergic reaction and let me tell you, having a reaction on your scalp, face, and neck is no fun. Those are the places that are the most delicate…meaning you can’t scratch the mess out of them without causing some type of damage. Just trust me…do the allergy test. And, for the love of all that is good and holy in the world, read the directions! Every hair color is different. Even if you are an old pro, read the directions. I’m glad that I did with the Schwarzkopf Color Ultime Hair Color Cream because it requires you to shampoo your hair after rinsing and had I not read the directions, I would’ve rinsed my hair and moved on to conditioning.

So, my last time tip is to have fun! Legit, have fun! It’s only hair color. If the color isn’t what you expected, Schwarzkopf has more than enough boxes of color for you to correct your results. Trust me, I’ve had a few accidents. Oh, let me sneak this in right here…*whispers* whatever you do, don’t drink while you color your hair. It raises your body temperature and causes your roots to process faster. This will cause your roots to be way lighter than the rest of your hair and if you’ve paid attention to my hair over the years, you know exactly when I’ve colored while drinking. LOL Luckily, I didn’t panic and I just picked up a darker shade and corrected my roots.

I’m happy with my makeover results and even happier to have my red hair back. This mahogany red hair color is gorgeous and vibrant without being over the top.

The next time you stroll through the Walmart Hair Care aisle, grab a box or two of Schwarzkopf Color Ultime Hair Color Cream in your favorite shade, but before you do, check out the Ibotta offer and the Try Me Free Rebate. You can earn up to $5 when you purchase any of the Schwarzkopf Color Ultime Hair Color Creams. You know I’m all about saving a dollar or two.

What transformations are you making this fall/winter season?