I’ve had balayage highlights since 2016. When CoVid entered the world, I started DIYing my balayage using a Wella Color Charm Painting clay-based lightener to reduce my exposure to risky environments. Pandemic aside, I found that I enjoyed not being in a salon surrounded by people making bizarre choices while in the shared space.
For example, the last time I was in the chair, a fellow customer seated next to me felt it acceptable and appropriate to loudly Facetime her adult son. It was disruptive, distracting, and disappointing. Many people look forward to and enjoy salon visits for relaxing pampering, and this rude customer ruined that for at least five people.
Anyway, around New Year’s, I tried refreshing my balayage. I succeeded. My Wella Color Charm Painting lightener was evidently on the older (and therefore not as effective) side. I didn’t quite get the lift I expected or hoped for.
That may be a good thing, though. When shopping to refresh my Wella Color Charm Painting stash, I found that Wella discontinued it because, of course, they did.
So that leaves me at a crossroads (again) regarding my balayage:
- try other lighteners to find one I like
- resume salon visits
- stop
I’m conflicted. I enjoy the results balayage provides (and there is a new dimension to that: greys), but I don’t feel like playing bleach roulette to find a replacement for my Wella Color Charm Painting. After all, we’re tired. I’m not super enthralled by the idea of returning to salons, either, for a few reasons:
- I’d have to find a new salon. I grew tired of the atmosphere of my old salon. My colorist was excellent enough and did the job, but she moved out of state. I don’t care for the overall environment of the salon itself. Setting aside that they refuse to discourage loud video calls, the owner is preachy (like, religiously).
- Balayage was already a premium color service pre-pandemic. Prices for everything have increased. I like it, but do I like it THAT much? I’m wrestling with it! I found a few salons nearby with reasonable pricing and portfolios, but I’m still not sure that’s how I want to spend my money.
- I’m still a bit of a shut-in! I don’t want to be in a place for like 3 hours. I’d consider it if it was 1:1, but I’m still very risk-averse.
I did see that Pulp Riot has a clay lightener now, and if I can get my hands on it I have faith it will be the thing to do. As is, I have time to make up my mind.