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Good Taste: The Transformation To A Platinum Blonde

By Barbara Bishop

So I decided to go platinum this year. (With my hair, that is.) I went to my usual stylist in Encino, who was confident she could make me a blonde without too much trouble. I completely trusted her. After two hours, she unveiled my tresses and I nearly freaked out.

I looked like a skunk!

I had a white streak in the front, dark brown streaks that followed and who knows what in the back. I was afraid to look. Before I got home, I bought some brown hair dye in a box from Ralph’s. Went home and immediately covered the mess.

But, I still wanted to be blonde. This time, I researched colors, photos, tried on platinum wigs, you name it. What I did not realize was that it takes a while to go from brown to platinum.

I tried the grocery store method, and it helped lighten me up a little, but it was almost a yellow color.

That’s when my good friend, who’s blonde, told me she went to a cute shop that had won Best Hair Salon in Santa Monica two years in a row. It’s a bustling little place on Santa Monica Boulevard. I was referred to a gal, Margo, who just happened to be a color specialist. I showed her the photos I collected, and gave the names of a couple of professional hair dye colors. She studied my yellowish hair, and conferred with a colleague. She took some “before” pics, and got to work.

Two hours later, my hair emerged as a beautiful, but not quite platinum color. It was a much paler yellow, a very light blond. It was getting there. She cautioned me about getting the lighter look with my dark hair. It’s a high maintenance color, and with short hair (which I have) will show your roots quite quickly. I didn’t care!

She told me to come in two weeks later when I needed a cut. Then she could finalize the color.

I just was there on Saturday. One hour later, and she nailed it! It’s the most beautiful color I’ve ever seen. It’s such a fun change, and great for summer. Plus, blondes have more fun. I definitely can use some more fun in my life!

Margo, thanks for your patience and perseverance through the process! You’re awesome….

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