In the age of individuality and self-expression, more and more men are rejecting the age-old standards and color their hair in everything from the safe
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If we were discuss the topic of hair color for men a few years to a decade ago, it would mostly be limited to hiding out the graying areas in favor of a more lush and youthful, but deep-hued tone. It isn’t anything new, definitely. However, the scope never so much as colored beyond the lines of what was considered to be masculine, nondescript and traditional. Spoken in hushed tones, hair dyeing was seen as an activity that women would gravitate to, where their choices would run the spectrum of colors to rich and refined to something more bright and bold.
Now, in the advent of celebrating the diverse, the different, and the defiant, more and more men have broken down the barriers of stereotypical (and not to mention, toxic) masculinity by rejecting the codes that have pervaded and quite frankly, crippled society even up to this very day. By conforming to nothing but what they feel is right by them, people have taken to their own considerations when it comes to standards in fashion and beauty. With this generational revolution, guys have taken to expressing themselves in forward, gender-bending fashion and atypical hair colors. With the likes of Adam Levine, Jared Leto, Zayn Malik, and even Kanye West have subjected their hair to extreme choices from the standard bottle blonde to silver platinum, green, pink, lilac, and lime green.
By all indications, there are no rules that apply anymore. If you feel like it, then go ahead and do it. But before you go renegade and pledge to do-it-yourself, you have to first understand that this isn’t just your textbook wash and go situation, which is already at this point leaps and bounds from just choosing a hair color or booking an appointment at the salon. With a lot to learn and consider, we enlisted the help of hairstylist and proprietor of Katch Beauty Lounge, Katchie Mejias to give us the lowdown on everything you need to know before, during and after making the big switch.
BEFORE
- Schedule a consultation with the stylist so that you have a broad idea of how the process will go, what is ideal for the status of your hair, how much it may cost etc. but if you have a tight schedule. You may consult thoroughly online. To get a rough estimate.
- Make sure you arrive with clean hair. Any residue of product like wax may sometimes be difficult to remove and can affect the color. Don’t scratch your head prior it may cause sensitivity to the scalp. If you have skin sensitivity or disease kindly inform [the stylist] immediately.
DURING
- For full awareness, inform immediately the stylist if you have prior allergies and sensitivity.
- Be very descriptive about what color you want. Photo references are encouraged, this way a stylist can gauge and subsequently assure that a peg can be achieved. To broaden options and to keep things efficient, have a back up in mind, as results may vary from the porosity and condition of the hair.
- Blackened, rebonded or permed hair are either rejected or may take a long time to process for bleaching since the hair cuticles are already blocked and mixing with a strong chemical is not ideal.
- Be guided accordingly with the pricing quoted, and be realistic with the goal and budget.
- When you have come into terms with the stylist, just relax and enjoy getting your hair done. For those having their hair bleached. It may take 4-6 hours, so eat heavily and load up your smartphone or laptop with movies to watch while waiting. Bring in a charger as well.
AFTER
- After having your hair done, it is advised that you pick a sulfate free shampoo and conditioner, as sulfate tends to fade the color. A purple (or blue) shampoo for ash, gray and platinum hair works best to lock in and maintain color. Katchie Mejias suggests the Lakme Teknia Ultra Clair Shampoo and Treatment, as well as the Lakme i.plex to restore and strengthen hair bonds. Another range of products she swears by is Blondeshell by Keratin, which debrasses and brightens with a nourishing formula that adds shine and smoothness all while neutralizing brassiness and enhancing the tones of gray, white, silver and blonde hair.
- Schedule appointments for treatments at least once a month to repair and maintain your hair’s healthy status. If salon appointments are a luxury for you, you can enact self-maintenance by opting for hair masques that not only keep the color vibrant, but it also resuscitates the state of your hair to its natural health and bounce.
There is nothing more prized to a man, at least in the realm of grooming, than the head of hair crowning his face. Apart from the standard self-care, a little exploration and pushing of the boundaries won’t hurt, especially if it makes you smile a little more when looking in the mirror or mussing up your ‘do every time you catch a reflection. Times have changed, and now more than ever, you have the leg room to be whoever you want to be. So, if that means smearing a little sparkle on your face or coloring in your natural hair platinum blonde or rose gold, then so be it. It is your hair after all, therefore only you get to have a say on it. However, this being a time-sensitive commitment, consistent care and attention must be enacted. Come on, even beauty requires hard work. Now, go on and make that hair change. You will not regret it, trust us.
Katch Beauty Lounge is located at 2nd floor Northeast Square, Connecticut St., Greenhills, San Juan.
