simone harris's Page

PLEASE ADD US IF YOU CAN WE ARE NEW TO THE AFRO PUNK COMMUNITY

Hey -- thanks for the compliment. I've had my dreads for the past 15 years and I totally relate to not having salons knowledgeable enough to know how to care for my hair. Is your hair still the same shade as it is in your profile pic?? The lightening process may not be as complicated as it was for me starting out with mostly jet black hair. Is your hair in its natural texture and "unrelaxed"? This will be a big plus in terms of the risk of over-processing and damage to your hair. If you're going to start bleaching/dying your hair, you have to be aware of the risks. Definitely do your research on the web -- if you love wearing your natural texture have you ever checked out a natural hair site called Nappturality.com?? There are some sharp UK sisters on there, too. I think the main key to success is being gentle with your hair, keeping up with conditioning it and giving it time to rest from the shock of bleaching.

I'm no expert, but finding out what works for my dreads has become yet another part of my longtime "DIY" punk ethic. I use L'Oreal's Super Blonde Creme Lightening kit #200 (specifically formulated for medium brown to darkest brown/black hair) and Manic Panic's amplified formula of their Hot Hot Pink shade (it lasts a lot longer than the regular version -- they also have amplified formulas of their blues, too). Here's a link to Manic's page with some good color tips: http://www.manicpanic.com/tips.html -- I've found that rinsing with vinegar and cool water immediately after I've rinsed out the dye really helps seal in my color. I also do light daily spritzes on my locks with a mix of jojoba oil and water and bi-weekly hot jojoba oil treatments after I shampoo. Manic Panic also has "Flash Lightening" bleach kits that work well, too. With your shade of hair the 30 volume strength might work really well. The 40 is a little stronger and helps lift much darker browns/blacks. I hope some of this info helps. Have fun and post pics! :o)

Thanks for the add. You're very beautiful.