Brings the hair to life and then some! (Schwarzkopf Live)

Member Name: LRWade

Product:	Schwarzkopf Live
Date:	19/08/09 (139 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: See review

Disadvantages: None

I have been dying my hair for nearly a decade now. Live was the first dye I used and is still the one I keep going back to. Live is a range of bright shades, particularly loved by the alternative scene because they are permanent unlike e.g. stargazer or manic panic. I have been every non-blonde shade in the range full-head and most of the blonde shades as highlights. Currently I switch between deep black and cosmic blue since black is easiest to upkeep and never fades. It costs between £4 and £6 depending on shop and offers, which is average for home dying.

*PACKAGING*

Ignore the models on the front of the box, they are misleading-the hair is computer generated. So is the image on the top of the box but this will give you a better idea of the approximate shade the dye will turn your hair.

Contents are:
1 tube of dye 60 ml
1 bottle of developer lotion 60 ml
1 tube of conditioner 22.5 ml
1 leaflet
1 pair of gloves

*INSTRUCTIONS*

Shortened cause the leaflet explains all!
Pierce dye tube and empty into developer lotion, shake well to mix, apply to hair in sections (full head) or roots (touch up) saving some for the ends in the last 10 minutes.

I find application to be easy because
a) since I've been the same colour for 3 years and have no intention of changing it again I only need to do the roots and
b)the nozzle of the developer bottle allows quick application to the roots.

I then apply the rest of the dye to the lengths of my hair and rub in. I know you're always told not to rub dye into the scalp but I find that this is the only way to ensure all the roots are covered, especially at the back.

*DEVELOPING*

Total leave on time depends on your hair type and colour, amount of grey because that takes longer and dye colour. I leave it on for 45 minutes regardless of shade, adding water and rubbing in again after 25 minutes. After 9+ years I have found this to be the most effective technique with Live and also the best way to prevent/remove staining of the scalp and hair line. It's like nail polish: the polish is made using acetone, which you use to remove it. Think chemistry 101, solvents and solutes.
The dye has a not unpleasant smell. Very chemically but doesn't hurt the eyes.

*WASH-OUT AND CONDITION*

I wash out the dye in the shower, using the gloves (which I rinse after application) to scrub into the roots, like applying shampoo, to get rid of all the dye. I then apply half the conditioner, leave for 5 mins, rinse, shampoo (to ensure all residual dye is removed) then use the rest of the conditioner. The conditioner has a floral sweet scent, nothing special.

*RESULTS*

Obviously, results vary depending on shade of dye. The red dyes are bright, the brunette shades are shiny and the blondes are just blonde really...:) I find that using Live leaves my hair soft and shiny unlike some dyes which leave it brittle. The reds linger longer than most, but will fade with each wash (sorry, there is no super long lasting red dye!), the blondes don't go flat, and the black never fades.

*QUICK TIP*

I've found that regular hair-dying reduces that number of hairdresser appointments. Modern hair dye is so full of "healthy hair" stuff that it makes hair needing a trim look good. Not a long term option but useful if you're a poor student type (like me!).

© L Wade 2009 - submitted only on dooyoo.

Summary: Good range for loud hair shades.