Need help with Pre-Ombre highlight hair prep

[Course24]

I'm looking to Ombre dye/highlight the lower 3rd of my MBL hair within the next 4 weeks. I'm looking for a new fresher look for myself. I've never had my hair dyed before. I would like to start preparing my hair for the process. I haven't decided on whether to try this myself at home or go to a salon (I have no regular stylist). Heavy Protein or cassia is on my mind to use before dying my hair (my hair loves protein-(Penetraitt, Bone Marrow, DRC-28, or Duo Tex).

As of today 3 days post relaxer (revlon lye reg) typically relax roots only every 12-14 weeks
Hair type 4B (s pattern: kinks/swells easily)

Here are a few pics of the look I'm going for:
http://afroboudoir.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Presentation1.jpg ( pic of lady on the right only)

http://holidayplanning.democratandc..._main/public/ombre by emily.jpg?itok=u_jMUYj8

http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/236x/bd/2a/da/bd2adaeacba1c8428aa038e547e3f542.jpg (now my hair isn't THAT long)

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wjSmSFBnt...0nMZI/s640/tumblr_m9p5q5et4D1rnwntyo1_500.jpg

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N3W_jdhqQ...U/oybSHOKa4K4/s1600/Dark+Ombre+Hair+Style.jpg


Here are some things I'd like to know:
1) What preparations should I make before I have this done (treatments etc)?
2) How to keep the color looking fresh? How long should I expect the color to last?
3) What dying/highlighting method is less damaging to relaxed hair of my type (the difference in dying techniques)?
4) Tips on keeping the damage dying can bring to a minimum (products/techniques you find useful?)?

 

[Course24]

Bumping for replies...

 

[Course24]

Another Bump for advice....

 

[MileHighDiva]

The only member that I can think of that has been successfully double processed is lulu97, and she is no longer double processed. I think there's some other ladies that have been double processed, but I can't think of who right of the top of my head right now.

Bump this in the early/late afternoon, or early evening when there's a lot of activity. I'm sure someone will be along to help you. Please post pix after you color your hair.

Honey Bee are you double processed? Or, is the hair color in your avi your natural hair color?

 

[ElevatedEnergy]

Hey Lady! I was double processed but did experience some breakage which is why I decided to stop relaxing but continue with the color. Some hair can take being double processed while some cannot. I was one of the unlucky ones. It's been 25 months since I last relaxed and the color has not caused me problems since then.

Here are some things I'd like to know:
1) What preparations should I make before I have this done (treatments etc)?
I normally deep condition weekly so I find this is enough preparation.

2) How to keep the color looking fresh?
My sister has highlights as well and she use John Frieda's gloss to freshen hers. (She's natural) I've never used it so personally I can't recommend this. I just let my color do it's thing and don't mess with it.

How long should I expect the color to last?
My color is permanent so it will last until it's grown out/trimmed away. Right now I have blonde with a small splash of red highlights in the crown but once they grow out, I'll be going jet black. I normally get the highlights touched up annually but like I said above, I'm growing them out so wont retouch until they are all or mostly trimmed away.


3) What dying/highlighting method is less damaging to relaxed hair of my type (the difference in dying techniques)? Not sure how to answer this as I get my color professionally done at the salon. My biggest suggestion would be to limit the amount of times you re-touch. I've never had my highlights done more often then once a year.

4) Tips on keeping the damage dying can bring to a minimum (products/techniques you find useful?)?
Product wise: Definitely find you a product that will reinforce the protein structure as it will be broken down with the color on top of the relaxer. Anything with Hydrolyzed keratin or collagen is what I would recommend. I use Aphogee 2 step protein treatment maybe 2 to 3 times a year. It's a pretty hard protein treatment and I only use it because I still have about 6-7 inches of relaxed ends that I'm trying to keep around for a few more years. Once the ends are trimmed away, I'll switch to something a little less hardcore.

Techniques: Limit heat usage and deep condition. I roller set weekly and only straighten once a month. I just discovered steaming and that's awesome as well.

Good Luck!

 

[Course24]

Thanks so much lulu97 & MileHighDiva for your advice.
I've got 2 step, Drc-28, & Duo-Tex in my arsenal for the protein.
I'm currently leaning towards having this done in a professional salon (after consultation of course). Since I don't have a regular stylist i see regularly.
I plan to have my hair ready for this process by Feb & will post the results.

 

[southerncitygirl]

Course24
in addition to protein.... what moisturizing DCs are in your arsenal? In terms of moisturizing/sealing what products do you intend to use? I would use minimal heat and utilize roller sets and twist/braid/bantu knot outs to style. dust/trim your ends on a schedule I would do every 3-4 months like clockwork taking off 1/8-1/4 inch.