Living all the way out here in Woop Woop means that visits to the hairdresser are few and far between. I haven’t been to the hairdresser since the beginning of December 2014, which was really the last time I was “in town” as such. Â So lets just say I am feeling far from fabulous. Â I was hoping to get into town some time soon for a much needed hair cut and colour but it doesn’t look like that will be happening any time soon. Â So….I have taken matters into my own hands. Â It was time to wrap some disposable gloves around my little paws and perform my own Outback Makeover! Â Because my beloved hairdresser is 5 hours away. And don’t even get me started on my eyebrows.
I have been dying my own hair for the past 10 years. Â Before that I only ever used to get foils, professionally, from the hairdresser. Â What – you didn’t think I was naturally this disgustingly blonde did you? Â As Dolly Parton once said:
So yes, I used to fork out a small fortune every couple of months to have my hair professionally done, until I had my first baby. Â Once Tom came along, I hate to say it, but I just didn’t have time to sit for hours at the hairdressers, and especially not with a young child – no thanks! Â So I decided to give the home hair dye a whirl. Â I was very worried my hair was going to end up looking yellow – like chicken salt. Â But it didn’t turn out too bad. Â Even the hairdressers couldn’t believe I did the colour myself – I was very honest with them, they know I do it myself and give me hints and tips.
Lately I have felt I was getting too blonde and a little damaged, truth be known.  So I have had some professional help, with a colour and some foils, on my last couple of visits to the hairdresser.  I was going to hang out this time and have it done in town, but I just can’t take it any longer, I can’t bare to look at myself, it is very disturbing.  And now I know why, it has been 8 weeks since I dyed it!  No wonder I am in such a state of disrepair. I usually do it at least every 5 weeks.  Oh and another thing, I haven’t had my eyebrows waxed or tinted since the beginning of December either which is why I look extra hideous, thank  god for Gimme Brow is all I can say!
Mrs Savvy B was shocked when we holidayed together to discover that my blonde bob doesn’t magically fall into place after a shower, it takes a good blow dry and lots of hairspray. Â She just thought I woke up with my hair perfectly formed in a bob. Â I don’t think she has ever looked at me the same, after seeing me with “non-blow dried, i’ve been swimming all day” hair… not pretty people, not pretty.
I can’t believe I am going to show you these before photos, but hey – that’s what a make over it all about, right? Â So I tried to get the most hideous photos I could – see, this is me looking like a ten dollar hooker block of top deck chocolate.. Â Ok, so this is in fact what I actually look like on an average day, lucky I live out here in the sticks or I could really give someone a fright. Â Are you read? WARNING: You may need to go and wash your eyes after looking at these…
I have used my old faithful hair dye, please meet my DIY hairdresser, I call her Nutrisse, and by purchasing this box of goodness you are basically guaranteeing that you will come out looking just like that chick on the box…. aren’t you??? Â It is just a case of mixing the harsh chemicals together and slapping them on your roots.
And then I trotted around the house looking a sight for sore eyes for 30 minutes, not to mention nearly burning my eyes and choking on the fumes!
And now my friends. Â Drum roll please…. here I am after dying my hair, a wash and blow dry, popping on some make up and getting my pretty on. Â Ohhhh I feel better just typing those words.
It really is amazing how something so simple can make you feel so good. Â The difference to my face is evident even before putting make up on. Nothing like a good freshen up – and look, I didn’t have to go to town after all. Â Although my hair is slightly over due for a trim!
On my face I have used the following: Fake Up by Benefit, Youngblood Mineral Make Up Foundation, Blush, Eyeliner pencil, They’re Real mascara by Benefit, High Brow by Benefit, Gimme Brow by Benefit, Girl Meets Pearl by Benefit on my cheeks as a bit of an illuminator, as well as some Pearl Shine by Nivea under my eyes and above my cheekbone – this is a little tip I got from Nikki over at Styling You. Â Pop on over, she has some fantastic tips. Â On my lips I am wearing Carmex Moisture Plus lip gloss in Peach, this tip I picked up from Rachel over at Redcliffe Style. Â Since discovering this lip gloss I don’t wear anything else. Â It gives your lips a hint of colour and keeps them moist. Â Win win!!
A quick spray of Chanel, some pretty clothes and of course some pearls and I am good to go.
Hot tip for Blondes
The one product I can’t live without, being a blonde, is this Goldwell Dual Senses Blondes & Highlights Serum. Â It is a bit like a leave in treatment spray. Â I use it every time I wash my hair. Â It helps keep blonde hair bright and prevents brassiness. Â If you use bore, river or dam water your hair can be left a little discoloured. Â This really does keep it fresh, and also makes combing a breeze. Â I usually purchase this from Ebay as I can’t find it in town. Â I also use some purple shampoo every now and then. Â This was definitely a bush make over because as it turns out I didn’t even have any hairspray left in that little tin. Â I usually have a gigantic tin of Goldwell spray. Â I had to make do with my NAK “Done’n’Dusted” powder. Â This is fantastic for giving thin hair a lift. Â It is a little bit like dry shampoo. Â Pop a little powder at the roots of your hair and it helps with volume.
You can purchase the Dual Senses Serum from Strawberry NET for $24.00 (free postage when you spend over $35.00).
If you are looking for a hairdresser in Mt Isa, Â I go to The Cut Above. Â My two favourite hairdressers in there are Tamara and Lauren, these girls do a mean bob! Â I like to call it “The Cut Above Bob”! Â They always cut it so well that it doesn’t matter if I can’t get to the hairdressers for 3 or 4 months.
I have had to take matters into my own hands with my little fringy thing and give it a bit of a trim myself (look away Tamara and Lauren!).
Here I am in my Gumnut Designz “Jilly Classic” Blouse – $85.00, I am wearing a size 12. Â Head on over to Gumnut Designz and check out their fantastic range. Â Such pretty colours and patterns. Â You won’t be disappointed. Â The jeans are “Hudson” and can I just say, they are the comfiest jeans I have ever worn (perhaps a tie with my NYDJ). Â I found these in Myer, they were pretty expensive but worth every cent I think.
Do you get down in the dumps sometimes and just need to get your pretty on to pull yourself out of the slump? Â It turns out that even if you do live 5 hours from the hairdresser, all is not lost. Â And as a bonus I have saved myself a whole heap of money. Â This hair colour only cost me about $10 rather than around $260.00 + ….. Â and I feel so much better now that those roots are gone. Â Although I do love relaxing in the salon for a few hours of peace and quiet, chatting with the girls.
 Do you colour your own hair?  Got any hot tips for us?
What is your favourite hair product?
How do you keep your Blonde hair bright and fresh?
Miss Chardy your hair looks sensational!! What excellent blow dry skills you have too. I am 100% going to try out the Goldwell serum. We’re on town water but a blonde can use all the help she can get, right?
My hair is home-dyed too. I have just never quite managed to choose having my hair professionally dyed over a pair of new shoes every couple of months! I always hit the John Frieda purple shampoo in the aftermath to help tone correct a little.
So glad this pair of blondes is back to our shiny best for March! x
Oh god it feels sooooo good doesn’t it Andrea!!!! So good! I am such a control freak and normally head home after the hairdressers and wash and re-blow dry my hair myself, because they just don’t do it properly…ha ha ha. Well, they do a good job but I am so fussy…. I just want to grab the hairdryer and do it myself. I knew you would be onto that Goldwell spray – you will love it. Have a great week. 🙂
You don’t have to live in woop woop to do your own hair 🙂 After many, many (disappointing) trips to salons, I cut mine myself – I’m one happy customer – I used to colour and perm too, but fashions change 🙂 And no, not trained in any way – I just know my own hair. 🙂
I know what you mean, I prefer to dry mine myself. Wow, that is so impressive that you even cut yours yourself!! Go you Karen. 🙂
You look amazing, well done. I’m about to embark on a road trip and have a ‘do it yourself’ box of colour with me to do my roots. I haven’t done this for over two years so hope I don’t muck up what it’s taken my hairdresser to achieve. I’ve had to go with lots of foils because I was going grey but not all over yet so I’m hoping blonde foils blend better during this transition time. I used to be an auburn colour. I also spend $155 every six or so weeks.
Hi Sandra, my Mum does the same when she goes off tripping around Australia. Her hairdresser gives her a little DIY kit and instructions. Have a great trip. 🙂
Well done with your hair! I’m always too nervous to do my own blonde. Thanks for the tip about the Goldwell spray, the water here can get a bit hard too.
I’ve just given myself a spruce up, eyebrow wise, for the ICPA conference this week. I usually tint my own lashes too, but it seems Daughter1 has taken my kit back to school with her! I hope she hasn’t blinded anyone in the boarding house!
LOL!
Hi Kylie, you will love the Goldwell spray. Our water is so hard. I have had to pluck my eyebrows and when I need a little pick me up I pop some Gimme Brow on them. Have fun at the ICPA Conference, where is it on at?
“It is just a case of mixing the harsh chemicals together and slapping them on your roots”. I love how you have described this process! Thank you for being so real!!! I am going to get my hair sorted this week I can’t take it any longer either! #firstworldcomplaints
Gotta love some harsh chemicals! I am pretty sure they are seeping into my brain. Have fun at the Hairdressers, I am jealous!!!
I love a good before and after! And it’s a fabulous after!
Ha ha ha, thanks Mrs T!! Feel so much better.
Gorgeous my friend and I REALLY want to stop spending so much money on my hair wonder if I should start doing it myself, but it’s the ONE thing I have always indulged on, okay that’s not quite true, alcohol and nice sunglasses also rank up there. Love that you showed us before and during images, goodness knows how many ridiculous images of myself I have posted! x
Oh those “before” photos were particularly hideous too, the photos don’t convey just how bad the “situation” was though. It looked way worse in real life. I too enjoy indulging in good sunnies. Next time I head to town I will get the hairdressers to do my hair and get some darker foils popped in too for a bit of contrast, just gets too blonde otherwise. Have a great week 🙂
You look fantastic! That hair colour was made for you, such a good result! A lot of people don’t like to bother with makeup but it is such a pick me up. I basically don’t leave the house without it! I love that you take time to doll up even though you are out on the station, it must make you feel better! Now you just need half a dozen of us nutters to come for a visit and wine time!
Cheers – Joolz xx
Hi Joolz…thanks so much, it makes such a difference – facing the big issues aren’t we, ha ha ha. It does make a difference to freshen up, put some nice clothes on and a bit of make up – especially when it has been over a month since I have been to town. I hope you enjoyed your trip to the hairdresser – not that I am jealous…not one bit, ha ha ha 🙂
Your make-over is the goods, you look fabulous.
I am so hideously lazy that I get my hair cut every two years at my MIL’s hairdresser on the Gold Coast. Laziness also extends to not bothering with colour although I suspect the greys will eventually encourage me to sharpen up my act there.
Wow. The Cut Above have staying power!! When we lived in Mt Isa in the 80s that was where I got my hair done. Lynette and Lyndon (husband & wife team) used to own the salon, Lynette even came to my house on my wedding day to secure the ridiculous hat/veil confection to my head. I once spent 8 hours having my long (bra strap length) hair spiral permed. It was the 80s. Our dog barked at me when I got home.
Hi Judy, yes, The Cut Above is still going, owned by a lady called Sam now, she has had it ever since I have been up here, so over 15 years. Wow, that spiral perm sounds like it would have been quite the sight….and imagine how long it took to do…did it stay in? Too funny Judy. Love me a bit of 80’s hair!!!
It was a sight, I gave Donna Summer a run for her money. If you ignored that I was actually a white girl who can’t sing. Yes it did stay in but my hair grows at such a ridiculous pace that it was soon straight at the top. The photographic evidence is hilarious!
Oh it would be super funny Judy, ha ha ha
You certainly have the DIY down to a fine art – looks fabulous. We are Aussies living in Moscow and I managed to find myself a fabulous little hole-in-the-wall salon that does my colour, cut and blow-dry for $40 dollars. Whilst I can’t sit there and chat to anyone as I don’t speak much Russian (just enough to make appointment and order wine in pubs), I use this time to read my Aussie Woman’s Weekly on the iPad from cover to cover 🙂
WOW Sarah!!! That is amazing….living in Moscow and you don’t speak much Russian, too funny, how on earth do you get on? At least you can order wine I suppose, ha ha ha. How long have you been over there? And WOW again – colour cut and dry for $40.00…..speechless.
Oh you look lovely Miss Chardy, well done to you! I hope Mr Chardy noticed lol?! I too get foils at hairdresser, i Blonded my hair yonks ago myself and it went quite yellowy, stick to hairdresser now. Yours though…the blonde is lovely colour, maybe the home packs have improved over the yrs….is it hard to do yourself ?
Ha ha ha, actually yes, Mr Chardy did notice because my hair was so bad before. I said to him “I don’t look like a ten dollar hooker anymore” and he said “no you are at least worth 20 now” ha ha ha. Even my 10 year old said how much better it looked, ha ha ha, god it must have been bad. I was exactly the same as you before I took the leap of faith and coloured my own hair. I was so worried it would go yellow. That is why I use that blonde Goldwell spray and also the purple shampoo….if I didn’t it would go a little yellowish. I wouldn’t suggest to anyone else to do it because whilst it works for my hair it could turn out so differently on someone else’s. I used to use the Clairol Nice’n’Easy, then for some reason I switched and have been using that same Nutrisse colour for years and years.
Hi Dan, you look beautiful! Love reading your blog, who knew you were such a talented writer and entertainer !! I wonder if I could have your tomato chutney recipe again please, I saved bottles to put it in but can’t find the recipe!
Looking forward to hearing more from Miss Chardy.
Love Lindy xx
Hello there Mrs Geddes…so great to hear from you and so glad you enjoy reading my crazy talk 🙂 The recipe can be found here https://misschardy.com/2014/07/19/tomato-chutney-recipe/ I really must make some more myself, we are all out. Enjoy.
Such a fantastic job! I’d absolutely fail if I tried dying my hair blonde but I always did it when I was dying it darker! x
Madeleine, The Daily Mark
Thanks Madeleine, it can be tricky, I think I really does depend on your hair. Everyone is so different. I think dying darker hair is much more fail safe.
Im a brunette and decided a little inbetween appointments covering of the greys was in need so attempted to DIM it (do it myself – dim in more ways than one) got the dark dye all over the walls. Blamed the husband as it was my attempt at saving money as he is always nagging me over my overspending. Probably need to go read your PMS post now as the yelling and blaming could have been PMS related.
Yours look great and if I didnt know would have thught a paid professional did it. Good job – maybe you can set up an outback service.
Oh no Ellie – what a disaster….but sorry I am having a chuckle to myself…ha ha ha ha. Don’t think I should touch anyone else’s hair, I would probably ruin it, or make it fall out….something disastrous.
I used to get foils when I first moved out to a station but gave up on them a grew them out cause my hair grows too fast and after about a fortnight I was trying to hide the regrowth. Glad your little makeover raised your spirits a bit. It is amazing how good feeling pretty can make you feel especially when most of the time you do give a rat’s butt cause no one is looking. I have to say I don’t put too much effort into hair or anything but a few weeks ago I got so sick of my hair that I gave in and headed to the hair dresser. Now it needs a cut again, ugh.
It can give you such a lift can’t it….sometimes you just get so sick of feeling like a feral!! 🙂
Your hair looks great – well done for a home blonde dye job!
I’ve been dying my own hair for the last year or so, after getting mucked around by a hairdresser once too often.
My hairdresser is called Loreal – she’s very European and has beautiful dark hair with purple highlights … at least that is what I try to emulate every 3-4 weeks!
Go you! Good work.
Hi Miss Chardy
I too am a bottle blonde but nowhere near as brave as you! Hairdresser unfortunately for the $$ but she does a great job
Best product I’ve found after using heaps of different purple shampoo is Fanola brand No Yellow shampoo
It is brilliant gives your hair that lovely silvery tone without looking like your grandma!
Am addicted to it!
Thanks for the shampoo tip!