Makes total sense you stuck with it for 50 days. That consistent check probably lets you catch dryness or irritation way before it becomes a bigger problem for a client. I've found it changes which products I even reach for during the service. You start planning the cut and the care together based on what you see.

Oh yeah, I read that a little white vinegar in the wash can help lock in dark colors too.

My French press method steeps overnight for 12 hours.

My friend did this huge comic page with insane detail. He worked on it for ages until it just felt dead. Then he redid the whole thing in like an hour with just ink, and it looked a hundred times better.