subject: What Do You Need To Know Before Coloring Your Hair? [print this page] Experimenting with hair color is tons of fun and can make a dramatic difference in your overlook and style. Plus, there are more than a few benefits, as it can make you appear younger by covering grays and adding shine.
But unfortunately, dyeing your hair can be a bit complicated. There are many factors to consider, including the overall health of your hair, your complexion, and previous hair colors. For someone that has never dyed their hair--or has done so seldom over a period of several years--these many facets can be overwhelming. Let me give you a few things to consider before you make the plunge.
Do not experiment with boxed color from the drugstore, especially if you are trying a color you haven't had before. Too often, this leads to the need for color correction, which is expensive and can be very harsh on your hair. Instead, make sure to visit a salon and discuss the look you envision with a professional stylist.
Be patient. If you are lightening your hair, it frequently takes several sessions to get to the shade you desire. If you aren't sure if a particular color will be flattering with your skin tone, then it is wise to pursue highlights in that or a similar shade.
In fact, this is almost always one of the best places to start, as the best hair color is full of what are called highlights and lowlights--small sections throughout your head of hair that are a little lighter and a little darker than the overall color. You may be satisfied if a stylist adds some of these to your existing shade just to give your coif more dimension.
Highlights and lowlights tend to particularly stand out when longer hair is styled into an updo, so ask your stylist to give you some tips on fancy looks that will attract the most attention to this subtle change in color.
It is absolutely vital to keep hair healthy both before and after dyeing. Ask your stylist for a trim and a deep conditioning treatment several days before your coloring appointment. Try to wash your hair as little as possible to allow your scalp's natural oils to nourish roots and lengths. To maintain your color as long as possible (to keep re-dyeing at a minimum), you will want to wash, condition, and rinse with cool water.
For a more permanent color, you may want to explore the henna option. Henna hair color is much more nourishing to your hair, but once you have done this, you CANNOT chemically treat your hair for a long period of time--this means you cannot perm, relax, or chemically dye hair until the henna-colored hair has entirely grown out. That is a big commitment, so you better love the color you choose!
