Tips and Tricks for Changing Your Hair Color

One of the most dramatic changes you could make to your appearance is to color your hair. There are so many hair color options these days, and each one gives different results. But if you're looking for to refresh your look, changing your hair color is one of the best ways to do just that.

There are four different options when it comes to coloring your hair - temporary colors (usually a natural mixture of extracts and ingredients that washes out in about eight shampoos), semi-permanent colors (washes out in about twenty shampoos), permanent colors, and highlighting (enhance certain portions of hair with either a complementary color or a completely drastic alternative). Different coloring methods suit different hair styles, so it's best to get advice from a stylist or colorist when deciding which option would be best for you. Your new color should complement your skin tone - and should not be just one solid tone. Your hair color should be as vibrant as your personality - with several different tones blending to create a color as individual as you are.

Okay! Are you getting ready to run out and get your hair color? Wait! The week before you color your hair, you should condition your hair, paying close attention to the ends. The ends of your hair are typically the most porous and have a tendency to absorb too much color. Always make sure that your first hair color is applied by someone who knows what they are doing. Never attempt your first dye job on your own.

Do you think blondes have more fun, and you want to be one? If you're planning to go blonde, talk the process over with your stylist. With untouched dark brown hair, it should be relatively painless, but if your hair has been tinted before, the process will become long.

For most, red is the ultimate sexy shade. It is a head-turning color, and red tones are held well by hair, so the process is fairly easy for most people. Blondes have the hardest time with red shades, as they have to go two to three shades (sometimes four or five depending on the lightness of their color) darker to achieve a rich red color. And this process is not at all easy to reverse once it's been done.

Brunettes are most common, however, and this is thanks in large part to the fact that brown colors are varied much more greatly, and suit nearly every girl and every tone. A huge range of looks can be achieved by adding highlights - from chocolate to chestnut to almond to bronze, to even honey and dark blonde! Combinations of these natural tones can give shine and add condition to your hair.

Black hair is the easiest to accomplish because the molecules in black tints are larger and will cover hair types more effectively. Black hair only tends to look good on people with darker and olive skin tones, but if you're going for a goth look, black is a great choice. But it's definitely not for everyone.

Worried that coloring your hair will damage it? If you condition your hair adequately, and don't change your hair color on a constant dramatic basis, you should be fine. Only the wrong level of peroxide or over-processing your hair will damage your hair. The worst thing you can do for your hair if you color it yourself is to apply permanent color throughout your hair, everytime you color. It makes your hair more porous, and gives you uneven color. It's not healthy for your hair. If you're eager to try other hair colors, or blending hair colors, try semi-permanent or temporary colors that will give you the shine and color you want without uneven tones.

No matter what option you choose, you'll want your hair color to last. If you choose to go to a stylist for your touch-ups, you'll want to go every two-to-four months for highlighting and every six weeks or so for single-process color application. Your best (and usually cheapest) bet would be to purchase a hair coloring product and do it yourself.

Select the product that is most compatible with your lifestyle. The closer you go to your natural color, the less your roots will show as they grow out. This will make your hair color last longer between touch-ups, as your roots are less obvious. You should always try to select a coloring product that is easiest for you to maintain.

Apply a deep conditioning treatment a few days before coloring. It will make your hair softer and shinier, will hold color better and will protect your hair from any possible damage from chemicals. The day before coloring, do not wash your hair! Natural hair oils will assist in making application more successful. Also be sure to dampen your hair just before coloring, as color will cling better to wet hair.

Use a color-enhancing shampoo between applications. These shampoos help to keep your color as long as possible and will help keep your color fresh until time for the next application. If a color-enhancing shampoo is not an option for you, use the most gentle shampoo you can find to help prolong your color. Keep your hair thoroughly conditioned! Hair coloring will dry your hair and it is important to keep your hair conditioned and soft.

Avoid exposing your hair to sun or chlorine, as the sun will fade your color and chlorine can damage the color. In some cases, the ultimate hair color horror story is true - chlorine may leave a green tint to very light hair colors.

If you're using a home color kit, be sure to read the instructions carefully before you begin and always have an extra box on hand. You never know when you'll run out of the mix, have an unexpected spill, or damage the bottle in any way. If you're visiting a stylist, be sure to explain your lifestyle and time constraints in order to have them help you find the easiest to manage option for you.

No matter how you decide to color your hair, be sure you pick an option and a color that will fit your skin tone, your lifestyle, and your pocketbook.