7 Things You Must Know Before Coloring Your Hair
Wow! What a beautiful hair! What color!
You have been eyeing that gorgeous-looking hair for a long time. And have finally decided to color your hair. Before you zero in on a specific color, there are some things to know about hair coloring. Coloring your hair can be that one thing which will make people notice you. But you might end up with a shade you are not too happy with! To prevent any disappointment, it is best to take professional help and follow their hair coloring tips.
Going for hair color can really be a transformational change, especially if you are thinking about it for the first time.
When coloring for the first time, one of the best first hair dye tips is to choose a color kit with the least harmful ingredients. The chemicals can cause hair to become brittle and break easily. Make sure to do a patch test and wait for at least 48 hours before taking the plunge. Ensure ample workspace and handy tools like wipes, towels and a cape or shirt that you no longer need. Hair color can stain your clothes and hands.
Let’s get the magic working on your mane, but here are a few things you should know about hair coloring.
Going for hair color can easily be a pick-me-up, but it can get tiring and stressful easily between maintenance.
1. Maintenance is a Must
Remember how often you visit the salon when deciding the right color for yourself. If you visit the salon only once every six months, then go for colors that are low maintenance. Most colors require frequent touch-ups, say every four to six weeks. If you choose high-maintenance colors such as red or purple, then it becomes more essential to evaluate your commitment level. Because such colors fade faster despite your best efforts at upkeep, colors fade by default, and roots would noticeably show their original color. Some color services take longer, so also consider the time spent in the salon when booking an appointment if you are short on time.
You can also go for Balayage or ombre. These color techniques just need a touch-up every now and then to preserve the hair color when you want that look but are unwilling to spend time and money.
Talking about money. Yes, that is a crucial determinant when thinking about hair coloring.
2. Money Matters
Be sure to ask your salon for an estimate for your selected color, as prices can vary. Prices also vary depending upon whether you want to go for only highlights, an ombre, or a full mop. Keep the maintenance and touch-up cost also in consideration when deciding about hair coloring. You need to use professional hair products and services as their quality will ensure less color fade and longer stay. Professionals also help with hair coloring tips and tricks to make your hair look and stay better. A home hair care plan for the best-looking hair in between scheduled visits to the salon also needs to be considered.
While we are on the budget, we also have to think about the specific hair color we aim to have for that killer look.
3. Be Pretty Sure of the Shade You Are Thinking About
Do not just consider the hair color of the model on the hair color box as your hair color. You don’t know what her hair color was before the coloring. It is best if you and your colorist are on the same page. Your idea of brown can be strikingly different from the colorist’s idea of it. Carry over several pictures and explain what you have in mind before deciding on the right color.
When discussing with your hair stylist, keep a tab on your skin tone for the best effect.
4. Think of These Influencers
Does this particular color suit your personality, skin tones and lifestyle? It is best to talk to your stylist if you are unsure what color will look good with your skin tones. For example, a full mop of red color may not go with your looks if you are a senior manager of a multi-national.
Having decided about the hair color, you still have a nagging thought about booking that appointment. What are you worried about?
5. Hair Color- Is It Safe And A Long Stay?
Hair colors are chemicals which, on application, change the texture of hair. It is an inevitable risk, bound to happen. If the process is not followed properly, it may result in dry hair and without shine. But taking a professional’s help and using good quality products can somewhat control the damage.
Fading is unavoidable as time passes because colors will wash off. Hair growth will show a natural color at the roots. Nobody wants to go all the hog if the color fades away in a few days. A salon re-visit once in two months becomes a requirement if you are coloring your hair from the roots, but If it is just a touch-up, then it is once in three months.
Alternatively, there are some things you should know about hair coloring to make your color last longer. Here’s how.
6. Products Specific For Colored Hair
Try using a clarifying shampoo to wash hair before going for hair color. The shampoo will clean the hair thoroughly, making the color stick better and longer. However, avoid clarifying shampoos on colored hair as they will make the color fade faster. Hair loses moisture on coloring and tends to get dry. Colored hair needs extra care and protection. It is important to use a color protection shampoo and conditioner for your hair after coloring. Seek a replacement for your normal hair care products.
Even when using products specially designed for treated hair, you need to use them as often as you feel the need to wash your hair, but how much is too much?
7. Indoors or Outdoors
If you are more of an outdoor person, or your work keeps you out in the sun, you will need to wash your hair more frequently. A daily wash can cause the hair to fade faster. Using hair products that protect your hair from UV radiation and an umbrella, hats or head scarves can help.
Pool water, with its high chlorine content, is also known to cause havoc with hair color. Apply a hair mask for color-treated hair to save the color. Choosing colors closer to your natural tones is best to make them stay longer or create time and resources for frequent touch-ups.
The idea of coloring your hair can be daunting, to say the least, especially if you are a first-timer. Whether experimenting with a new color or covering your greys, coloring can bring new vibes to your looks.
Whether you are planning to go drastically different from your natural hair color or simply covering the grey strands or a shade that subtly blends in, it is best to consult a professional if you are doing it for the first time.The colorist can look at the quality of your hair, your skin tone, and your choices and your likes to narrow down on what hair color will suit your mane the best. The stylist can also give useful tips on how to apply hair color. For example, if your hair is dry, bleach may make it brittle beyond reversal.
Also read here are some hair color trends you should follow in 2022.
Conclusion
You have decided on a color change.
If you are considering doing it yourself, choose the best hair color product and take the plunge. Or book an appointment with your stylist right away, and have a clear discussion about your expectations.
So, what are you waiting for?
FAQs
1. How should I prepare my hair before coloring?
It is best to wash your hair with good shampoo for at least 24 to 48 hours before you settle for the coloring session. You might use a clarifying shampoo as it cleans the hair shaft of any oil and residue, making the hair color stick better.
2. Does dying hair once damage it?
Hair dyes have pure chemicals such as ammonia and hydrogen peroxide that are harsh to the hair and make them brittle and prone to breakage. If only dying for one time, the hair will get time to recover from the damage. Otherwise, keep a gap of at least two to three months between two coloring sessions.
3. What will happen if I stop dying my hair?
Your hair will get time to recover and come back to its original color. Slowly, hair might regain health but become harder to style. However, people usually dye to express their individuality and soon get used to seeing themselves in colored hair. When you stop dying, you may start itching for something different and want to travel the same path again.
Also read how to know what hair color suits you? Tips to help you clients.
