There’s an element of excitement to being adventurous about your look from time to time. You want to try something different and show off a new side of yourself. Changing your hair color is a great choice in this regard, but proceed with caution. While coloring your hair with a home kit seems simple, there’s a lot to consider—everything from the color you want to the type of dye that’s right for your hair. Plus, you need to take certain precautions if you want to maintain good hair health throughout the process.
If you’re thinking of shifting the shade of your hairstyle and don’t know where to start, here’s what you should consider—and when you should leave the job to a professional.
Choose Your Color
Browsing through a magazine and looking at some of your favorite celebrities and models is great for inspiration, but what looks good on one person might not necessarily look good on you. When you’re choosing the color you want to achieve, it’s important to think about your own skin tone, natural hair color, and personal style. Inspiration photos are a great starting point, but assess them with a critical eye: Will that color of hair complement your skin tone? Will it bring out the color of your eyes?
For example, if you have warm undertones to your complexion, you will do well with warmer hair colors—everything from a golden blonde to a coppery red. These warm hair colors will also make brown or hazel eyes stand out. On the other hand, if you have cool undertones, or a pinkish, rosy tone to your skin, then it’s best to try an ashy blonde or a cool brown, both of which will complement blue or green eyes.
Dying your hair doesn’t have to be a drastic change. You could easily choose a subtle variation on your natural hair color, which will make it easier to ensure you’re complementing your natural skin tone and eye color while minimizing the amount of work you’re going to have to do to maintain the color in the weeks or months to come.
It’s also important to remember your personal sense of style. If you tend to be bold and outgoing, then a dark brown with undertones of burgundy will be easier to pull off than if you tend to be more traditional. Vibrant dye jobs will be harder to maintain, so if you’re not looking to spend a lot of time keeping up your hair color, it might be better to go with a subtler color closer to your natural hair.
Find the Right Dye
Not all over-the-counter dyes are created equal. Some products are of overall higher quality, and some products are formulated for specific types of hair or specific goals. You’ll want to start by determining what sort of look you want to achieve—whether that’s all-over color, highlights, balayage, or ombre—as well as whether you want your dye job to be temporary, permanent, or semi-permanent.
Another important factor to consider is the current condition of your hair. If it’s dry or damaged, you’re best off seeking dye with a conditioning agent that will be gentle on your hair. If your hair is going gray, you may find that the gray is resistant to coloring and you need a product that promises long-lasting full coverage.
Finally, the ingredient list is important. Dye made with ammonia can be harsh on your hair, so it’s best to seek products that are either ammonia free or low ammonia. For boosted hair health, you can find dyes that are fortified with natural oils, vitamins, and antioxidants, all of which will leave your hair healthier as well as a new color.
Follow Directions
Observe the instructions on your dye carefully—being precise about mixing ratios, application techniques, and processing times will ensure you will get the best finished result. Safety precautions, when properly observed, will prevent damaged hair or scalp. And remember, it’s always best to test your dye on a small patch of your hair first to make sure it reacts well and you like the way the color looks.
When to Let the Professionals Do It
Although a new hair color is a great style statement, it can be a big commitment—you don’t want to end up with a color you decide looks bad, or doing something to damage your hair. If your hair is sensitive, or if you’re considering a drastic change (such as going from dark to light), your best option is to visit a professional stylist who can offer you advice, assess your hair, and help you achieve the desired result.
