As anyone who’s ever watched ‘America’s Top Model’ knows, sometimes a new hair color is the only thing you need to go from drab to fab.
If you’ve got ‘virgin’ hair (haven’t tried it, never dyed it) it’s best to go to a salon. But if you’re feeling brave, or are just on a tight budget, you can also buy a box of hair color and do it at home. Here are some tips on picking the right color.
1. Pick a color that matches your skin undertone.
Women with warm undertones tend to look best in brown, caramel or ash hair color. Cool undertones look great in mahogany or black hair color.
Don’t know your skin undertone? You can try these two tests. First, pinch your skin. If you get a blue/green color, then you have cool undertone. If you get a reddish or pink color, then you are warm. Second, place a blue or white shirt next to your face. Then, place an orange or cream shirt next to your face. Which colors make your skin glow? Which make you look tired? If blue and white flatter you most, then you’re cool. If it’s orange or cream, then you’re warm
2. Don’t go more than two shades lighter or darker than your natural hair color
This is especially true if you are dying your hair for the first time. To be on the safe side, try using a semi-permanent dye. Don’t always believe the color on the box. Hair models have been through many color processes to achieve the color that is advertised. Be realistic about what you want to achieve.
3. Don’t forget your eyebrows!
When you have your hair colored, don’t forget to do the same for your eyebrows. Imagine ash brown hair with very black eyebrows. Not exactly your best beauty moment.
4. Create depth.
Highlights, which require lightening certain parts of your hair, and low lights, which darken certain areas, can also create depth. A single color process can leave your hair looking flat.
5. Make sure your highlights blend with the rest of your color base
Don’t go for obvious streaks unless you’re a teen or in a rock band. Instead, concentrate your highlights on the hair that frames your face.
6. Go to the salon every two to three months
Getting your hair dyed is a commitment. Once you do it, it’s critical you have your roots colored to maintain it. Hair color won’t ruin your hair as long as it’s done, like all things, in moderation. And don’t have it bleached! Most of the new hair dyes are gentle and actually condition the hair.
7. Use a shampoo and conditioner made for colored hair
Always use products meant for colored hair. If in doubt, ask your colorist for recommendations. Check the ingredients as well and pick ones with the most natural ingredients. If you plan to use styling or leave-in conditioner, pick one that contains sunscreen to keep your colored hair from fading and drying out in the sun.
8. Your colorist is your best friend.
Finding the right colorist is like finding a …soul mate. He or she has to know and understand you—or in this case your hair—inside and out. Look at family, friends and work colleagues who have great hair color, then ask who they go to. When you finally make the appointment, take a look at your colorist’s hair color. It’s a good indication of his or her skill and preferences! Also ask about what products the salon uses, and find out (from consumer reviews) how gentle they are on your hair.