Getting your hair colored can be so fun and exhilarating! But it can also be quite nerve-wracking! How do you pick the right color or style? What if you hate it? Or would you absolutely love it? You never know until you try after all! Here are some things to consider before making a decision!
1. Cost & Maintenance It is no secret that getting your hair professionally done does require money. It is good to plan out what you can or cannot spend. Do you have a budget? If you do, be sure to communicate this with your stylist. They can give you options based on that. Keep in mind that some colors require more time and money to achieve and maintain.
For example, let's say you have dark virgin brunette hair and would like to go all over platinum. The initial cost to get you there would be more money than the touchup appointments because you are starting off at a different level. Then, once you achieve your desired color, the root touchup every 4-6 weeks would usually be less money and time.
Another thing to consider is sometimes hair has to be lightened in sessions depending on the hair and desired level. Most stylists will communicate this with their clients and plan accordingly. Keep this in mind and expect your hair to go through the between colors first.
2. Find the Right Inspo Pictures. The internet is flooded with gorgeous hair photos, but how do you find the right one? Here are a couple things to keep in mind:
Lots of hair pictures are photoshopped/filtered. Yes, unfortunately it is the sad truth. I find this a lot especially with pictures of "white and silver hair". Stay away from these because they can be unrealistic. Sometimes you can tell if a photo is photoshopped if you look at the skin, many times it will look washed out.
Look for people with a similar hair texture as you. All hair color looks different on everyone, and especially on different hair patterns. One reason is because light is absorbed and reflected differently. For example, your hair color will look different curly than when it is straight. The twists and bends in curls cause the light to absorb in different areas and reflect back in others -creating more dimension. Whereas, when your hair is straight, it reflects back the light as a whole, looking lighter and brighter than if you were to curl it.
Look at celebrities that you most look alike. People with the same skin tones and eye colors will give you a pretty good idea of what you may look like with that color. So looking at their hair history may give you some hair styles you may not have even considered before.
3. Talk to Your Hairstylist During a Consultation. Most hairstylists offer complimentary consultations before coloring your hair at all. This is probably the most important thing you can do before coloring your hair.
During a consultation, you can talk to your hairstylist about colors and styles you want and love, what you don't like, and your budget. They can offer suggestions and ideas and help you decide what would be best for you. They also will explain to you the coloring process, as well as what to expect during and after the appointment. Do not be afraid to ask questions either!
4. Invest in the Right Haircare and Products. Using the right products is essential in keeping your color preserved. Stay clear of using any drugstore products, as they are full of filler products that strip away color. There are plenty of options nowadays of good professional products in all price ranges that will protect your color. I always tell my clients look at the ingredients on the bottle. Sulfates and parabens are ingredients that strip color, so stay clear of these.
Depending on what color(s) you choose will decide which haircare products to use. Most of the time professional color safe shampoos and conditioners will suffice. If you have a vivid color, you may consider getting a pigmented conditioner.
Let's talk about the famous Purple Shampoos. A lot of people that decide on blonde highlights or hair will get purple shampoos or conditioners. Purple shampoos only really work on light blonde hair; the idea is that it will cancel out yellow tones in hair. When used properly and at the right time, they can be great!
Use these sparingly though, as they actually are very drying to the hair and strip color and toners. They are great for when your hair fades to a yellow tone (usually after some washes). On the other hand, if you use a purple shampoo right after your hair appointment, it will strip the color (a lot of people don't know that). Instead, only use it when your blonde tresses have completed faded and are more yellowed. And only use them once every 2-4 weeks.
A good alternative to purple shampoo is to instead use a purple hair mask or conditioner, especially if you have a balayage and more light hair towards your ends. A good one to use is Fanola Purple Hair Fiber Mask; because it is a mask, it is more hydrating to your hair.
5. Remember to Have Fun & Have an Open Mind! Getting your hair done is a fun self care experience! It can be rejuvenating and relaxing. You get to relax for a few hours and walk out with new confidence! And if you don't like your hair, simply tell your stylist. Most colors can be easily tweaked or adjusted to your liking. Most of the time your stylist will ask if it's okay to take your pictures afterward too. This is a great way for your very own little photoshoot! This is a favorite part for many of the appointment (apart from the shampoo massage).
So don't be afraid of trying something new! If it's been on your mind for awhile, it's probably something you'll love! The beauty of hair is that it can grow, it can change, and it can be transformed!
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