Changing your hair color is one of the most dramatic things you can do to change your whole look. And it’s also one of the easiest transformations on your appearance – as long as you have an expert who can do the job well and a good understanding of what that change will mean for you. Before you go flipping through a magazine picking out a shade based on your favorite celebrity “It” girl, take these facts into consideration.
Changing Your Hair Color: 6 Things to Consider
1. Skin Tone – Will this color look good on your complexion? If you’re a natural brunette, you can certainly go for lighter shades, but the right tone (warm or cool) is incredibly important. Be sure to discuss this with your stylist as well as consider how many shades lighter you want to go. Sometimes a gradual progression is the best way to undergo a drastic change.
2. Season – Working with the mood of the season is also a great idea. Summer tends to be more forgiving of lighter and brighter shades, while fall is a great time to opt for darker, warmer shades.
3. Maintenance – How often will you have to touch up your tresses? Are you willing to maintain them as needed? Keep in mind the time and cost of keeping that color flattering. If you’re not willing or able, maybe you should opt for an easier color.
4. Growth – How will this color look when it’s growing out? Will you have blonde roots and dark tresses? Or will it be a gradual progression that you can keep for a long time? Ask your stylist what they project it will look like when it’s growing out and whether there’s a way to make it look seamless.
5. Damage – Going for a shade that requires bleaching your hair can cause serious damage to the follicles, making hair appear dry, brittle and damaged. Consider the damage before going for a bold change. No matter the color, healthy hair always looks best.
6. Longevity – How long will you be able to keep this color on without it looking ashy or brassy? Will occasional toners and brighteners work? Also ask your stylist about adding a change like highlights or lowlights if you’re considering going for a very different color from your natural shade in order to make the look last for longer than a couple of months.
How do you make your color change decisions? Got any advice for a swift update?
Image(s) used under license from Shutterstock.com
