Whether
you crave platinum blonde locks or fiery red tresses, it’s
always best to make sure the shade you choose will not
only look good on you, but that it looks natural.
Celebrities are the most popular source for the latest
hair colors but unless you’ve got the money to hire the
best hair stylist, chances are you’ll have to go to the
store to find your shade. Knowing how to choose the right
hair dye color can mean the difference between looking
daring or looking disastrous.
Newbies
to hair dyeing should consult with a professional hair
stylist before buying any dye. Visit your local salon and
bring along photos of the color and style you’d like to
try. If possible, get your hair dyed professionally first
for the best results. From there you can begin
experimenting with shades and colors. Knowing how long you
want to keep your new hair color is also an important
factor to remember. If you’re not sure you’ll be happy
with the color, go for a temporary hair dye that will wash
out after one to two shampoos. This will allow you to try
out a new color without having to commit to it for weeks
or months.
Herbal
hair dyes made from organic plants and henna plant extract
are a wonderful alternative to traditional dyes that
contain harsh ingredients. With no preservatives, ammonia
or other synthetic chemicals, this route is safer and
allows you to enjoy your new color without risking damage
to your hair.
The
hair color you choose should complement your skin tone. To
play it safe, opt for a color that is within two shades of
your natural color. For extreme changes, such as going
from blonde to brunette, make sure the end result doesn’t
overpower your face. Brown, chestnut and honey shades are
the easiest to work with and look good on just about any
skin tone. Blonde and red hair dye is trickier. To use
these colors, consult with a stylist first to accurately
match the correct shade. Also take into account that you
may need to do multiple sessions in order to get the
perfect shade. Black is an all or nothing color of hair
dye so be sure this color will work with your skin tone.
Getting
your hair dyed in a salon takes out a lot of the guesswork
but if you insist on doing it yourself, be sure to read
all the directions and do a patch test first to see how
your hair reacts to the dye. Ask a friend to help you out
so you get even coverage.
Avoid
over processing your hair at all costs. Hair dye can make
your hair weaker and constantly switching colors can have
devastating effects, including dry, split ends so take
your time finding the right shade and treat your locks
with extra care by deep conditioning once to twice a week
and limiting the use of heated styling tools.
