Hair Coloring Rule #1:
Never subject your hair to more than two chemical processes.
\"Great Hair\"
If you've straightened or permed your hair, chose either a single process color or highlights but not both. Multiple processes are just too damaging and you're likely to end up with wiry fried hair or no hair at all if you just keep layering the chemicals on.
Women with relaxed hair, and those who use high heat appliances to straighten hair daily, should use only cream-based permanent dyes, which have more conditioners than gels or liquids.
Hair Coloring Rule #2:
Relate your color to your skin tone.
Skin that has yellow undertones may look jaundiced next to hair that's too pale; deeper hues, on the other hand, can impart a beautiful golden cast.
Rich browns won't do any favors for reddish skin; a dark color attracts attention almost like a bull's-eye around red areas. Lighten up with caramel or tawny brown highlights.
Hair Coloring Rule #3:
Stick close to your childhood color.
When in doubt, take a look at your old family albums. Stay fairly close to the color you had when you were young -- it will usually be the most flattering and easy to maintain.
Hair Coloring Rule #4:
Make changes slowly.
If you plan to reclaim a towheaded youth, don't rush in. Even at the salon, your hair will lighten only so much at one time -- push it too far and it turns orangey. Do a little every month, so you can control the brassiness.
If you're going from faded out or gray color back to a darker shade, a gradual process, applying a slightly darker shade each month, will allow you to find the tone you're most comfortable with. You'll probably get a better response from friends and family too if you don't shock them but introduce the new younger looking you slowly.
Hair Coloring Rule #5:
Remember Your Brows
Never match your brows to a new haircolor, but consider making them a touch lighter or warmer. It can make the whole eye area look younger and softer. Because the eye area is sensitive, never dye your own brows or lashes. Have a licensed professional apply color while you're in the salon for your brow waxing or a hair cut.
Hair Coloring Rule #6:
Root Maintenance is not an option.
Even for Sara Jessica Parker fans', retouching your roots is one of the golden rules of haircare -- but only use the bare minimum.
If you want to keep your hair healthy, just do the roots, Coloring your entire head each and every time you color may alter your overall color and damage older, longer hair. That's how people end up with bleached ends.
If your color needs a recharge, ask your stylist for an all-over gloss or glaze. There are also at-home treatments that will do the trick. You leave it in for 10 minutes, you wash it out, and you've got shine no matter what your texture is, Just be sure to use restraint-- don't use it every week, just once a month.
Next Up: The Second C-- Your Cut
Want Great Hair? Pro Hairstylist's Tips You Can Use at Home Part 5 (of 7) - Color
Monica gives professional hair and beauty advice in person at her San Diego salon: When you're in the San Diego area, call 800-789-8359 for an appointment.
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