Hair Coloring Ideas

Almost everyone has at least one thing they would like to change about themselves. For some it’s their height or weight. And for others, they wish they had a different hair color! Lucky for you, hair color is an instant gratification thing that you CAN change about yourself. We have a few suggestions on ways to change your hair color.

The reasons why people change their hair color can differ greatly. Some people just aren’t happy with their natural hair color. Others may be looking to shake things up with a fun color change. Choosing to color can be done through the use of various products.

When it comes to hair color, what types of products/methods are available?

Products, Products and More Products

To color your hair, you have seemingly unlimited options. Here are several color categorizations:

• Bleaching
• Root color
• Highlights (this can further break down into texture highlights, lowlights, balayage, and ombre)
• Henna
• Permanent hair color
• Demi-permanent hair dye
• Semi-permanent permanent hair dye
• Temporary hair color

Hair Bleaching

Bleaching your hair is not a particularly hair-healthy option. It is also time consuming and expensive. However, if you want to be blonde, and you're currently brunette there is no way around bleaching your hair. It can take several sessions to lift your hair to the blonde shade you want. Slowly lifting color will give you the healthiest results. It usually takes 2-3 sessions to get a light blonde look. Most people trust salon professionals to bleach their hair because they are the experts. If you are looking for a good stylist in your area, check yelp and Instagram for your best options. If you do want to do it yourself, home bleaching kits are available. If home bleaching doesn’t go well, you can always get a color correction in the salon.

Permanent Hair Color

Permanent hair dye is best for someone who has one single overall color. It penetrates hair more deeply using a complex chemical process opening the cuticle which can be damaging over time. Permanent hair color lasts the longest, about four to six weeks. Which is right about when you will need to touch up your roots.

Demi-Permanent Hair Dye

This is a slightly healthier option since it is ammonia-free. You still need a developer to open the hair cuticle so the molecules can get under the hair cuticle without fully penetrating the strand. Demi-permanent hair color should last around ten to twenty washes.

Semi-Permanent Hair Dye

Semi-permanent is a deposit-only hair color that hair lasts between three and six washes. There is no mixing and no developer for semi-permanent color.  For short term gray hair coverage, these are a good option – particularly if you can't see your stylist.

Root Color

When people dye their hair an overall color, inevitably their roots grow out. There are numerous root touch ups to use that will cover graying roots. Pencils, markers, sprays, powders, kits and more can be used to temporarily hide roots.

Highlights

Highlights are used when you're not looking for an all-over hair color. Many people mistakenly assume that only blondes use highlights. This is not true. Your choice of color can be applied to various hair segments to help promote shade, tone, and depth for those with other hair colors as well.

Henna

Yes – henna – like the tattoo. Rather than swirling designs on your skin, color vibrancy and shine are provided by this process and its reddish hue. Be careful of allergic reactions, however. Spot testing is always recommended.

Temporary Hair Color

Let's say that you decided you want to go with a different hair color. But you just don't know which color to choose. Temporary hair color will allow you to experiment until you find that perfect look. These colors don't last because they don't penetrate the shaft of the hair. After a couple of washings at most, they wash out.

You should, however, still be careful of dying your hair to too often. (There are also a temporary hair color sprays and powders that, at the end of the day, simply wash out. This can be fun and allow for even more experimentation).

Note: Whatever hair color process, brand, or type you decide upon, try to go with the method that is healthiest for your hair. Numerous chemicals can be found in some of today's products, so always check ingredient labels. If you must use a chemical laden product, try to give your hair ample time between treatments during which to refresh and revitalize itself. When in doubt, check with your stylist.