Hair Color Ideas That Actually Work For You

As we have entered a new season many women are thinking about ways to update their looks, and the perfect answer is with hair color. For novices or experienced salon goers, here are some hair color ideas that will take you from breakfast to office to parties - without missing a beat!

Hair color isn't always about just "color". It's about shades, hues, and a good cut that will show off your new color. Perfect color doesn't come in a bottle. If you are hoping to get a color correction for past mistakes (caused either by you or another salon), it will take a real expert to add in the right toners to counter the faulty shades you are trying to get rid of.

A good color means natural. Look carefully at a fistful of hair in the mirror. See how each strand has a different tone? Perhaps even different colors on one strand? These are the natural striations that Mother Nature gives each head of hair to work with natural lighting. A good "color job" must duplicate these natural highlights to be effective.

Before having any kind of color applied to your hair, select a salon with a certified color professional. Not every hairdresser is an expert in color. Find a salon that specializes in color and ask about the qualifications of their staff. Usually a high end colorist will charge more, but it's worth it. Considering you are looking for something for the holidays, think of this as a gift to you.

When you use the services of a real professional, go to the appointment with an open mind. You may have your heart set of pale blond, but if the colorist can prove to you that a deep strawberry is really your best shade, listen to her. She is trained to match color with skin tone. She knows what will work, and what won't.

Once she studies your hair, its condition, its style, its cut, and your lifestyle (e. g., how much time you plan on spending on your hair each day), she will then make some recommendations for color and maybe even a more suitable style for you. Plan on being there for a few hours.

Once a basic color is determined, now comes the fun and creative part. She may suggest adding lighter highlights around your face and maybe even dispersed throughout your hair. Lighter color near your face can change your entire appearance without the permanent commitment of an all over change.

Once your new color is processed, you can now bring it a step further with temporary additions for one special occasion. Sparkles are a big hit this season and they can be applied by anyone who has ever put on mascara - the brushes are identical. They come in every shade from silver to diamond onyx and when caught in the light, the sparkle is fabulous! Just don't overdo it.