Colour Me Pretty

Get the Look

Saturday, January 28, 2012

Changing one's hair colour is often a big decision for most women. Buoyed perhaps by trendsetting celebrities, many are now finding it lots easier to experiment with new hair colours. So how about it? Here's how you can get the look of your favourite celebrity.

What colour will suit you best?

The first step to getting a new hair colour is to decide which will suit you best. Though you may love the hair colour of a particular celebrity, it doesn't always mean that this will work for you too. Consult with a professional or get the opinion of a trusted friend before attempting to change the colour of your hair.

Three Basic Hair Colour Changes

Blond

Going blond is perhaps the boldest decision for any woman. Though it is said that blonds have the most fun, it isn't a colour that's suitable for everyone. Also, if you make the decision to go blond, be sure to know that it is very hard to maintain, as hydrogen peroxide tends to damage your hair.

Tips

* "Lightening naturally warms up your hair; if you choose a warm-coloured dye, you may end up too (orangey) gold," says Julia Youssef, executive director of L'Oréal Paris's Hair Color Technical Center and Product Evaluation.

* Hair that is bleached tends to get dry very often. Moisturise as often as you can to protect your hair from humidity damage.

Redhead

Though popstar Rihanna has made bright red a popular hair trend, most experts recommend a ruby red. Regardless of the shade you choose, this colour is a sure way to get you noticed. If your hair is healthy, this is an ideal hair colour to add a little flair to your look.

Tips

* If you are going to attempt this hair colour on your own, be careful when you attempt to mix different hair dyes. It is also important that you follow the package instructions.

* Opt for more popular brands of hair colour.

* Avoid using harsh shampoos — opt for products for colour-treated hair.

Brunette

If you are looking for a low maintenance hair colour, this may be your best option. Not only does it reflect light well but it also hides damaged hair best. You may attempt this look at home. Here are some tips from Marie Claire, taken from Marie Robinson, a colourist at the Sally Hershberger Salon in New York City.

Tips

Go half-and-half. One of the most common at-home hair-colouring errors is a brown that's gone orangey, often the result of applying a dye that's too "warm". If it's golden brown you're after, says Robinson, buy one box of golden brown and one box of neutral brown. Mix the two, and then use the combo on your hair.