Hair Color 101

Since so many of you enjoyed the last post on the new brunette but had questions about the do's and dont's of salon color I thought it would be helpful to go back to the fundamentals, or as I like to call them the 101's, for a brief review. Yes I know none of us really took pleasure in being coerced to attend the mandated prerequisites of American history 101 or Physics 101 but in fairness to our higher learning institutions these classes provided us with the building blocks by which to progress our studies...well in theory at least. But unlike middle school, high school or college Beaute 101 provides valuable insight into looking and feeling your best cause after all looks due matter and whoever told you otherwise was either ugly, jealous of your natural beauty or flat out delusion (I'd like to be PC and say I'm just kidding but unfortunately I'm really not!). So the question of the day: what can you do to make your professional hair color appointment and service the best possible?

Before the Color Service

1. Scan through magazines and cut out examples of hair colors (and cuts!) that you like. Hair stylists are artists and they appreciate visual stimulus or inspiration by which they can work off of. By having physical examples of what you're looking for your stylist will have a better understanding of how to give it to you. Now you can take multiple pictures (my preference as you want to create your own look; not to replicate the model in the ad) but be clear in describing what you like. For example, I want that rich auburn hue from this clip as a highlight but I like the subtle weaving techniques of this ad. You get the picture?

2. Don't wash your hair up to 24 hours prior to your hair color appointment. Hair's natural oils help minimize the damaged incurred to hair while not interfering with color binding to strands. By shampooing you are stripping hair of these protective oils.

During the Color Service

1. Ask your stylist to give you a protein/strengthening treatment directly after rinsing the color. This little extra helps restore hair's natural building blocks to fortify strands from the inside out. Breakage is minimized for stronger, healthier hair.

2. If for any reason you are unhappy with your color or cut tell your stylist immediately. They and the salon manager would prefer correcting the mistake right away so that you leave their salon a happy customer.

After the Color Service

1. Wait at least 24 hours or ideally 48 hours before washing hair. This helps ensure that the color molecules bind properly for maxim richness and intensity. When you do wash your hair don't be alarmed if you notice "bleeding" (meaning color rinsing out while in the shower). This is just the excess color that was on your scalp and outer hair layer. Just be sure to dry hair with an old towel that you wouldn't mind being stained with the color.

2. Wash hair with a color protecting shampoo to help boast radiance and maintain color longevity for at least 2 weeks. I like Phyto Citrus Shampoo or Kerastase Bain Mirror. For best color wear also make sure that the shampoo you use at all times is safe or made for color-treated hair. Just rinsing or brushing hair will naturally make color fade but by using a gentle color protecting shampoo you can lengthen and prolong your color.

3. After shampooing, treat hair to a nourishing mask which will restore lost lipids, proteins and nutrients. It's all about strengthening your hair for optimal suppleness, shine and healthiness. Make sure to apply the mask from mid-length to ends (where damage is the most) as it will only weigh down the roots and leave-in for 10-15 minutes. Wrap a towel around your hair (put on a shower cap first) so that the heat from your head helps the mask penetrate the hair. Rinse with cool water to help the seal the cuticles (hair's outer layer). Do this treatment weekly.

4. Use a leave-in product with UV filters and an antioxidant like vitamin E or any of the berries (you know the list blue, acai, goji, etc). These ingredients will help protect color from free radical damage (yes this too happens to hair) which causes color dulling and oxidizing. Ideally it's smart to make this a part of your hair care regimen.

Usage tip: You can get the best color but if you don't take care of your hair the color molecules will eventually be stripped so pay close attention to the after color service portion above and for the best results follow it to the T.

The results: Brilliant, long lasting color just the way you want it and worth every penny you paid for it!