If you have always thought about coloring your hair but were worried about choosing the right color, there is no need to wait any longer. By understanding a bit about your hair type, as well as what you wish to have your hair look like after coloring, you can comfortably make a decision on the right color for you. Prior to going into the salon, take a little time and consider the following points to help you get just the look you want.



One of the first considerations is how much of your hair do you want to color, and do you want to just use one color or several? Monochromatic color means that one color is used over your entire head, whereas multicolored or toned includes highlights and lowlights.

Highlights are used to enhance and brighten the base color, and are usually applied more heavily along the top of the head and around the face for a brightening effect. Lowlights are darker in color or tone than the base color, and give the hair depth and the appearance of fullness when applied to the underlying layers of hair. With a multi tonal or color style there is a natural look to the color, and the awful root growth problem of many single hair colors is minimized.

While there is always the option to go completely wild and add blues, pinks or even purples to your hair, most people tend to stick with more traditional colors. Choosing a color that matches your skin tone and eye color can give your color a more natural appearance. Reds and coppers are always popular, but they are colors that fade and change quickly, so be prepared for frequent touch ups if you use these colors.

For dark skin tone the rich colored browns and reds with darker toned lowlights really draw attention to the skin. Golden skin looks best with dark reds and auburns, and should not be used with bright yellows, oranges or bright golds as the skin often looks sallow. Pink or very fair skin looks terrific with ashes, honeys and neutral colors. As you age, it is advisable to lighten your color slightly to help blend any naturally occurring gray hair into the color and avoid as many trips to the salon.

Semi permanent colors and color rinses are a great way to experiment with different colors at home. They are not the old, chemical smelling treatments anymore, and are easy to apply at home. The process involves an application of the color, wait time, and a rinse, shampoo and conditioner. The beauty of these products is that they only last a short while in the hair, and allow you to try several colors to decide what is best for you.

After you have decided on the color or tones that you wish to use, you then need to consider if you want to do it yourself or go to a stylist. The benefit of doing it yourself is that you can easily fit the time into your busy schedule. The benefit of going to a salon is that the stylist can make suggestions and even update your hairstyle at the same time. Consider the final result, and what you are trying to accomplish when choosing a color. Match your skin tone with your hair to enhance your hair and face. A wild, bright color is very eye catching and unique, where a more subdued color may be more appropriate in a professional setting.