How to Choose the Best Hair Color

Choosing a new hair color can be fun and exciting. These days there are some great options available at the drugstore. The only challenge is finding the right hair color for your individual look.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Magazines for inspiration
• Imagination
• Knowledge of skin tone
• Web access (optional)

1. Start by asking yourself what your goal is. Subtle highlights? Covering gray hairs? A dramatic new look? If you're planning a dramatic change, make sure you have the time and patience to maintain the look. Considering your lifestyle is an important part of finding the right hair color.

2. 
    
   Dark hair, lighter olive skin.

   The next issue to consider is light versus dark. The general rule is to make sure your hair contrasts with your skin, because if your hair color is too close to your skin color, it can you wash you out. It is important to consider your natural hair color in this decision, as a store-brand, ammonia-based color will not be able to lift or darken your hair more than a few shades.

3. 
    
   High drama, high maintenance

   Now, you might be thinking that Gwen Stefani looks great with pale skin and platinum blonde hair. But consider whether you are willing to wear the dramatic makeup that goes with her look--every day. The same advice applies to choosing an extreme contrast between hair and skin. Very dark hair and pale skin (or vice versa) can be very striking, but you will most likely need to amp up your makeup routine. If a dramatic hair color is right for you, you'll jump at this idea; if not, try something more subtle.

4. 
    
   Warm red, warm skin

   The next consideration is whether your skin tone is warm or cool. Warm complexions have yellow or red undertones; cool colors have blue or green undertones. A good rule of thumb is to choose hair color in the same family as your skin. For example, honey blonde usually flatters warmer, darker skin tones more than platinum blonde would. A cooler red (shown in the picture at the top of the page) will look good on skin with blue undertones, while a warmer red hair color will flatter warmer skin.

5. Once you've determined the tone you're looking for, consider hair colors in that family. Not sure about whether a hair color is warm or cool? Nowadays, most hair color identifies its tone as warm or cool somewhere on the package label. Also, warm blondes are described in terms like honey or caramel, while cool blondes are platinum or champagne. A warm red is fiery; a cool red is closer to raspberry. Warm browns are chocolate and cool browns are ash.

6. 
    
   Cool tones, cool skin.

   One way to imagine hair color options is to think about what clothing colors or makeup shades look best on you. Another option is to find a style icon with a similar skin tone who changes hair color often-—think Madonna, Drew Barrymore, Jessica Alba, Jennifer Lopez, and Beyonce. At the very least, start looking at magazines to get ideas. By looking at how hair colors work on models with a similar skin tone, you will have a better chance of finding the right hair color for yourself.

7. Finally, there are websites that allow you to upload pictures and try out different hairstyles. This is probably the best option, as it takes out much of the guesswork out of finding the right hair color. See the resources at the end of this article.

Tips & Warnings

• If you're not sure about committing to a color, you might try semi-permanent color at first. This will allow you to decide whether you like it or not.
• If you're still having trouble deciding, call on a stylish, honest friend to help you decide on the right color.
• Gray hairs can affect how color penetrates. Choose a formula designed for graying hair, and be wary of very dark shades.
• For extreme effects (bleaching or going more than three shades up or down), you may want to consult a professional.
• Be aware that every person's hair takes color differently. Your hair will not necessarily look exactly like the model on the hair color box. In fact, there will often be charts on the top of sides of the box that predict what the color will look like on different base shades.
• If you have an absolute hair disaster, you should make an appointment with a professional to fix it.

Resources

• Daily Makeover, where you can upload a picture and try on hair color.
• Hairpedia, an extensive hairstyle gallery.

[starlet67]

on 3/22/2009 Great tips and advice for DIY hair color at home!5*