How to Try New Hair Colors

Test a color out to see how it reacts with your hair before you make a change.

Making a drastic change to your hair color can be scary. Whether it's the first time you have colored your hair or you like to experiment with color and constantly change it, the color you see is not always the color you get. Hair color reacts differently to various shades and textures of hair. Luckily, if you're coloring at home it's easy enough to test out the color before you apply it.

Things You'll Need

• Hair color
• Plastic bowl
• Plastic spoon
• Scissors
• Tape
• Clock/timer
• Paper towel

Instructions

1. Find an at-home hair color in the shade of your choice.

2. Cut a small portion of your hair from an inconspicuous area, about a quarter-inch wide.

3. Tape together one end of the hair you snipped so you can easily handle it.

4. Add equal parts of the hair color and activating creme to your plastic bowl, using just a few drops of each. Mix together thoroughly with your plastic spoon.

5. Apply the mixture to your taped hair sample, and set it aside. Leave it for the developing time recommended in the instructions. This varies, but usually is no more than 30 minutes.

6. Wipe off the excess hair color from your sample using a paper towel to check the results. If you are happy with the color, mix together the remaining hair color and follow the manufacturer's instructions to apply it to the rest of your hair.

Tips & Warnings

• You may also choose a semi permanent hair color for a temporary change that washes out in about seven or eight washings. However, semi permanent hair color can only be used to darken your hair. To lighten your hair, choose a permanent color.

• Many hair colors recommend performing a skin test before application to test for allergic reactions. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to complete this test before using an at-home hair color.

References

• Clairol: Natural Instincts Instructions
• Loreal: Hair Color 101

Resources

• Clairol: Find Your Shade