advice for the home colorist

1} If you have "virgin hair" (hair that has never been dyed), choose a color that is only a shade darker or shade lighter than your natural color. Hair that has never been dyed before tends to soak up color, so you'll want to play it safe with something not too drastic.

2} Always use semipermanent dye. Permanent fades just about as fast but is harsher. I like to use ammonia free dye, which doctors will tell you is safe to use even while pregnant

3} If you want a natural looking red, choosing a color with the word "copper" in its name is always safe.

4} "Auburn" and "cinnamon" are sometimes safe. Unless you get Garnier Nutrisse, their colors are always on the unnatural look, for reds.

5} "Berry," "Red", "Pomegranate" and "Intense" will result in usually a more purple or fake-red looking color. Which is fine if that is what you want! But not fine if you just want a subtle color.

6} With permanent or semipermanent, its best to wait at least a month between coloring your hair.

7} If you have naturally lighter hair or have previously lightened your hair, your new dyed color will fade faster. Blonde doesn't hold dye as well as other hair colors, but it is the easiest color to dye over.

8} Black and dark brown hair is harder to do any drastic changes to, unless you bleach it.

9} When dying your hair at home, make sure to keep a rag on hand to get any spots that might drip on the bathroom floor or sink or whatnot.

10}  When a beginner, it is best to have someone on hand to help you dye the back of your hair.

11} Do the roots first, and work down. Follow the directions.

12} Don't shampoo for at least 24 hours after dying your hair, it will remove the color if you do.

13} To preserve your color: use color saving shampoo and conditioner, try to limit the use of hair dryers and curlers, and rinse your hair with warm to cool water right before you get out of the shower.

14} If you end up hating your color, there are several options--visiting a salon, growing it out, cutting it off or fading it then redying it.

15} L'oreal Color Oops works great for getting unwanted color out of your hair. (When I tried to go back red after dying my  hair dark brown, I had ended up with magenta roots and purple ends, so I used color Oops to get back to an even light-brown before proceeding with red hair dye.)

16} Johnson and Johnson Baby Shampoo will also fade your color quickly (just make sure to use conditioner after you shampoo). Any clarifying shampoo will fade color.

17} Clairol Brass Free Brunette gets rid of any red tones from your hair. Its gentle and left my hair feeling great.

18} To go back to your natural color, let the current hair color grow out about an inch. During this time, use a shampoo to fade the dyed color. Once you can see your roots, dye your hair a neutralizing tone (a tone opposite on the color wheel--for example, to get rid of red, I would use an ash color). Use a semipermanent dye. You might have to dye it again every other month or so until your hair fades back to natural. ( This is what I'm currently doing)

19} Another great way to blend your dyed hair with your grown-out hair is adding highlights or lowlights. 

20} If you are thinking about dying your hair, you should. Dye is a fun and easily changed way to try out a new style; less commitment then a pixie cut and sometimes a more dramatic change. Plus, in the end its just hair.