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Hair dyes - choosing the right hair color for you
Get the right shade and product for the effect you want
It is estimated that somewhere between 65 and 75 percent of women dye their hair. Even more interesting, however, is the fact that a significant percentage of men are joining in the trend. While women dye for a variety of reasons, men primarily use coloring products to cover their gray or to bring back the depth of their natural hair color.
Women have been dyeing their hair for hundreds of years. It is believed that ancient Egyptians started the practice. Women today dye their hair for a lot of reasons; sometimes they are simply looking for a change, at other times they just want to brighten their natural color - the reasons for dyeing are as numerous as the colours that are now available in today’s marketplace. But how does a woman decide on the right color and/or the right type of hair dye?
Choosing Your Hair Dye
It is important to understand the various types of hair dyes in order to choose the right one for your hair. Since most dyes contain chemicals that can damage the hair if used improperly, choosing the right dye is extremely important. To ensure the least amount of hair damage, it is best to choose a color that blends well with your natural color; the lighter in color you choose to dye your hair, the greater chance you will incur severe hair damage.
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To ensure the least amount of hair damage possible, most dyeing procedures should be done in a salon. However, realistically a lot of us simply can’t afford that option and will, therefore, opt to do the dyeing ourselves. This makes it all the more important to choose the right type of dye.
Permanent Hair Dye
Permanent hair dyeing employs a procedure that strips the existing hair cuticle of its color and prepares it for the infusion of a new shade. As the natural hair color grows back in, the dye only has to be applied to the roots in order to maintain the color. While permanent hair dye may help you achieve the look that you want, particularly if you are opting to go much lighter than your natural shade, maintaining the colour can be both complex and expensive. Exposure to the sun and certain types of chemicals like chlorine can alter the overall color, cause it to fade, or make it lose its luminosity.
Doing your own permanent hair color is highly discouraged. This process should be done in a beauty salon by professionals who are trained to do the job properly.
Semi-permanent hair dye
Semi-permanent hair dye is the most popular choice on the market today. These dyes can last anywhere between eight to 20 washes, depending upon the brand of dye used and the condition of the hair. There are a number of color-enhancing glazes and shampoos that can effectively help to extend the length of time between colorings.
Like permanent dyes, semi-permanent hair color also penetrates into the hair shaft. However, it does not penetrate to the same depth and, therefore, generally causes less hair damage. The lighter in color you go from your natural shade, however, the more damage you risk. For this reason, it is suggested that you stay within one to two lighter shades of your natural color. While you can afford to go a bit darker than two shades, do not assume that means there will be no hair damage – this will be largely dependent upon the condition of the hair at the time the dye was applied.
Semi-permanent colors can, of course, change the color of your hair altogether or they can merely brighten your natural color. There are dozens of good semi-permanent hair colors on the market today, ranging in shades from Nordic blonde to raven black. There are those that claim to infuse moisture as you color; those that say they condition as you color; and those that guarantee multiple shadings for the most natural looking color.
The hardest part of the semi-permanent process may well be determining which brand and color to choose. Clairol and L’Oreal are always good choices, but Garnier Nutrisse is also growing quickly in popularity. Many people claim it is the least damaging to the hair, though I have not verified this personally.
Temporary hair dyes
Temporary hair dyes generally come in the form of rinses, gels, pastes, mousses, or sprays. These dyes merely coat the surface of the hair. They do not actually lift your original color from the cuticle or in any way penetrate the hair shaft. They wash out easily, generally lasting only one to three shampoos. For this reason, this form of coloring is highly popular with the younger set who often like to dye their hair to match their outfits or their mood at the time.
While this form of coloring doesn’t penetrate the hair, that doesn’t necessarily mean that it can’t cause hair damage. Some products on the market are rather harsh, making the hair hard or brittle and easily prone to breakage. As much caution should be used in choosing a temporary hair dye as any other form of hair coloring. Some of the most popular brands of temporary hair dyes include Paintbox Extreme Colors by Fudge and Good Look Color Mousse.
Gradual / progressive hair dyes
Gradual or progressive dyes are most popular with men. These dyes contain a lead acetate that penetrates the hair cuticle to react with the hair’s protein and sulfurs, thereby darkening the hair shaft. The more often the dye is used, the darker in color the hair becomes. The less it is used, the quicker it will return to the yellow or gray color that the dye was meant to cover. Grecian Formula and Just for Men are two excellent hair colors that fall within the gradual or progressive dye category. Both have been around for a long time and there is a reason for that. They actually work!
Highlights
One of today’s hottest trends is, of course, highlighting the hair. This form has the potential for causing either the most or the least hair damage of all. It can cause a great deal of damage if used over hair that has already been dyed with other hair products, chemically treated to curl or straighten, or if you attempt to go too many shades lighter than your natural color. It can cause the least damage if done properly because highlighting only involves changing the color of small strands of hair rather than the entire head.
The purpose of highlighting - with the exception of chunking - is to create a sun-streaked look by lightening the hair where the sunrays might naturally fall. This dyeing process gives the hair better depth of color and a visual texture. Generally, it is best to choose a highlighting shade that is within one or two shades of your natural color. At any rate, most beauticians do not recommend going more than three shades lighter.
There are four main ways to do highlights: foiling, painting, chunking and lowlighting. Foiling and lowlighting should always be done in a salon. However, chunking and painting can be done via a kit much in the same manner as other types of hair coloring. The important thing to remember, if you opt to do your own, is to follow the instructions as outlined in the highlighting kit.
There are lots of highlighting kits available today. Some of the best include Nutrisse Nourishing Multilights, L’Oreal’s Chunking, Feria Quick Shimmer Highlights, Couleur Experte and more. Some are strictly meant to be used over natural hair colors while others can be used over semi-permanent dyes as well. Be sure you read the box thoroughly to make certain your highlighting choice will work on your hair.
Choosing the right hair color for you
Once you have decided what type of dye you want to use and which brand you want to choose, it is time to think about your color. You should begin by determining your skin tone.
Cool skin tones generally have very pale skin with pink or no undertone. Those with lighter skin may have a bluish-red undertone. If this seems to describe you, choose a hair color like platinum or a cool ash blonde or wheat to chestnut brown. Avoid red shades that will not accent your natural coloring.
Those with medium to deeper cool skin tones generally have an olive undertone. If you fall within this category, you will look stunning in dark browns, deep burgundy reds, or even bluish black hairs.
Warm skin tones generally have a peach or golden undertone. Those who fall into the lighter category generally have ivory, creamy beige, peaches and cream, or a golden tan skin color. If this describes you, you will look best in lighter hair colors with a decidedly warm undertone like beige blondes, strawberry reds, and pale golden browns.
Those who have slightly warmer skin tones tend to have more of a yellow-red undertone. You will look great in richer shades like deep honey blondes, chestnut browns, or copper reds.
Hair Coloring Tips
Now that you are all set to color, here are a few tips to follow:
- To wash or not to wash; that IS the question. Many hairdressers disagree on this subject. Some say that excess hair product will interfere with proper coloring. Others believe that the natural oils of the hair will help prevent excessive damage. I say, read the box of the color chosen and follow their directions. They know what is best for their particular product.
- Trim split ends before coloring. This will help to ensure a nice, even hair color.
- If you intend to condition your hair, do it after you dye it or at least one week before you dye. Do not condition it immediately before dyeing. The color may not take properly if you do because many conditioners put a coating on the hair shaft that will prevent the hair color from achieving its ultimate goal.
- Check for possible allergic reactions before you dye your hair. Follow the procedures laid out in the instructions provided inside your hair color box.
- Do a strand test first to make certain the color will take the way you want it to. Again, follow the directions laid out by the hair color manufacturer.
- Wear protective gloves while dyeing and protect the skin around your hairline.
- Follow the timing instructions laid out for your chosen hair color. Do not leave the dye on longer than outlined.
- Do not attempt to dye your eyebrows or eyelashes with hair dye.
- Do not mix various hair dye products together. Their differing components could cause hair breakage and will alter the ultimate color.
- Seek professional assistance if the color comes out incorrectly, your hair is damaged, or you are uncertain of how to proceed further. Most hair color brands provide a toll-free hotline to help with these kinds of problems.
With everything available in today’s marketplace, dyeing your hair at home is easier than ever before. The important thing to remember is to follow the procedures outlined in your chosen dye’s instructions. If you do, chances are good that you will achieve exactly the look that you want.
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Comments
Posted on 20/05/08 08:10 by: chris jonesI disagree with your article. if you have resistant greys it is best to use permanent dyes; as long as you follow instructions to the letter your hair will look gorgeous and the greys stay covered. I also disagree with the shades for cool toned people... why should us fair-skinned brunettes be locked into boring, dull drab ash and neutral browns? All they do is make us look the same. I dye my hair an intense shade of med red and my eyes look bluer and my skin looks more clear and porcelain... finally I don't look a zombie. If people with my cool coloring don't want to go to my extreme shade they can always try a soft reddish brown.
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Posted on 20/07/08 19:46 by: reno
This article is helpful, but not strictly true. I have almost pure white skin, and dark eyes, and every other hair color apart from bright red makes me look ill and drawn. Even my natural color of brown doesn't look right, hence I've been dying my hair bright red for 3 years.
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Posted on 28/07/08 13:43 by: Charlie Kuchinsky
Thanks guys, for your comments. I agree that there are exceptions to every rule. Plus, the bottom line is that women should always choose whatever makes them "feel" beautiful. I break all the traditional rules myself. I have fair skin and prefer to go a shade brighter red when covering my gray. Plus I'm a mature woman but still wear my hair long, even though every hairdresser I run into insists that I should chop it off. There are always exceptions and differences; this article is meant more as a guide than a hard and fast rule, so I appreciate your words!
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Posted on 20/08/08 20:20 by: Angela
I am 66 years old and nearly all grey. I have a good hairdresser and have been having a mid brown base with copper and bleached highlights. However after a while I look totally washed out. I would like to suggest another colour to my hairdresser. I have had a colour me beautiful consultation and I am a spring season. Please help!
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Posted on 20/08/08 21:46 by: Charlie Kuchinsky
I am 58 years of age and also a spring. I find that I look washed out in certain tones of brown as well. I've actually moved further into copper and auburn shades with a lot of success.
There are sites on the Internet such as Lifetime.com that will let you you upload a photograph of yourself. Once you have, you can play around with different hair colors, cuts, and styles within a private folder that only you can access. You might try this type of option to explore different avenues in hair color before making the leap.
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Posted on 08/11/08 17:14 by: Sarah
I am planning on buying a tub of La Riche Directions hair dye and i would like to do streaks in my hair in the colours pink and blue. I want them to be not neon bright but not so dark you can't see them and I have very dark brown hair.
I am worried that I will buy the tubs of hair colour and that when I use them they won't show up or they'll be the wrong colour in my hair. I do not want to bleach my hair before colouring it.
On the website they also say that there is a pretreating conditioner, or something similar to that, that you use on your hair before colouring. Will that take the original colour out of my hair or not?
Also the colours are for your whole hair but I just want to put highlights or streaks in my hair. It comes with a tinting brush which I guess you could use to highlight your hair. And where you say you can't use the foiling technique, well how would I colour parts of my hair without getting it on the parts I don't want coloured? Thanks! :)
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Posted on 12/11/08 14:43 by: Hannah
I've got natural ginger hair and I recently dyed it dark brown but I'm bored of it, I want to go much lighter, maybe blonde but I'm not sure what shade to go. Any ideas?
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Posted on 13/11/08 13:53 by: Charlie K
Sarah, I apologize for not responding sooner. I somehow missed your comment. However, I would hesitate to give you instructions on that type of hair dye project. Most dyes, however, have a toll free number that you can call to ask specific questions like yours. Or go online and see if the site has a question and answer section that might already have the answer you seek.
The bottom line is, whenever you veer off course from the way the dye was meant to be used, I always suggest checking it out with the manufacturer first.
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Posted on 13/11/08 13:58 by: Charlie K
Hannah, you don't say what type of skin tone you have so I hesitate to suggest a specific shade of blonde without knowing that. I will, however, say this. I have a kind of ginger auburn hair color with slightly pale skin. When I went dark brown years ago, I tired of it quickly as well but found it very difficult to get rid of. I finally went lighter in increments rather than trying to go from totally dark to the strawberry blonde that I wanted. That way it wasn't as big a change all at once and it kept my hair from being damaged by such a major change in types of dye.
However, if you really want to go immediately from dark to light, I would suggest that you contact a professional hair colorist rather than attempting to do it on your own. So many things can go wrong.
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Posted on 21/11/08 04:23 by: Melissa
I am an experienced hairdresser. Colouring one's hair is an important decision, one that should be thought through. As they say "Your hair is your crown and glory". I do not recommend someone to colour their own hair, mistakes result in hair damage and a lengthy process of correction which ends up costing more than having it done profesionally in the first instance. Nothing makes you feel worse than bad hair. If money is an issue, explore having your hair coloured with a hair colour trainee within an established hair salon.
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Posted on 02/06/09 17:38 by: stefania
Hi, thank you so much for writing this blog, I've always had a thing for red hair and I'm thinking about dyeing mine red. I currently dye it darkest brown since mine is a really light brown, but I'm bored of browns and don't like blonde for me.
My skin tone is kinda pale but not too pale and I have green-ish eyes, so I'd like to bring out my eyes a little bit as well. I'm thinking of an auburn red or something like that, but I'm afraid I'm not gonna get the results I expect, since I already have dark brown dye on my hair, and I'm also worried its gonna fade out quickly since I usually dye my hair once a month.
I'm not worried about not looking natural since there are no natural dark readheads, and I want to go for a dark color that can make me look more pale and like i said, bring out my eyes. What's your advice? Again, thank you for everything!
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Posted on 02/06/09 20:41 by: Charlie Kuchinsky
I would ease into the red tones carefully until you find what you like. Start with a dark or medium auburn shade. If you like the red but wish there was more of it, move into tones that are more skewed to the red. If you want to go lighter try a light red or light aburn.
Since you already have color on your hair, wait for it to wear out before you do anything or remove it with a professional color remover. Otherwise you won't get a real feel for the tones you are getting. The dye needs to be in conjunction with your natural hair color.
Also, since you dye your hair a lot, I'd suggest using a semi-permanent color rather than a permanent one. It will cause less damage overall.
Of course, I always suggest seeking the advice of an expert colorist rather than doing it yourself at home; particularly if the hair is fragile, fine, or thin. She can choose a color that will work without causing more damage. Also, be aware that reds do tend to fade more quickly than other colors. Only use shampoos and conditioners that protect and enhance the color to make it last longer.
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Posted on 11/06/09 18:41 by: Roxie
I have brown hair and I'm over 50 years old. Should I stay brown or go lighter, like blonde or highlights?
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Posted on 21/06/09 13:16 by: olivia
I have darkish brown hair with quite a pale skin tone but recently, I've got bored of it and would look to dye it a sort of dark cherry red. There is a hair dye by L'Oreal called Chocolate Cherry that I like but I don't know if it would suit me. What do you think?
Also, my mum says I can't dye my hair with a permanent colour but I can use a semi, in case I don't like it. The dye that I like though, claims to be a semi but my hairdresser said that if it is a semi it will only have 1 bottle of hair dye in the pack with nothing to mix into and if it is a permanent there'll be 2 bottles that you have to mix together. The dye I like has 2 bottles though, even though it says that its a semi... I'm really confused as surely they wouldnt be able to advertise it as a semi if it wasn't? Could I have your advice on it please, as my mum won't let me use it anymore but I can't find another shade that I like in any other makes. She said to use Harmony hair dye but I've read bad reviews about it and you have to constantly re-dye it all the time. Please help!
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Posted on 01/07/09 05:22 by: emily
Hi I'm 15 years old and I would like to know what I should do. I want to temporarily dye my color hair; I'm really blonde and I want to go for a dark brown, but I don't want it to look bad and I don't want it to be reddish or orange and I don't know how to do it!
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Posted on 07/07/09 14:38 by: Charlie Kuchinsky
Emily, when I was your age I wanted to change my hair color as well but I wasn't sure what would look good on me. I went to a place where wigs (they are called hairpieces today) and tried on different colors to determine which one I liked. Then I asked the clerk to tell what shade of the color (brown, red, blonde, etc.) it was considered. I looked for a temporary wash out color as close to that shade as I could find it and that's the color I went for. Turns out I liked it a lot at the time but not too much later - I missed my red hair. The benefit of a wash out color is you won't be married to it. You can get rid of it within 10 to 20 shampoos; faster if you use a color stripping shampoo.
However, if you haven't dyed your own hair before, I recommend that you try a colorist for the first effort. She'll give you instructions on how you can do the job yourself in the future so you are only out that initial fee. Chances are, mom and dad will be happy to pay the fee just to make certain you don't damage your hair trying to do it yourself.
If a colorist simply isn't in the budget, ask your mom, an aunt, or someone that you know who has knowledge of the subject to help you the first time. After that, as long as you follow the instructions the haircolor gives and your friend or relatives' tips you should be all right to do it on your own. Good luck and have fun with color to express yourself. Just take the time to do it safely.
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Posted on 20/07/09 19:37 by: Marie Hawkins
As a child I was fair-skinned and had golden blonde hair. As I got older it darkened to a ash blonde/light brown colour. I'm 60 yrs old now with a minimal amount of grey. I have been using Excellence by L'Oreal (color: D3), but my hair turns out red. After I am in the sun for a few weeks it tends to go back to a dark blonde/light brown. The problem with that it is almost time to colour it again. Can you suggest a different colour to use? Should I go to a D2 or D1? I have always used Excellence and really like it. Thank you.
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Posted on 28/07/09 23:30 by: harry carter
Hi, I'm 16 and have very dark brown hair, but I wanna go a lighter brown colour. I have olive skin tone. Do you think it would look ok if I went light brown?
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Posted on 29/07/09 13:56 by: Charlie Kuchinsky
Marie, apologies for not responding sooner! I would try a blond shade that is more platinum than golden if you do not like the reddish hue you are currently getting. I really suggest that both you and Harry consider asking a local beauty professional for color advice because they can view your hair's color, texture, etc. where I cannot.
Another option is to go to a wig shop or beauty supply store that carries wigs and try on different colors to see which one you like the best. Then look for a haircolor that matches or is one shade lighter (since most colors actually come out darker than they show on the box). But pick a wash-out or semi-permanent color rather than a permanent one so you won't be stuck with it forever if you don't like the results.
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Posted on 04/08/09 09:58 by: georgina flint
Hey, I'm looking to dye my hair a sort of platinum blonde colour, like this: http://snipurl.com/ony41. At the moment my hair is kinda dark blonde/light brown. I don't want to lighten or bleach my hair and I wanted to use a semi permanent hair dye. Can you recommend anything? Any help at all much appreciated, thank you x
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Posted on 05/08/09 14:03 by: Charlie Kuchinsky
It is doubtful that you can achieve the color you want with a single color application at home. Your best bet would be to see a professional colorist in order to avoid damaging your hair. However, if you want to give it a try at home, look for the color you want your hair to be in your favorite hair color brand. Check the box to see what shade it promises based on your current hair color. Then, because most haircolors come out a shade darker than they look on the panel, try going up one shade. It may take several root applications and pull-throughs to achieve the color you want, if it is possible at all. That's why I recommend a colorist if you can afford it. Good luck!
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Posted on 01/09/09 10:33 by: kathryn
Thanks so much for posting this blog! I just wanted to ask about when you get a semi-permanent dye, does that mean you never have to touch up roots or have any problems with roots?
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Posted on 01/09/09 15:51 by: Charlie Kuchinsky
No. You will have to do the roots of the hair to make them the same color as our semi-permanent dye. That will be required about every six to eight weeks depending upon how fast your hair grows. The advantage of semi-permanent, however, is that you don't have to keep damaging the remainder of the hair with a full treatment. You just pull the color through from the roots for the last five minutes or so to make certain it will be uniform throughout the hair. Hope this helps.
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Posted on 22/09/09 19:20 by: Jacob
Hi! I'm dyeing my hair tomorrow morning with Wella temporary dye. I am a light to mid brown and am going for something just a shade or two darker. It's 3 wash out stuff. My question is: will this change my natural hair colour at all? Oh, and its just in a packet, no box. So how can I make sure I'm not allergic to it? Thanks!
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Posted on 16/10/09 21:44 by: Angie
There's not really much you can do to see if you're allergic. My sister dyed her hair with the same product for years and one time had an allergic reaction. It was so bad that the doctor at the hospital said she was lucky to have come in when she felt her head swell, as she probably wouldn't have made it through the night.
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Posted on 25/11/09 18:53 by: Tsuki
I'm currently looking for temporary orange hair dye, preferrably a spray. I need a bright, though not extreme, shade of orange for a cosplay. I have natural dark brown hair. What should I get?
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Posted on 27/11/09 13:31 by: Charlie Kuchinsky
Dark brown hair is going to be difficult to dye temporarily because most spray-on or gel dyes are more suited to light colored hair. However, if one can work it is likely to be Special Effects Napalm Orange. Check with a colorist before using the product, to protect your crowning glory!
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Posted on 29/11/09 13:24 by: Jodie
Yes, but I still don't know what colour to dye my hair if I have blue eyes, dark eyebrows and pale skin tone!
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Posted on 30/11/09 17:40 by: Charlie Kuchinsky
My daughter has dark brown hair as well, with olive toned skin. She can easily go a deep auburn or even blonde if she chooses the right color. I suspect you can too but it is important to find the right shade. However, without actually seeing the exact "tone" of your skin, it is difficult for me to suggest the right color for you. You say it is pale but does it have a yellow or pink undertone to it? That will make a difference in your color choice.
Try talking to a local colorist, someone who can see your hair and skin tone - that will be of great value to you. Many do not charge for a brief consultation. If that isn't acceptable, try going to a wig store to try on different colors you like. Pick the one that looks best on you and try to match it with hair dye. If no shade matches exactly, go one shade lighter rather than darker, since most hair dyes turn out darker than it looks on the box.
Hope this helps!
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Posted on 13/12/09 02:47 by: Alex
Hello, I am looking for the right shade to dye my hair. I am currently a dark blonde, with warm undertones in my lighter skin. I have blue-green eyes and am hoping to play them up a bit. I really want to try a warmer dark brown; any suggestions as to how dark I can safely go?
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Posted on 20/12/09 19:08 by: breanna
I was thinking about dyeing my hair bright deep red, but my skin tone is very hard to tell if I have a cool or warm skin tone. My skin color is pale with a light golden tone in it. I have deep blue eyes som edays and other days they're light blue with more gray. People tell me that red brings out the redness in skin tones and I have acne and I wasn't sure if the bright deep red would make it more noticeable. Right now my hair is strawberry blond with hits of dirty blond in it; I'm not sure if bright deep red would look good.
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Posted on 21/12/09 14:45 by: Charlie Kuchinsky
Alex, I wouldn't go too dark to begin with. Try a warm chestnut brown first. If you want to go darker than that, move up one shade at a time until you hit the brown color you like best. Going too dark all at once can be a shock and might skew your thinking that brown won't work for you. Be cautious. It is easier to go darker, but it can take a while for darkness to fade out if you don't like it.
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Posted on 21/12/09 14:48 by: Charlie Kuchinsky
Breanna, I have a lot of roscea myself, but a hot to deep red still looks good on me despite my normal strawberry red color. What I did to find the exact red color was to go a tone deeper with each successive coloring until I found the shade of red that works best for me. Mine happens to be light red but yours could be darker. Just don't go too dark too quickly; it is unlikely you will be satisfied with the results.
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Posted on 28/12/09 01:59 by: Quinn
Hi. My hair finally grew out from all the dye I put in before and I would like to give dyeing my hair another go, but I don't want to damage my hair. I made the mistake of using a permanent colour which completely fried my hair the first time. My hair is healthier now since it has been over a year. I want a bold colour, but have no idea what would look good. I would like to try blue-black or jet black, bright red, or purple. I have naturally medium brown hair and an olive skin tone that can turn rather pale. Is there a dye I could use that wouldn't harm my hair by bleaching and would give me a bright colour? Can you recommend a shade or brand? Thank you! :)
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Posted on 29/12/09 20:33 by: Jenny
My hair naturally is dark blonde but for the past 2 years I've been having all-over highlights, using a high lift colour (a few shades lighter than my natural hair colour) to a dirty/medium blonde. I now want to dye my hair a light strawberry blonde with a home kit, but say I decide I don't like it, do you think it would be easy to go back to blonde?
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Posted on 02/01/10 15:38 by: Charlie
Quinn, check out the hair dyes that don't use ammonia or peroxide to see if there is a color that appeals to you. But before going too dark, I suggest you take a trip to a local wig shop and try on several different shades in the tone you want, to see which looks best.
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Posted on 02/01/10 15:41 by: Charlie Kuchinsky
Jenny, my hair tone is about the same as yours but with a red tinge to it already. I use natural light blonde from L'Oreal Preference, and since it doesn't have to lighten my hair too much, I don't have any problems with damage. However, if you are worried, have your hair stylist take a look at the condition of your hair before taking the plunge. She'll be brutally honest and let you know if you are risking damage. Better yet, if you can swing it, have her do the coloring job for you. That way you can really get the shade you want instead of being limited to the few strawberry blondes available in do-it-yourself dyes.
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Posted on 02/01/10 23:36 by: Maddie
Hey, I'm a 16 year old who really needs a change! I have pale skin with a pink undertone, my "mac" foundation colour says I'm an NW (warm I think that means) and I have darkish brown hair and green eyes. I've dyed my hair a lot before, I tried dying it a dark rich brown but it ended up going black, which coincidentally I loved. I then went professional and had "red violet" highlights in my hair, which I also very much liked. However, I really want to go for something bold and exciting, I'm bored of the same old brown. I was thinking maybe a deep red but I'm worried that because of my pale skin (at the moment anyway) the red will enhance my blemishes etc. I'm always looking for a hair colour that will make my eyes stand out, as not much does. I'm always up for going down the building up the colour route, but it's also about how much I can afford - I would rather get it done at the salon. What would you suggest?
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Posted on 04/01/10 18:50 by: aalyiah
Well I dyed my hair blond but it didn't work out. It's been 3 months since I dyed it and I want to go back to my natural black. What can I do to get my natural color back? Plz help!
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Posted on 04/01/10 22:23 by: Charlie
Maddie, it is still possible to go red even with the skin tone you mentioned. The trick is finding the right shade of red before taking the plunge. Visit a local wig shop and try on different shades of red to discover which one you like and then try to match it. Because you have dyed your hair a lot you might want to visit a colorist for advice to make sure what you choose won't damage your hair. Good luck!
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Posted on 04/01/10 22:29 by: Charlie
Aalyia (geez, hope I didn't butcher the spelling of your beautiful name), since you went from dark to blonde and now want to go back to dark, I would definitely seek the assistance of a colorist. It is important to prevent mixing different types of dyes together. Doing so could severely damage your hair. If possible, take the name of the blonde color you used most recently so she (or he) can check its ingredients and recommend a safe dye to use.
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Posted on 06/01/10 02:55 by: christina
I have a fair skin color and black eyes. My hair is dirty blonde but looks like really light brown. I was thinking to dye it dark brown - is that a good idea?
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Posted on 06/01/10 14:30 by: Charlie
Christina, dark brown could be very pretty but rather than making an immediate jump, think of talking with a colorist or trying on some hairpieces in brown shades first. Chances are good the right shade of brown will actually warm your skin tone and make your eyes pop, but getting the right shade is the key. If you can't find a colorist who will do a free consultation and don't have a wig shop nearby, then choose a shade of brown a couple of tones darker than your current shade. If that isn't dark enough, the next time, go a shade darker and so on until you find the color you want. Stay away from permanent dyes - since you are going darker and not lighter, stick with ones that will do the least damage to your hair.
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Posted on 19/01/10 20:25 by: Anna Elliot
I have natural red hair which is quite bright but I'm thinking of dying it to a chesnut brown with a semi-permanent. Someone said it could go green. Do you have any ideas on what brands or if there is a better shade of brown I could go for?
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Posted on 23/01/10 21:12 by: Karie
Hi, I'm 15 years old, medium length black hair, tan skin and brown eyes. What colour should I dye my hair?
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Posted on 26/01/10 00:30 by: David
I have tanned skin and brown hair, what colour should I go? Tried red and and golden blonde (biggest mistake ever as it turned my hair ginger lol). Any suggestions?
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Posted on 26/01/10 21:41 by: Charlie Kuchinsky
You might consider adding some light highlights to your hair to give it depth and dimension. If that doesn't appeal to you and you didn't like going lighter or red, then you could think about a darker temporary color. But go only one or two shades darker to begin with it. If you don't like it, it can shampoo out relatively quickly. Otherwise you can explore going even darker if you want to over time.
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Posted on 27/01/10 07:42 by: Deisy
Hi there, I'm medium brown skin, long very dark black hair. I've dyed it diff. types of reds but is just doesn't stick - it looks brown :( I've been thinking to do a huge change of color and I have no idea what to go for. HELP! What color would be a huge change and will look good on me but not make me look darker? Thanks!
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Posted on 29/01/10 10:46 by: Charlie Kuchinsky
Deisy, without being able to "see" your exact skin color, hair color, texture, and condition etc. it is hard to for me to make recommendations on a drastic change. I suggest checking around for a professional colorist that will give you a free consultation. Since he or she can see you first hand, chances for a good option are much better. Plus, whenever you want to make a big change like that, it is best not to try to do it on your own.
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Posted on 31/01/10 19:02 by: Hannah R
Hey, I have dark brown hair with very pale skin but I wear tan so I'm sort of orange. My mum says I can do whatever I want to my hair as long as I don't damage it. I really want a change, I am sick of the brown and I have never touched my hair with anything. I'd really love to go black or maybe just like an even darker brown with like a semi-colourant? But will it leave bad roots? That's what I am most nervous about. Can anyone help?
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Posted on 01/02/10 16:20 by: Charlie Kuchinsky
Hannah, when you go darker the roots often don't show as easily. Additionally, today there are easy to use root touch-up kits in the event they are obvious for some reason. There are even temporary coloring pens that can be purchased wherever hair dyes are sold. Good luck and have fun with a darker color. Just don't go too dark, too quickly. Go one or two shades darker with each coloring until you reach the shade that "speaks" to you. And don't mix dyes. Find a good one and stick with that brand to minimize any potential damage.
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Posted on 04/02/10 00:37 by: sim
I've been dyeing my hair brown and sometimes black for about two years now, I've also dyed it a mahogany colour before but my natural hair colour is ginger. I want to dye it red but I don't want it to come out bright red, a really fake looking red. I don't know if putting a red on my natural hair will do this. Any ideas?
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Posted on 05/02/10 12:26 by: Charlie Kuchinsky
Sim, opt for an auburn color instead. It will likely give you the tone you want and it comes in light, medium, and dark options.
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Posted on 24/02/10 10:42 by: ruth jackson
I would love some opinions, ladies! I have dyed my hair over the years so am used to home dye (wish I could afford the salon more often!) but I would love some proper help on colour. I have a yellow undertone with brown eyes and mid brown hair. I don't like it being so mid-brown so have had it darker brown and lighter, but just now I really want to go down red routes. I did it a mahogany a while back which was nice but I am interested in what I should really be going for with my colouring; my skin is not too pale but in no way a nice olive, my mineral foundation is medium/medium beige if that helps. I would love a nice colour that might warm my face up a bit but not be too bright red. Any help would be amazing!
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Posted on 28/02/10 00:43 by: Tiara Summers
Hi, I'm 13 turning 14, and for my birthday I'm getting my hair cut & coloured. I have golden tanned skin all through the year. My hair colour is a light-medium brown, but I want to go honey blonde with lighter highlights. I have thick hair too but I'm worried about what the blonde will do to my hair. (I have my parents' approval). But I'm worried about how long the roots will take to grow back, and about damage done to my hair. I've never dyed my hair before.
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Posted on 28/02/10 13:46 by: Lisa
I have naturally auburn hair with a pale complexion and blue eyes. I had it highlighted a few times last summer and had a semi-permanent auburn colour over it about 3 times. Since then I've not been able to afford to go back to the salon to get it done but it's looking wishy washy now (20 weeks since last visit). It kinda looks a tiny bit khaki in certain lighting but med blonde in other light, with my auburn roots showing! I would like to go a tiny bit darker than my natural colour but can't for the life of me find a suitable one. I've been looking at L'Oreal casting creme gloss but can't find the right colour. Do these colours actually come out darker than the box shows? Some of the colours look way bright... I'm confused!!
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Posted on 06/03/10 21:38 by: Katie
I'm 14 and a winter, so very pale skin, darkish brown hair, dark brown eyes, and freckles and I have no idea what kinda undertone I have. I've been wanting to change my hair for a while now, and I really am swaying to have a darker colour put in, almost like black but still brown, if you get what I mean. Is that a good idea?
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Posted on 08/03/10 14:08 by: Charlie Kuchinsky
Katie, it's best not to go drastically darker unless you have tried on some wigs in the color and are certain you want to make such a big change. Instead, try a color that is one to two shades darker than your natural color. If you like the darker look then next time you can risk another shade or two darker until you hit the color that you like. To avoid damaging your hair, use a wash-in color that doesn't contain ammonia.
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Posted on 08/03/10 14:15 by: Charlie Kuchinsky
Yes, Lisa, the color you get from home hair color is usually anywhere from one to three shades darker than it looks on the box. With your auburn new growth showing, your best bet is to go back to the hairdresser if you can. They can match the look you want.
Otherwise, you will need to lighten up your new growth with color, not pulling it through to the ends until the last few minutes to ensure as close to an even color wash as you can get. Most hair colors provide instructions for both full color and root touch up but they vary from brand to brand. Be sure to read the instructions thoroughly before moving forward. I hope this helps somewhat.
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Posted on 10/03/10 17:02 by: sargestef@q.com
I have dark brown hair and wanted to use a semi permanent to make it lighter carmel/reddish color to it. Last night I used a carmel creme which did not add enough. Can I use another semi permanent today or should I wait? I should have used an auburn color to get the desired effect.
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Posted on 10/03/10 18:46 by: kara linning
I went and got a dark blond because my hair is light blond and it went a kind of greeny colour. Can anyone help me with that? By the way I am 11 years old.
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