There comes a time when at home coloring may not work as well as expected. For instance, blondes trying to go for a rich auburn may end up looking like a pumpkin instead. This is where a professional colorist comes into play. The trick is learning how to communicate with your colorist to ensure you get the perfect color for your skin and the color you’ve always dreamed of.
Have A Picture
Before you visit your colorist, find a picture of the color you want. While the end result may not be exact, simply saying “red” or “brown” isn’t enough for the colorist to fully understand what you want. With all the shades of normal, extreme and rainbow hair colors, one person’s idea of a color probably isn’t the same as another’s. Ideally, your picture should be someone’s hair. If you can’t find the color you’re looking for, find something close and then take a picture of the color itself. Your colorist can then determine the right blend.
Previous Colors
Your colorist needs to know your natural hair color along with the last few shades you’ve used. This helps them to choose a color which will look better with your skin and last longer. If you have chemicals from other colorings on your hair, these will need to be removed if you want to go in a completely different color direction.
Full Color Or Highlights?
Talk to your colorist about the level of color you want. Are you looking for a full color, highlights or multi-tonal color? Explain exactly what you want the result to be. If you’re uncertain, explain why you are coloring your hair. Are you wanting to highlight certain features, look more professional, take a walk on the wild side or something else entirely? The purpose behind the color is often enough to tell the colorist the level of color to use.
Hair Care
It is vital to tell your colorist about any treatments you use on your hair. Before your appointment, ask if there is anything to avoid, such as deep conditioning treatments. Treatments could drastically affect the results of your color. Talk to them about any treatments to use after your color to ensure it lasts as long as possible.
If you are changing your hair color anything more than a few shades lighter or darker than your own, consult a colorist first. Most will mix their own color to get deeper, fuller, longer lasting shades than you can get at your local drug store. Think of it as getting your own personal color that will make you look great everytime.
