Questions to Ask Before Coloring Your Hair

Contemplating a color change? Whether you’re a newbie or a hair color enthusiast, you’ll want to ask a few questions to make sure you get a look you love. A permanent color-change can stick with you for a while. To some it’s not a complicated decision, you just need to decide what shade you want. But, let’s face it, our hair is different and sometimes you need to go a bit further before you color your hair.

At the Jill McCormack Hair Salon, I care about your needs and can help you with your hair color goals. At your consult, we’ll consider all the factors for coloring including if your hair is healthy enough to withstand a color change, lifestyle, and budget for maintaining the look.

Whether you’ve kept your hair au naturel, made a simple hue change or colored your hair every color in the rainbow, here are at 4.5 questions (the half is important) to ask before coloring your hair.

1. How healthy is my hair?

First things first, how healthy is your hair? Your hair follicles are very porous and the chemicals in bleach and dye can dry them out. If you overdo it on the chemical processes your hair can also become brittle and break. Your hair goes through some chemical changes when bleaching or dyeing it, even in a professional salon setting.

How can you tell if your hair is in good enough health for a color treatment? Well if you have virgin hair and have never chemically treated or dyed it then it should be in good health. However, if you break out those hot styling tools regularly or notice fried or frizzy ends, then you may want to check with a hair color expert on the health of your hair before you color it.

2. What am I willing to spend?

Great hair color is an investment in both time and money. Some colors will require more frequent salon visits to touch-up your roots. I love a great platinum blonde, but you’ll need to commit.

A color-change can also affect your hair regimen at home. You may need to invest in quality hair products to prolong the new hue color. This may include new shampoo and conditioner for color-treated hair, or specific items to make your color pop.

A professional hair color change is well worth it. The box color doesn’t always work out or washes out shortly after, and you’ll have to pony up the cash for a hair color expert to fix it. Skip over the at-home hair color and book an appointment at the salon!

3. How will the color change affect my job?

Adulting. Before you dye your hair think about your employer. They may have rules in place regarding your hair.

Some creative industries are more relaxed so you can wear the pink hair you’ve wanted. However, if you are working in a corporate or sales position and want to try a fashion color outside the traditional natural hair shades, it may be a good idea to check with your HR dept. or boss.

4. How will this color make me feel?

I’m sure you’ve pinned a ton of your favorite color inspiration images. You may want a change, but your hair color still needs to suit you and your personality. Remember choosing a color that complements your skin tone and makes you feel confident is important.

Ever feel like when you look better, you feel better? When we are having a great hair day it can contribute to our feeling that way within!

4-1/2. Will this color match my eyebrows?

I count this a half since I’m a hair expert not a makeup professional. But, don’t forget your brows. You may want to consider a quick trip to the makeup counter (you’ll want to show off your new hair anyway). Your new color may mean you’ll want to refresh your makeup color palette too.

Pro tip: Eyebrows can also be dyed. Blondes – your eyebrows should be one to two shades darker than your hair. Brunettes – your eyebrows should be one to two shades lighter than your hair. Or you can get a brow tint for everyday use.

Ready, Set, Color!

Trust me, I know how easy it is to get amped up about altering your hair once the inspiration hits. Step away from the box of hair dye. Hair color is something you’ll have to live with for a few weeks, if not months, and it’s best to leave the job to the color experts.

I want you to leave the salon looking confident and fabulous! If you’re ready to make a change into a fierce new you, book an appointment online or call 443-745-3503 for a hair color consultation with the best hair salon in Finksburg, MD!