Coloring your hair is one of the easiest ways to change and update your style and will also make your hair look healthy and shiny. When it comes to coloring your hair you can either do it yourself at home, or for a fuss-free professional result, visit a salon. If you decide to go for a salon color there are a few questions that you need to ask before booking the appointment, such as:

• How long will it take?
• How much will it cost?
• How do I look after the color?
• How much maintenance will a certain color need?

What are some of the differences of color and what do the different terms mean?

A semi-permanent has no peroxide, so it can’t lighten your hair, but can last up to 8 washes. Semi-permanent color works by staining the hair shaft and can cover grey hair.

Demi-permanent colors will add enriched color and shine and will blend away grey hair. They have a lower level of peroxide than permanent color and will have less structural impact on your hair strands. A demi-permanent color will gradually fade over 4 to 6 weeks.

Highlights are achieved when a section of hair is lightened, usually just a few strands, and can be used for a natural, sun kissed look or something more bold.

Lowlights are strands of hair that are darker than your base color and are used to add texture to your hair or for a more dramatic look.

Semi-permanent glosses add shine and make hair look healthy and fade out naturally so there is no need for touch-ups.

All-over color is just that; the same color applied to all of your hair to achieve one color with no texture effects.

Is there really any difference to using a color-safe shampoo versus a regular shampoo?

Washing with a shampoo and conditioner that is designed for colored hair, or better yet, a shampoo and conditioner specially designed for the shade of your hair will also allow you to hold onto your color successfully. Try to limit washing your colored hair to three times a week and wash with warm water. Don’t wash your hair until at least 24 hours after coloring, and if you can, wait 48 hours. If you style or swim regularly use a clarify shampoo once a week to get rid of any build up.

Besides using a good color-safe shampoo, what else can I do to extend the life of my color?

Regular treatments such as a hair mask once a week and a hot oil treatment once a month will make sure that your hair is well moisturized and help with fading. Another great way to prevent fading is to use hair products that contain sun protection so that the sun does not fade your hair.

Over drying with heated styling tools will fade color fast. Try to use them as little as possible and always use a heat protection styling product beforehand.

Can’t I wait a bit longer between color services in order to save money?

Actually, this is a falicy because you will end up saving money by having your color services done on schedule (about every 6 weeks).  The reason for this is if you are consistent with the upkeep of your color, you will need to have less outgrowth covered each time, which means less cost on your service, thus saving you money.  Not only will you save money, but you will look your best the entire time!

For highlights with no re-growth, ask to have your hair part back combed and the highlights added underneath the part. Your highlights will look natural and won’t require root touch-ups.

What is the benefit to getting regular haircuts?

Regular trims will keep your color looking fresh and will get rid of any damaged or faded ends. When your ends are trimmed regularly your hair will look healthier which in turn will make your color stand out.