Choosing the right hair color can make you look younger and healthier. Choosing the wrong color can make you look old and sickly. Finding the right hair color involves more than picking a color you saw and liked on a friend or celebrity. The color that will suit you most is the color that enhances your natural skin and eye color.  Does this Spark an idea?

Types

There are several types of hair coloring formulas to add temporary, semi-permanent or permanent color. You or your stylist can apply the hair color as a shampoo, mousse, coloring liquid plus fixative, or even a spray-on, depending on the formula.

You can also purchase natural hair coloring agents such as henna. Chemical-free formulas are not permanent, but they are much gentler on hair than those manufactured with harsh dyes.

Features

Blonde hair is very popular. However, some people simply do not have the skin tone for light hair. If you want to go blonde, choose a dark, golden blonde shade first, before going lighter. It will be easier to judge how light you can go later and still look natural.

Red hair is a difficult color to get right unless you are naturally a redhead, or you naturally have red highlights in your hair. Brown hair is easier and works with most skin tones.

Effects

Blonde hair helps hide gray hair; however if you have very pale skin, blonde hair can make you look washed out. In addition, if you have yellow tones in your skin, blonde hair enhances the yellow, making you look jaundiced.

Often women use the wrong shade of red, resulting in loud, clownish orange-red hair rather than stylish red. If you are brunette going for red, try auburn first. If you are blonde, have a professional add the color.

Pale skin looks paler with dark brown hair, but this is not always bad---it can be mysterious and sexy. If you have green eyes, dark hair can look ravishing.

Time Frame

Temporary hair color will last until you wash your hair, though hints of color may remain longer if your hair takes color very easily.

Semi-permanent hair color lasts from one week to several weeks. Much depends on the brand, how often you shampoo your hair, and what kind of shampoo you are using. Shampoos for color-treated hair will help even semi-permanent color last longer.

Permanent hair color will last until your hair grows out---however the color may change due to sun exposure and hair products. You will need to color roots about once every six weeks.

Warning

If applying hair color at home, always do the allergy skin test first, even if you use a natural hair coloring formula and even if you have used the product many times before.

Also, test one small section of hair to see how your hair reacts to the coloring agent, before applying the product to your entire head of hair.

Considerations

Use temporary hair color to try new looks before using a permanent hair color. This way, if it looks horrible you won't have to wait until it grows out or pay your stylist to fix it.

To go from dark hair to blonde hair, have a professional apply the color. It is easier to darken hair than to lighten it and if you try to lighten your hair yourself, you may end up with brassy red hair rather than blonde hair.