Hair Dye Colors

Types of Colors

There are two general types of hair color to choose from: natural colors and outrageous shades.

Natural Shades

Natural hair colors are those hues that you could be naturally born with, including brunette hair, red hair, or blonde hair. Over time, your natural color may change depending on your age, environment, stress level, and other factors.

A natural hair color may be best if you don’t want a startling change; keep the new shade within two or three hues from your base color. You can opt to radically change your hair color by switching between natural shades as well, so long as the new color works well with your skin tone, eye color, and personality.

Natural colors are best if you are hesitant about changing hair colors or if you need a more conservative look for work, school, or other social engagements. That does not mean a natural shade needs to be boring, however: natural colors can easily be jazzed up with hair highlights or hair lowlights shades for depth, texture, and variation.

Make a colorful statement.

Outrageous Shades

Outrageous hair dye colors do not occur naturally. These include funky hair colors such as blue, green, or even pink hair. Other outrageous options include vibrant natural contrasts, such as bright blonde hair highlights on otherwise dark brunette hair.

Outrageous colors can be worn in a number of ways, including full color, funky highlights or lowlights, startling tips, face framing chunks, or undercolors beneath a layer of natural hues. While outrageous colors can be fun to experiment with, it is important to remember that a non-natural shade may not be appropriate for work, school, or other formal occasions. If you want to enjoy an outrageous color, it may be best to opt for temporary hair color that can easily be removed.

Choosing Hair Dye Colors

Choosing the right hair color for you takes careful consideration. Not only should you consider which colors you enjoy, but other factors need to be taken into account, including:

• Skin Color: Be sure the hair dye blends well with your skin color and will not accentuate flaws you’d rather conceal. Red hair color, for example, will accentuate ruddy skin and may make it seem too flushed.
• Eye Color: A well-groomed hair cut frames the eyes, but dye colors that don’t coordinate with eye color will seem fake and out of place. Lighter eye colors generally coordinate best with lighter hair colors, while darker eyes can be sultry and mysterious with dark hair.
• Base Color: Your initial hair color should affect your choice of dye color. If the hair is very dark, subtle color changes will not be easily visible. Light hair, on the other hand, can take many different dye colors, though stark contrasts may seem too unnatural.
• Hair Condition: The hair’s texture will determine whether or not it can easily hold dye. Very damaged hair may be harmed by additional harsh treatments, but healthier hair can sustain more color treatments easily.
• Color Purpose: Why do you want a new hair color? Do you want a fresh look for prom or a wedding, or are you interested in a lighter summer style? Are you planning a party and want an outrageous look for the evening? Knowing why you want the new color can help you choose the best shade.

Types of Dye

There are three types of hair dye, and their effectiveness and longevity can vary greatly.

• Temporary: Temporary dyes are usually easy to apply (they may be a hair spray or colored gel) and wash out quickly. This makes them perfect for a quick color change.
• Semi-Permanent: These types of dyes will last longer, but generally no more than a few weeks. This can be a good way to try out a different color without a long term commitment.
• Permanent: A permanent dye can last for several months and may be difficult to remove if you decide the color isn’t right for you.

Caring for Your Color

Blonde Dye

To get the best results with different hair dye colors, consider getting a hair color consultation before the treatment. A professional colorist can help you choose the best shade for your needs and recommend options you may not have considered.

Other tips to make the most of your color include:

• Experiment with different color brands. Identical shades can react very differently with your hair depending on their chemical composition and application techniques.
• Keep your hair healthy to protect your color. Eat a diet for healthy hair, drink plenty of water, and protect your hair from too many harsh chemical or heat treatments to be sure it stays healthy.
• Use color formulated hair products. These products help rejuvenate your dye color and can make it last longer.
• Always test your shade before a full application. At-home hair dye kits give instructions for preliminary tests, and you can ask your colorist for a similar test to see how the dye will react with your hair.

With so many hair dye colors to choose from, it can be difficult to find the one that works best for you. Understanding the different types of dye and how to choose the best shade can help you discover a rainbow of new looks to enjoy.