We’re going to share one of the biggest secrets of great hair colour with you. And it happens before you even reach for the bottle of hair dye. Always start with a consultation… with yourself. Of course, this means figuring out which colour category looks best with your complexion (like brown, blonde, or red) and which undertones will light up your face (warm or cool). But it also includes figuring out how much grey you have, how much coverage you want, and how much maintenance you’re comfortable with. Here’s how to have a true hair-colour heart-to-heart.

01 DON’T MISS IT.

What do our mothers used to tell us? Slow and consistent is the winner. If your goal is to get lighter make sure you make sure you do your hair the favour of taking small steps. Although base colours can make your hair anywhere from 1 to 2-shade lighter, the experts suggest moving even slower than that. If you’re looking to avoid breakage and damage and get the most consistent natural appearance the best general rule of thumb is to go one-half shade lighter each when you dye your hair.

02 SUBTLE SHADES DON’T FADE AWAY (AT LEAST, NOT QUICKLY).

Although bright, pop-arty hues such as copper, red, and violet are definitely stunning, they fade faster than colours that produce more of a subtle shift. If you’re happy with the increase in maintenance, then by all means, try it! Be aware that you’ll improve the look of any hair shade you have by applying a Tint Rinse created to give new life to any shade and keep it looking healthy, well-balanced, even and vibrant. If you’re looking to keep it simple go for a neutral shade that will bring your existing colour up to a higher level of brightness and lustre without causing any dramatic changes.

03 Light HUES APPEAR to melt the greys away.

If you’re trying to hide your silver glimmer, opting for a lighter colour like hair blonding will hide them since they start to behave like tiny slivers of light in your hair. Additionally, they aren’t as noticeable in the same way as they do against dark hair since the contrast in colour doesn’t exist. This is certainly a reason women tend to get lighter as they get older. Another excellent way to hide the greys is to use light hair shades? Blonde highlights. They blend into your grey, and create an elegant, soft look that can erase years of your appearance when you paint them on your face.

04 Choose a colour that complements your skin tone.

The most efficient way to discover the perfect shade of hair that matches your tone is to check out your jewellery collection (guys are the same, and that applies to your hair, regardless of whether you’re referring to your wedding band’s colour selected and the sunglasses frames that you are in love with). If you are a fan of how you look wearing gold, you probably have a warm, rosy skin tone which looks stunning in shades like platinum and chocolate brown. If silver looks more appealing on your skin, and you have a cool skin tone and should try a dark golden brown or a warm red.

05 GET HYDRATED BEFORE COLOURING.

Smooth, moisturised hair is the perfect canvas for hair application of colour. This is why applying a hydrating makeup mask for hair, as well as a left-in conditioning for a few days before changing your colour by applying a home colour “will help to prime your hair by plumping up the cuticle of your hair,” says eSalon colorist Emily M. After you’ve applied colour, make sure to apply the mask every week to keep your hair soft, healthy and shining.

06 SKIP SHAMPOOING BEFORE COLOURING.

Similar to facial skin, hair may be insensitive and the natural oils are made to serve as a bodyguard not only for your skin, but also for your hair as well. Shampooing your hair can release some of these beneficial oils into the water. Do not wash your hair for a period of 24 to 48 hours prior to colouring your hair at home. The oils you let accumulate on your hair during this time can ensure that your hair is protected and keeps them in good shape after colouring.

07 Select AN APPLICATION MODE which is most convenient for your particular hair.

It’s a debate that’s as old as dyeing your hair: Bottle or Brush? If you’ve ever had your hair coloured in the salon, you’ve probably seen the colorist using brushes and a bowl to apply the shade. This is a great method however, don’t overlook applying colours straight off the bottles. Your results can be just as even and professional-looking, especially if you have shorter hair. It’s a matter of what you feel is right for you. One of the most crucial things is painting sections in order that you cover each hair (read that you don’t leave any of the hairs in the bottom part of the hair). It doesn’t matter if you use clips or simply your fingers, be sure there isn’t a single strand left unpainted. Make sure to apply the colour at your roots (either using a brush, or your glove-covered fingers).

08 HAIR COLOUR FORMULAS CHANGE in duration.

A brief overview of hair colour formulas Permanent hair colour is able to open the hair shaft and encases colour deep inside it, causing it to change shade. While the colour slowly fades, it spreads out slowly over the course of 7 to 8 weeks. Then, the roots need to be touched up, but the colour that’s been deposited over the remainder of the hair will remain. Demi-permanent hair colour forms colour all around hair shafts, which means it alters the tone that the hair has (think shifting from an ash blonde tone to a golden blonde) instead of the actual shade. Because it is washed out over the course of about 24 shampoos there’s less maintenance for the root. It’s an ideal option for subtle colour changes.

09 Don’t be sloppy about processing TIME.

We know what you’re thinking When you start to notice your hair’s colour darkens as the time ticks by. However, don’t rush to the shower too fast. It’s common for hair colours to become darker as they age. The suggested amount of time will guarantee an adequate amount of coverage (especially for greys).

10 Hair that has been coloured treated requires a product that can extend the life of your new hair.

Make sure you use products that will provide a soothing treatment to your new hair colour and moisturise your hair, as well as preserving the beauty in the hue. Choose ones that are sulphate-free, and specifically made for hair that has been coloured.