If you’re thinking of changing your hair colour as we head into the New Year, you’re not alone. Many people use this time of the year for a fresh start on how they look. It can boost your confidence and deliver that wow factor that gets you noticed.
Here we look at how to make the right choices when having your hair coloured and what maintenance regime you need to keep that new look going over the next few months.
Low vs High Maintenance
If you live a busy lifestyle, you want a style that is easy to maintain and a great hairdresser to do it for you!
The options you consider and chat about with the Alchemy team are balayage, highlights or low lights, which are relatively easy to maintain and keep their shape and colour longer. If you’re going for the wow factor and eye-catching, you will need to factor in the maintenance of a wow hair colour to keep it looking sharp.
What you do need to bear in mind is matching your hair colour to your skin tone, especially as you get older. For example, if you have a pale skin tone, you might want to avoid auburn and copper colours and go for ones that help neutralise your skin tone – in this case, ash blonde or mocha may be more appropriate. For those with brown skin tones, you should avoid golds and reds as these can clash too much and instead stick to medium or darker shades.
If you have a much darker skin tone, you should generally avoid blondes and lighter colours, but rich tones such as burgundy and red can look stunning.
It’s important to talk things through with your stylist before you opt for a particular dye, including discussing the general maintenance of your hair. You may also want to try a new cut that can change how you look. It’s a good idea to give yourself time to think about whether this new look is right for you.
Caring for Your Coloured Hair
Your stylist should also be able to talk through what products are best for maintaining your new look. Some of these are specially designed to lengthen the time the colour holds before it has to be refreshed or changed completely. It’s worth investing in a premium product designed to do the job, as it could save you money in the long run.
There are also some practical steps you can take with your new hair. For instance, letting your hair dry naturally is better than using a dryer. If you need to use one, make sure that you apply suitable heat protection to prevent damage to the structure of the hair.
Finally, use a hair masque at least once a week to nourish your new locks and help maintain that colour. Moisturising with a lightweight oil can also help to finish off after you’ve had a shower.
If you are looking for a refresh or a completely new colour this year, then the incredible hairdressing team at Alchemy & I in Berkhamsted will transform your hair into something unique.