Most Important Factors to Consider When Changing Your Hair Color

Changing your hair color can alter your appearance for better or worse. Because dyeing is a chemical process that can damage your hair, making a change shouldn't be taken lightly. Whether your plan is to do the job yourself or to have someone do it for you, there are important factors that must be taken into consideration before making the change.

Skin Tone

Consider your skin tone when changing your hair color. The wrong color can age you unnecessarily or give you a washed out appearance. Determine your skin tone by performing a simple test that involves holding a piece of jewelry to your face. If you look better in silver, you're a cool tone and if you look better in gold, then you're more of a warm tone. Cool tones look best with hair colors that range from black to platinum and have base tones of blue and violet. Warmer skin tones do well in more golden, warm hair colors such as golden blond or rich auburn.

Current Color

Look at your current hair color and consider what it will take to get your hair the color that you are considering. If you're hair is currently black for example, the color will need to be stripped before you can lighten it. This procedure can potentially cause damage to your hair and should be performed by a professional hair stylist to prevent damage.

Hair Condition

Consider the condition of your hair. If it is has been over-colored or over-bleached in the past or if it's suffering from breakage, dryness, heat styling or chemical damage you may want to consider waiting before applying color over it. At minimum an appointment for a consultation with a hair professional should be set and your hair condition evaluated before proceeding.