Hair Color Change - Upkeep and Possible Damage
If you have never colored your hair before and you are nervous about what it is going to look like, start out subtle. Semi-permanent and demi-permanent hair colors offer great color choices if you want to stay close to your natural color (they won't lighten your hair), blend in gray hair, or just enhance your color a little (a natural medium brown can add a medium red brown to spice it up a little). If you have a light natural shade, you can use these types of hair color to add lowlights, which will give some dimension to your own color and can also help to enhance a great cut.
The beauty of these colors is that they are not permanent so they will gradually fade out of your hair and you won't have a lot of roots to deal with, so salon visits can be spread out over a period of months. These colors are also an excellent choice for someone who just wants to add a little shine to her hair as most brands come in clear as well as a variety of colors. Damage is also not an issue with semi and demi permanents since they contain no ammonia.
If you want to lighten your natural color at all you will have to use a permanent color. If you choose to stay within 1-1 1/2 shades of your natural color, you can probably expect to be in the salon every 6-8 weeks for a retouch. If your new color is 2 shades or more lighter than your natural or if you have a high percentage of gray hair you are attempting to hide you will need to be in the salon every 4-5 weeks to keep your hair color looking great. Most permanent colors today use very low ammonia in their formulas so damage is usually not an issue with this method either.
For a lighter look that doesn't require as frequent salon visits, opt for a few highlights rather than an all over color, this will brighten your natural color and when it begins to grow out it will be less noticeable since every single hair on your head isn't colored. Highlights can be achieved using color or bleach and an experienced stylist can lighten your hair sufficiently without damage.
Always consult with your stylist prior to having your hair colored. Explain to him or her what type of look you desire (bring pictures if you have them) and how often your time schedule or your budget will allow you to be back in the salon for maintenance. This will help determine the best method to be used. Also remember to ask your stylist to recommend professional hair care products for you to take home with you to keep your new color salon beautiful at home!
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See also:
How to color hair
What can go wrong with hair color services
Home hair color kits and timing
Is there a difference between salon hair colors and home colors?