How to Get a Great Haircolor

If you're frustrated from going to one salon after another in the hopes of finding someone who can give you the haircolor you want, there is a better method than trial and error.

Know that there is a big difference between a hairstylist and a haircolorist. Not all stylists have
invested the time and money in years of continuing advanced education that is necessary to become a good haircolorist.

When you see someone whose hair color looks great, ask them who does their color. (They'll be be flattered that you asked and happy to provide the information.) Collect pictures from magazines of models and celebrities whose haircolor you like.

If you're going for a dramatic change, try on a wig first to make sure it's what you really want.

Schedule an appointment for a color consultation with a recommended colorist. Bring your photos. If you sense an "attitude," or an unwillingness to listen to what you want, go elsewhere.

Once you've found a colorist whose willing to listen to you attentively, ask for his/her recommendations. An experienced, good colorist will be able to tell you exactly why the color in the photos will be right for you or not, depending on your natural hair color, skintone, eye color, desired hairstyle it will have to complement, and your body proportion and weight. Another major consideration is how much time and money you are willing to commit to maintain your color. If his/her recommendation is different from the exact color in the photo you've brought along, take his/her advice over your own emotional choice.

When it's time for a retouch, a great haircolorist will always use one formula on the roots and a different formula on the rest of your hair.

A great haircolorist will protect your hair by using quality shampoos and conditioners at the sink, and by recommending periodic deep conditioning and reconstructing treatments.

Finally, a great haircolorist will take the time to prescribe the right color-friendly products for you to purchase for home care, an investment worth making to prolong the life of your color and health of your hair.