Hi Mary,

A friend of mine has the worst luck! She bought hair dye that turned her hair orange! I want to try changing my hair color without going to the salon and spending tons of money, but now I'm worried. Any advice?

- Julia

Dear Gina,

I'm sorry to hear that your friend had such a bad experience! But as you say, hair coloring really can enhance your natural beauty, whether you go to a salon or do it yourself, as long as you're careful. Reading the information below will help you to decide what works best for you.

Types of Hair Coloring Products
Among the types of hair coloring products available are permanent, semi-permanent, and temporary. Beware, permanent hair coloring really is permanent! It actually alters the chemical makeup of your hair. If necessary, you can remove the hair coloring and dye your hair back to a color close to the original, but it's better to not use permanent coloring unless you're sure you'll be happy with the results. Semi-permanent coloring does not last as long as permanent (time varies by product), though it generally works best for making hair darker rather than lighter. Temporary hair coloring products (such as those that wash out in six to eight washings) are the best choice if you are coloring your hair for the first time—with temporary coloring, you won't be stuck with the results for a long time if you aren't crazy about your new look. For those coloring at home, temporary hair coloring products are also very easy to use, so that is a definite plus.

Coloring Your Hair
In order to know what product to use, you have to first determine what color and tone your hair is now, and you have to then decide what color you want to change to. If you're coloring your own hair, this is especially important. Hair colors are usually categorized by levels, which can vary slightly depending on the product, but in general, the higher the level, the lighter the color, and vice versa. After determining your current level, examine the available colors and choose the one that best matches the level and tone that you want.

You've probably heard this before, but it's worth repeating, just in case. Before you dye your hair, do a strand test to make sure that you will be happy with the results. After seeing the initial results, you can leave the color in for less or more time in order to achieve a slightly lighter or darker effect, if desired. Also, if dying your own hair, it is a good idea to wear clothes that are old or worn so that you won't feel bad if you get dye on them, as the dye likely won't come out.

Coloring your hair for the first time is a bit of an adventure, but the results can be well worth it. Just make sure to check out the different types of products available and pick the best one for you. And then have fun enjoying your new look!

Please check back soon for more Beauty Secrets by Mary.

Until then, be your most beautiful!