Should You Color Your Hair?
In this day and age, it's difficult to find women who are not coloring their hair in some manner. Some choose to change their hair color entirely, while others take a two-tone approach. There are those who switch from one color to another every few weeks, as well as others who simply add a few subtle highlights or lowlights once or twice a year. Coloring treatments certainly make life more interesting - but are they harmful to your hair?
Like other chemical processes, coloring, or "dyeing", uses harsh chemicals that can be abrasive to both the scalp and hair shaft. That is why most color treatments are kept in for less than an hour and then washed out completely, leaving residual shading behind. Some treatments are temporary colors that can be washed out in one shampoo, while others, called semi-permanent, may gradually fade over six to eight hair washings. Permanent hair color does not wash out, but it does grow out, leaving exposed roots of your natural hair color. If your roots are left untouched, you will end up with an unsightly two-tone effect.
If you are thinking about coloring your hair, give some thought to the overall effect you want. Are you striving for a professional image? Then choose low-key highlights that blend with your natural color. Would you rather have a more exciting, daring look? Consider blending two different shades for a warm, rich, textured style. When using two or more colors, keep in mind that one process must follow the first. This will require a few hours of your time.
Some colors are store-bought and can be easily applied at home by anyone. If you select this option, be sure to follow all directions carefully. Don't forget the skin test; this is important to ensure you're not allergic to the dye's ingredients. Other color products are for commercial use only and should be applied by an experienced and licensed cosmetologist. An initial skin test should be applied in this case, too.
Coloring your hair is a great way to add variety and spice to your hair style. If you decide to dye your hair, remember to deep-condition it regularly to avoid dryness and brittleness. It's also a good idea to have a plan for managing your hair as it grows back in, so that your hairstyle always looks fabulous.
By Marquetta Breslin
Sep 28, 2005, 21:35
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