Get ready to freshen up your color

As I wander around town this time of the year, I begin to see some hair color that is faded. This could be due to all sorts of things, besides ignoring your color appointment. In general we are outdoors more in the summertime, let alone in a pool, where the elements and pool water can really play a big part in color tone loss. So how do you keep your lovely color looking grand?

First we need to be knowledgeable as to which color tone is best for you. This is important to look your best. Let's break it down to “warm” or “cool.”

Warm skin tones are characterized with golden, olive or dark skin and brown or dark eyes. “Warm” skin tans easily and the veins in their inner wrists are green.

Cool skin tones usually have fair skin, blue or green eyes, and burn before you tan. The veins in your wrists run blue. If you sometimes burn, sometimes tan, you’re likely a warm tone.

Once you have decided if you are warm or cool, it will be much easier to choose what shades of color look good on you. If you are having trouble choosing ask your stylist. They have been trained to help you with this. For warm skin, try golden shades like caramel and bronze in shade that is darker than your skin. No black hair for you, it will wash our your tone. As well, too light of a color could appear too brassy or orange. If you wish to be a warm blonde, be careful. There is a fine line between an appropriate soft shade of blond and and one that it too brassy or warm.

If you are looking for a cool shade, make an effort to avoid colors such as gold, auburn or copper. They will only make your skin too appear ruddy. Ash blondes and cool browns will work the very best.

You all know by now that I am not going to suggest that you try any of this at home. So when you make your appointment at your favorite salon, and if you are interested in making a color change, let the booking agent know you might need a bit more time for a consultation, and that you might be interested in a color change. This way your stylist will have plenty of time. They will most likely bring out color swatches.

A great stylist will guide you along, helping you to first pick out the colors you are most drawn to, then they will hold them up to your face, so you both can see what that tone can do your your completion. If you can, move to a place that natural light comes in. Your stylist will be able to help you determine which shades and tones work best next to your skin, and then formulate it. Be aware that the formula may or may not involve the actual swatch that the two of you choose, for many reasons. Your trained colorist will know how to get you where you need to be.

When all is said and done, there will be some at home maintenance that you can do to keep the tone alive and vibrant. Mainly a regimen including a shampoo and conditioner that has a color protecting formula in it to start with. Sun protection is also a key here. Don’t let the summer sun/pool combo wash away all the gorgeous color work you just spent good money on!

Have a beautiful day!