If you're bored with the look of your locks and fancy a new style, instead of hitting the shops try hitting the bottle – the dye bottle.
Dyeing your hair can be greatly enhancing; not only for its rejuvenation powers that make you look and feel great, but for the shine, definition, lift and movement it can bring. There are various ways of colouring hair and all have different levels of commitment and effect.
Temporary colour only lasts one wash but can be a fun way to liven up your hair for special occasions, whereas semi-permanent dye – which lasts ten to twenty washes – is great for trying out a new colour, although a strand test is always recommended, as well as an allergy test.
Commitment free, this dye will not damage your hair. But it also can't lighten your hair, and colour tends to fade and wash out quickly, so many people prefer to opt for highlights or lowlights.
Often more effective and less drastic than an all-over flat colour, highlights and lowlights can boost your hair with a multifaceted, shimmering effect. Lighter than your natural hair colour, highlights are a great way of adding volume to limp and flat hair. Lowlights, being darker, add more depth to the hair. Subtle tones in strategic areas are brilliant for covering grey hair.
If you're ready to go all the way, permanent hair colour will last until it is cut or professionally re-dyed. Not a decision to be made hastily, permanent dye means commitment to that colour and upkeep can be expensive. A roots touch up every six to eight weeks is needed to avoid that unsightly root re-growth, which can add years onto people. A good way to avoid roots is to choose softer, subtler, more natural and complementary colours. Remember: the more dramatic the hair colour, the more obvious the roots.
If you want a natural look, avoid going any more than two shades lighter or darker than your natural hair colour. Whichever colour you choose must complement your skin tone and eye colour. If you want colour that makes a dramatic statement then you must consider the right make-up and the correct colour scheme for your clothes to complete your look. Brighter colours usually take a lot of work to maintain, so it's important to use the correct after-care products at home to prevent fading.
"Dramatic, strong hair colour tends to work better on young people," reminds top hairdresser Andrew Barton. "As we mature, we may want to consider softer, more flattering tones."
