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Colouring your hair is a great way to change your look without having to opt of a drastically different haircut. Whilst it is something that so many people do without giving it a second thought, colouring your hair for the first time can be quite scary or fill you with apprehension, so here are some facts and tips to keep your fears at bay.

1. The Colouring Process

It is a good idea to understand how colouring your hair actually works so that you are aware of the options that are available to you. A common perception of the colouring process is that it works like paint - if you want blonde hair, simply use a blonde hair dye. This is not the case at all because hair dye and other agents used in conjunction with them are chemicals, and therefore relies on following the principles of the chemical reactions that cause hair to change colour. It is therefore better to go to a professional to dye your hair rather than doing it at home - especially because it is your first time.

There are three main types of hair dye:

Permanent - this works by combining the hair dye with hydrogen peroxide to open your hair shafts (the outer layers of your hair) so that colour can be deposited underneath. This means that the colour stays permanently (unless you dye over it) and you have to wait until it grows out. With this type of dye, you can potentially lighten your hair by a maximum of three shades or go as dark as you want.

Semi-Permanent - this type of hair dye only partially enters the hair shafts which mean that it slowly washes out - typically it will last for around 6-8 washes. It is rare to be able to lighten your hair more than one shade, if that, but is ideal to add a different tone to your hair or to darken your hair colour for a while.

Temporary - temporary colour sits on the hair shaft which is why it only lasts for around one wash. In some cases it lasts longer but this is only if you have exceptionally dry hair in which case the colour stains the hair.

Outside of these three types, there is also a hair dye often referred to as 'Quasi' colour which is somewhat between permanent and semi-permanent. It works by using a weaker strength of hydrogen peroxide so it doesn't wash out, but equally, it does gradually fade as opposed to growing out. It is a great option for subtle colour change or if you want a colour which will not cause roots.

Finally, we have bleach. This is a strong chemical that is mixed with hydrogen peroxide which works by stripping your hair of colour. It is mostly

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