by Cyndi Frost

Created on: February 03, 2009

As a salon owner and master cosmetologist for 20+ years I have colored a lot of hair. I have also fixed a lot of colors that were done at home that ended in disaster. But don't let that frighten you into not trying something new.

If you decide that you do want to color your hair and want to try it yourself, there a few steps that will help you get a great result if you will do them before you buy that box of color from the department store.

I suggest that you go to a beauty supply store in you area. If you don't know where one is check the phone book, you will be surprised at how many there are. Also check for wig shops. Go there and try on wigs, this works not only for a new color but also for choosing a new style as well. Take a friend that you trust that will give you a true opinion of how you look.

If you have never done anything to your hair and you or a friend have no real experience at coloring, try to pick one that is only a shade or two darker at first. This makes it a lot easier to change if you don't like it or to make a little more intense if you do.

Once you have decided on a color take a moment and ask the person working there if they are a cosmetologist. Alot of beauty supply stores require this to work there, but not all do. If she says she is, ask her to suggest the color that will achieve the effect you are looking for. If she is not, then it is time to do your homework. Look through the store at the hair samples and find the one that most closely matches the wig you have found.

Make sure to look at the depth and base of the color. Especially if you are buying boxed colors. Don't just look at the picture of the model, look at the picture, read the name of the color and look at the tone of color. Are you going red? Is it a orange red, a purple red or a vibrant red red? Are you going blond? Do you want to to be a gold blonde, a beige blond or a white blond (violet).

This is probably the most important thing about choosing your own color. Alot of people have bought a summer blond thinking it will turn their hair white. It want. Think of color cue words like summer= sun = gold blonde, Arctic blonde=cold=snow=white blonde, electric blonde =florescent=extra bright white. Same with reds reddish brown=mostly brown with very little red, red plum=reddish purple, vibrant red= super red that is almost impossible to get back to a natural color from.

Also keep in mind that if you are going blonde you are not putting blonde color in your brown hair and it turns

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