by Nikki Everett

Created on: November 03, 2009

You've decided to either get rid of those premature grays, or else you have seen a fabulous hair color on your favorite celebrity or even a stranger who was in front of you in some checkout line. You want beautiful hair, but maybe you aren't sure how to keep your costs down when caring for your dream color or what caring for it entails. After twenty plus years of being a hair colorist, I have learned a few tips to help you along your way.

What shape is your hair in?

Whether you spend a fortune at a top salon or spend $10 on a box color from a local drugstore, if your hair is not in decent shape to begin with, it won't hold color nor will it dye evenly. A couple of conditioning treatments is most likely in order before any chemical processes are done. That hair trim you have needed will also take off any previously damaged ends which might cause a color nightmare.

Damaged hair fades faster because of the porosity being compromised through environmental, styling, and previous history of coloring. Porosity in hair is like the pot holes in pavement, you can cover it temporarily and then the hole returns through repeated use and outer factors like heat extremes. Especially if the hair has been blonded previously with either highlights or bleach, then you can expect that your hair is very porous. A treatment made up of protein which strengthens and moisture which hydrates in equal amounts usually does the trick, so look for one in your local beauty supply or ask your stylist for a treatment that meets those requirements.

Choosing the color that suits your lifestyle

If you are an at-home mom or the CEO of a company, maintaining hair color takes time. The time it takes is dependent upon many factors and since there are a veritable plethora of color options and types of hair dye, the untrained consumer can become lost in the decision making process. Every type of color and hair coloring process has a different commitment in management. You are best suited to knowing the time frames and tailoring it to fit your availability.

Temporary Color - On hair which has never been colored and has very little environmental damage, this type of color will wash out in 1-4 shampoos. If there is any blonding previously or environmental damage, temporary color can become permanent. This type of product is also extremely good to use in between color services to amp up the over all color if it fades.

Semi Permanent or Demi Permanent Color - This is the most popular type based on time

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