Funky hair colors can be fun and exciting. You can add some pizazz to your coif for a night in the club with shades of hot pink and lime green. For the more demure, a few strands of deep purple are a great conversation piece, and if you're blue, let everyone know with some indigo streaks.

Funky hair colors are available in permanent, semi-permanent and temporary formulas, and can be fun for occasional use and special occasions.

For everyday wear go for a few strands that can be easily concealed, especially if you are a professional. Many employers frown upon the employee with passion red hair and hot pink locks, and in many cases it's against dress code. Save your artistic flair for personal time or keep it discreet.

Funky hair colors are easy to use and easy to buy, they are available at most retail stores and even some supermarkets. In order to get the professional stuff, which tends to contain more pigment, you'll either need a license to purchase it from a beauty supply store, or an appointment with your stylist.

Most of the eye-popping colors have a lightening agent included so that when the color is deposited on the hair it looks more vibrant. This can be harsh and drying on the hair, especially when the color is reapplied frequently to battle the rapid fading that occurs. If you want to keep your intense color, ask a salon or stylist about applying a clear color as a sealant and gloss. You can also use spray on sun block for hair to minimize fading.

Funky hair colors can be good if they're worn in good taste and at the appropriate times. Funky hair color is not so good when it's faded to a washed out leftover of its original hue. Hot- pink can fade into a not so hot pale pink, which resembles a bleaching accident. Lime-green that was all the rage a few weeks ago fades to a strange shade of dark yellow, and is especially unattractive on blonde hair.

As with any hair color, maintenance is the key to keeping it looking its best. Re growth should be touched up as soon as it's two inches to prevent lines of demarcation. This is where the color overlaps and creates uneven shades and damage. Regular conditioning is needed to keep the hair moist and offset some of the damage coloring creates.

For the free spirited person who insists on having funky hair colors, it's wise to consider a short haircut so that the ends are constantly being cut off, removing the brittle, damage. Your skin tone should play a factor in deciding whether to go with a blue or red based color. Blues are better for cooler skin tones, and reds for warmer skin tones. It's your hair, wear it however you want to and wear it well.

Learn more about this author, Stacia Elizabeth Whitbeck.
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