Color Tips To Consider
Coloring your hair can be one of the most exciting ways to switch up your look — whether you’re going bald, going lighter, adding dimension, or trying something totally new. But before you grab a box dye or book an appointment, it’s important to understand how color really works and what your hair needs to stay healthy through the process.
When I colored my hair for the first time, I went to a professional — smart choice. The second time? I got brave, skipped a few steps, and quickly learned that hair color comes with rules. Real ones.
If you’re thinking about coloring your hair soon, here are the four essential color-care tips every Girlfriend should know before changing shades.
1. Consult with a Professional First
Before you switch up your color — especially if you plan to dye your hair yourself — talk to a professional colorist.
A licensed stylist can help you:
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Understand what your hair can realistically handle
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Avoid chemical damage
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Choose the right technique
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Safely lift dark hair to lighter shades
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Decide whether you need bleach, toner, or demi-permanent color
Why this matters:
Going lighter or correcting old color requires knowledge of hair chemistry. A quick consultation can save your hair from dryness, breakage, or long-term color damage.
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2. Choose the Right Hair Color (and Read the Ingredients)
Picking a shade is fun — but picking the right shade and product is even more important.
Before buying any hair color kit or booking a color service, make sure to:
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Research the brand
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Check the ingredient list
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Avoid harsh chemicals if your hair is already fragile
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Look for nourishing or ammonia-free formulas
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Understand how the color will fade over time
Today’s color lines include healthier alternatives that protect your strands while adding pigment. Choosing the right product helps maintain shine, softness, and overall hair health.
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3. Do NOT Color Your Hair If It’s Damaged
This one is major.
If your hair is dry, brittle, shedding, breaking, or over-processed — do NOT apply color.
Coloring damaged hair can lead to:
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Increased breakage
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Patchy color results
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Chemical reactions
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Loss of curl pattern
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Permanent texture change
There was a time my own hair was dehydrated and fragile. Instead of throwing more color on top of old color, I let it grow out, rebuilt moisture, and repaired it before touching dye again. Best decision I ever made.
Always ask yourself:
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Does my hair feel strong?
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Does it snap when wet?
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Does it tangle easily?
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Has it been colored or bleached recently?
If your hair is compromised, focus on repair first.
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4. Have Fun With It — But Be Smart
Coloring your hair is creative, expressive, and fun. You’ll learn through trial and error, and that’s okay! If a color doesn’t come out the way you wanted, don’t panic — a professional can always help correct it.
A few bonus tips:
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Always use a heat protectant on colored hair
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Deep condition weekly
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Use color-safe shampoo and conditioner
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Avoid excessive heat styling
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Protect your color from sun exposure
Color is supposed to make you feel confident — not stressed.
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⭐ Color Heaven: Final Thoughts
Coloring your hair can be exciting, transformative, and full of personality — but it does come with rules. Keep these essential color-care tips in mind, do your research, and always listen to your hair before committing to a new shade.
The more knowledge you have, the easier it is to protect your strands and get the color results you love.