Some hair professionals may try to
discourage you from doing your own home hair color, saying that
drugstore hair color products are harsh and the results can be
uncertain. But the truth is that you can achieve excellent results and
save a lot of money by coloring your hair at home as long as you know a
few basics about choosing the right color and applying it correctly. The
advantage of hair coloring is that a person can opt for a hair color
that goes well with his or her looks and also according to the personal
choice. Coloring the hair improves the confidence and looks of a person.
Hair coloring gives an instant change to the person’s look. The changes
can range from subtle, simple to the major and dramatic one. Hair color
has an impact on the texture of the hair as it gives instant volume to
fine and thin strands of hair and also affects the waves and curls in
some cases.

Hair Color Mistakes
1. Applying dye to dirty tangled hair.
2. Staining your skin or clothes.
3. Picking a color that does not fit with your natural hair color.
4. Dying eyebrows and eyelashes.

Hair coloring is not new to people as it has been carried out in the
past too. Now there are various colors from blonde to blue made possible
for both men and women. Hair dyes are made up of either bleaches or
pigments or colors. The natural hair color of any person is due to the
genetic or hereditary factors. Hair coloring can add fun, shine and
drama to the hair style.
Permanent hair colors break the hair cuticle and deposit pigment in the
hair shaft. Permanent color is said to lighten the hair as the hair is
bleached and then the color is deposited in a single step process. Hair
color is formed by the movement of the light rays either through
absorption or reflection caused by artificial pigment which is added to
the hair during the tinting process or by the natural pigment of hair.
Permanent hair colors are used to cover gray hair to a large extent and
it is also said to cause damage to the hair if they are used for a
longer term and can even result in irreversible damage to the hair.
Natural hair color is formed by the absorption or reflection of the
light rays by the pigment called melanin. The amount, distribution and
size of the melanin determine the hair color of the person.

Healthy Hair – Hair Coloring Tips
Shampoo that’s made for color treated hair keeps your hair color soft
and natural looking. Regular shampoos can strip color and natural
moisture from your hair.
Install a water filter for your shower or bath. Besides frequently being
treated with chemicals, tap water coming through old plumbing contains
undesirable elements like rust that leave your new hair color flat and
dull looking.
Deep condition regularly – at least every two weeks – to restore
moisture and shine to color treated hair. As roots grow out, a color
enhancing conditioner will help your natural hair color blend with your
color treated hair.
After shampooing, always blot your hair dry. Don’t rub hair dry or wrap
it in a tight turban. When using a blow dryer, dry your head– not your
hair. Over drying hair strips it of moisture and also results in static.

Caution while applying temporary dyes
Application of dye on chemically processed hair or the application of
the wrong dye can result in odd colors. So it is usually recommended to
choose a shade somewhat lighter than the natural shade of your hair.