Heading to the salon for a striking new hair colour is exciting—unless it’s your first time. In that case, the excitement might come with a touch of anxiety.
Before your appointment, there are several things to consider, like choosing the perfect shade—whether that’s an elegant rose gold, a striking platinum blonde, or a more subtle balayage, but the decisions don’t stop at the colour itself. You’ll also need to think about how to maintain your fresh new look. Since colouring your hair is an investment, it’s important to be well-informed and prepared.
Questions about potential damage from chemicals, how your routine might need to change, and the upkeep required to keep your new colour looking its best are likely top of mind.
So if you’re committed to trying a new hue, preparation is key. Understanding what happens during the colouring process and knowing what to expect afterwards can make all the difference.
While we all want to achieve a stunning new look, it’s just as important to prioritise the health of your hair throughout the process. Setting realistic expectations about the results, timing, and maintenance can help ease any concerns—whether you’re opting for soft highlights or going bold with a dramatic change.
That’s why we’ve consulted our expert hair stylists to offer their insights on everything from preparing your hair pre-colour to post-appointment upkeep. Read on for their top advice so you can head into your salon visit with confidence.
- Consider the maintenance before committing
- Red shades and rainbow colours are notoriously difficult to maintain
- Bring pictures with you
- The process might take longer than you think
- You might not get the colour you want on your first try
- Keep your skin tones in mind
- Colouring your hair can damage it
- Do not wash your hair before colouring
- How to maintain your hair colour post-salon
1. Consider the maintenance before committing
Before you dive into a fresh new hair colour, it’s essential to think about the upkeep that comes with it. A vibrant new hue often means regular salon visits to maintain its vibrancy or investing in specialised shampoo and conditioner designed for colour-treated hair. The financial and time commitment required for maintaining colour-treated locks should fit seamlessly into your lifestyle.
Some colouring techniques demand more maintenance than others, so it’s important to weigh this up when making your choice. For example, roots generally need a touch-up every four to six weeks, as your hair grows about half an inch each month. Even with the best care, fading is inevitable, and unless you’re prepared to refresh your look frequently, it’s worth considering how this fits into your routine.
If you’re short on time or prefer a more budget-friendly option, choosing a shade closer to your natural colour can minimise the appearance of roots. Ombre, on the other hand, offers a low-maintenance solution, as you only need to touch it up once or twice a year. For those looking for a simple, low-maintenance colour, it’s all about being realistic. An all-over tint will require frequent upkeep—sometimes as often as monthly—to maintain its fresh appearance.
Contrary to what some may think, spreading out your appointments too far can actually lead to more work during each visit. Regular touch-ups with a trusted stylist can make the upkeep more manageable.
It’s also crucial to have an honest conversation with your stylist about your lifestyle and how much time and effort you can realistically dedicate to maintaining your look. There’s no point in opting for a colour that requires a refresh every three to four weeks if you can only visit the salon every couple of months.
For those who opt for highlights or balayage, the maintenance is more spaced out. We recommend scheduling an appointment every 10 to 12 weeks for highlighted hair. And remember, the ends of your hair are the oldest, so regular trims and treatments are key to keeping your hair looking healthy and shiny.
The simplest, most low-maintenance option is a seamless balayage that blends naturally with your hair. This technique gives you your desired colour and highlights but requires far less upkeep. You can either let it grow out gracefully and never need a touch-up, or you can refresh it every six to twelve months. So, if you’re looking to add a pop of colour without committing to constant salon trips, balayage is a perfect option.
Have a read of our blog on the various hair colouring techniques and their maintenance, to help you find the perfect option for your style and routine!
2. Red shades and rainbow colours are notoriously difficult to maintain
If you’re after a low-maintenance colour, going ginger might not be the best choice. Red hues are notoriously tricky—they’re difficult to achieve, even harder to remove, and tend to fade the quickest. If you’re considering going red, be prepared for the extra care and commitment it requires.
Rainbow-coloured hair is no different, demanding the most upkeep of all due to its rapid fading compared to more traditional colours. For these bold shades to show up vibrantly, particularly on darker hair, bleaching beforehand is often essential. Without this step, you may not achieve the full, vivid effect you’re hoping for. If you’re set on a rainbow look, know that it’s a high-maintenance choice, so plan accordingly!
3. Bring pictures with you
Sometimes, words just don’t do justice to what you have in mind. Colour lingo or terminology can mean completely different things to different stylists, which puts you at risk of not getting the exact shade you desire. Cue the mini post-appointment existential crisis. Trust us, we’ve all been there.
The language surrounding hair colour can be quite nuanced; one stylist’s interpretation of “red” might differ drastically from another’s. Terms like “ash brown” or “honey blonde” can convey entirely different shades. This miscommunication can lead to disappointment post-appointment. To avoid this scenario, it’s essential to prepare for your appointment by gathering visual references.
While you may have a clear vision of the colour service you want, it’s crucial to do your research beforehand. Spend some time browsing the internet or Instagram for hair colour inspiration. Collect visuals that reflect your desired outcome and bring them along to your appointment. Make sure to gather inspiration photos to show your stylist exactly what you’re looking for. Having these visuals not only helps communicate your vision more clearly but also ensures that you and your stylist are aligned.
Keep in mind that hair dyes work and react differently depending on your existing hair tone; the same shade can yield vastly different results on different individuals. Therefore, it’s wise to provide your stylist with a range of images that resonate with you, including colours you love and those you want to avoid. This way, your colourist can better understand your preferences and steer clear of any shades that don’t align with your vision.
Don’t hesitate to ask to see examples of your stylist’s previous work or to browse the salon’s Instagram feed for more ideas. Armed with your inspiration photos, you’ll be well-prepared to leave the salon with the stunning colour you’ve always envisioned.
4. The process might take longer than you think
Once you’ve settled on the look you want to achieve, it’s essential to consult with your hairstylist to fully grasp the time commitment involved in dyeing your hair. It’s equally important to consider how many applications may be required to reach your specific hair goals. Often, achieving your desired shade necessitates multiple trips to the salon. Remember, the journey to your perfect colour can be a process. Be prepared for the possibility that it could take more than one visit to attain your desired look. Which brings us to our next point…
5. You might not get the colour you want on your first try
When it comes to transforming your hair, especially if you’re moving from black to a bright blonde or vibrant colour, it’s important to understand that this is more of a journey than a one-and-done situation on your first salon visit.
Achieving your desired shade involves navigating through the underlying tones of your hair while preserving its integrity. For instance, if you have dark chocolate brown locks, reaching platinum blonde will require multiple steps. Initially, your stylist will assess your hair’s current state and determine how many levels of lift you need to reach platinum. This typically involves a two-step process: lightening and toning. During the lightening phase, bleach is applied to break down the natural melanin in your hair, which can cause the cuticle to expand. It’s crucial to do this gradually, especially with dark hair, to prevent excessive damage. Depending on the starting colour and hair condition, you may go through several rounds of bleach to get to the lightest possible base—often achieving a soft, buttery yellow. Afterward, a toner is applied to neutralise any unwanted brassy or yellow tones, ultimately resulting in that desired platinum look.
Patience is key, and your stylist will work with you to ensure that each step brings you closer to your hair goals without compromising its health.
6. Keep your skin tones in mind
You might find yourself captivated by a picture of Kaia Gerber’s ‘Chocolate Glaze’ hair or Zendaya’s striking new honey blonde bob and want the same look, but before you run to the nearest salon, remember that certain shades can look vastly different depending on your skin tone.
For those with a pink undertone, cooler, ashier hues are likely to be more flattering. In contrast, if you have a yellow undertone, warm, golden shades will complement your complexion beautifully. If you’re unsure of your undertones, don’t hesitate to consult your hairstylist—they’re trained to help you find the right match.
Ultimately, your stylist is the expert, equipped with the knowledge and experience to advise you on whether your desired colour is realistic and how it might turn out. It’s crucial to choose a shade that enhances rather than clashes with your skin tone. To assist in this process, our salons offer hair dye books featuring swatches dyed in various colours, allowing you to see how each shade complements your skin before making a commitment.
7. Colouring your hair can damage it
Embarking on a major hair transformation can lead to significant changes, and it’s crucial to understand the potential impact on your hair’s health. We recommend approaching these changes in stages, allowing your locks time to recover between appointments. If you’re considering a dramatic shift, it’s wise to consult our professional stylists to ensure you know what to expect. Hair dye can alter your natural texture over time, and certain services—especially those involving frequent bleaching—are harsher than others.
Before you take the plunge, engage in a thorough consultation to set clear expectations. It’s important to recognise that dyeing can affect both the texture and volume of your hair. One of the most common concerns after colouring is dryness. When treating virgin hair, the process involves lifting the cuticles to remove existing pigment, which can lead to dryness post-application. While some individuals may notice minimal changes, others could experience a significant shift in texture.
If you’re worried about these side effects, don’t be discouraged from dyeing your hair altogether. Consider incorporating a nourishing hair treatment after colouring to maintain moisture and overall health.
8. Do not wash your hair before colouring
When preparing for your colour appointment, arriving with unwashed hair is highly advisable. Allowing a day or two without washing enables natural oils to accumulate on your scalp, creating a protective barrier against potential irritation from the dye.
Consider your hair type and scalp condition when deciding how many days to forgo shampooing. For instance, those with sensitive skin will find that a day or two of skipping a wash can provide valuable protection. Meanwhile, individuals with oily hair may only need to wait a day after their last shampoo, while those with dry hair could benefit from waiting 2-3 days to ensure adequate oil buildup.
9. How to maintain your hair colour post-salon
While it’s true that hair colour inevitably fades over time, there are several strategies you can implement to prolong its vibrancy. Understanding the maintenance required for lasting results is essential. For instance, balayage is a popular choice for its natural-looking highlights and minimal upkeep, as it blends seamlessly with your natural hair and doesn’t require regular root touch-ups. Similarly, bronde shades, which offer a sun-kissed brightness mostly towards the ends, are easier to maintain.
Conversely, any colouring process that involves lifting your original shade will necessitate more frequent maintenance. Techniques like bleaching and toning often require regular salon visits to keep your colour vibrant and your hair healthy. When opting for darker shades, particularly red, be aware that this hue tends to fade quickly after just a couple of washes, making it crucial to plan for consistent salon trips if you’re not a natural redhead. Here are some tips you can follow in order to maintain your hair colour after your appointment:
- Avoid washing your hair too often. If you typically wash your hair every day, it’s time to reconsider your routine. Frequent washing can lead to colour fading, so aim to wash your hair two to three times a week—less is often more when it comes to maintaining your shade. Additionally, be mindful that some fading is inevitable over the weeks due to factors like water quality.
- Protect your hair from the sun. Just as you protect your skin from the sun’s harsh rays, your hair deserves the same care. UV exposure can cause your colour to fade and may leave your strands feeling dry. To shield your hair, look for products with UV protection and consider wearing hats or scarves when you’re out in the sun.
- Guard against pool water. Chlorinated water can wreak havoc on your hair colour, often leading to unwanted green tones due to copper oxidation. To protect your hair, apply a hydrating hair mask before swimming. Wetting your hair in the shower before diving into the pool can also help, as it makes your strands less absorbent.
- Care for your hair and protect your locks. Incorporating moisture-rich products into your hair care routine is vital for the long-term health of your colour-treated hair. Even if you don’t notice excessive dryness, the colouring process can roughen the hair cuticles. Invest in a hydrating conditioner and a deep conditioning mask specifically designed for colour-treated hair. A detoxifying shampoo, like L’Oréal Professionnel’s Metal Detox Shampoo, can also be beneficial, as it helps protect against environmental stressors while adding shine.
- Use products made for colour-treated hair. Using generic hair care products can negatively impact the longevity of your colour. After colouring, hair becomes more porous and prone to damage. To maintain your hue, opt for colour protecting products from L’Oréal Professionnel’s Vitamino Colour range, or shampoos packed with proteins like keratin and conditioners infused with nourishing oils.
- If you go blonde, embrace purple shampoo. Purple shampoo is a game changer for blondes and highlighted brunettes, effectively banishing brassiness. You can use it as needed, but I recommend alternating it with your regular colour-safe shampoo to prevent an overly toned or smoky appearance.
Dyeing your hair for the first time is an exciting journey that requires careful consideration and preparation. By understanding the maintenance involved, choosing the right colour for your skin tone, and managing your expectations regarding the process and results, you can make informed decisions that align with your lifestyle. Communicating openly with your stylist and being prepared for any necessary upkeep will help ensure a positive experience and a colour you can be proud of. Embrace this opportunity for self-expression and enjoy the experience ahead!
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