Coloring Your Hair?
 by: Nicole Elizabeth Smith

 

Many of us love to color our hair. Color can add pizzaz as well as make you look younger.

Here's some tips you should read before you take that color plunge.

 

•Choose a color that's close to your own natural color. Making drastic color changes will damage your hair more, and may not look good with your skin tone.
 

• Color your hair only if it's in good condition. If you already have hair that's damaged by a perm or bleaching, wait until it grows out.
 

• Do a strand test before applying color to the whole head. A strand test shows you how much color to use, how long to leave it on, and what it will look like after it's been dyed.
 

• When coloring at home, make sure you follow all directions closely.
 

• Use a mild shampoo or one designed for color-treated hair. These shampoos won't strip color away or cause it to fade.
 

• Never perm AND color your hair on the same day.
 

• Don't tease, blow dry, or hot curl bleached hair without first applying conditioner

 

About The Author Nicole Elizabeth Smith, the author of "Healthy Black Hair" (2003), is a freelance health and beauty writer and a graduate of Michigan State University. She and her son Zack live in Michigan. Currently, she is beauty editor for www.myhairbook.com. nicole@myhairbook.com