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There comes a time in every woman’s life when she is faces with the decision whether to color her hair, either because a few strands have begun to gray or because her best friend went from brunette to blond bombshell overnight and she wants to see what it’s like to be different

But changing hair color is not something to be approached lightly since many chemicals used in the process are damaging or even toxic. Though dye technology experienced a huge renaissance in the 1800s with the discovery of chemicals that permanently change hair color, henna (Lawsonia inermis) is still the product of choice for those who prefer natural dye solutions that don’t damage the hair.

Hair Styles Tips – Hair Color Types and Tips

The first step in changing hair color permanently requires that the cuticle be made porous with ammonia to allow other chemicals (such as hydrogen peroxide and dye) to penetrate inside. If ammonia is not used, then the natural color pigments in the hair remain protected and unchanged. As one of the most common lightening agents, peroxide is the developer or oxidizing agent that removes pre-existing color. According to NIH chemistry research on permanent hair dye, this is an irreversible chemical reaction. Melanin is still present, but the oxidized molecule is colorless. The pale yellow tint of bleached hair is due to the natural color of keratin, the structural protein in hair. Since peroxide reacts more readily with the dark eumelanin pigment than with the phaeomelanin, some gold or red residual color may remain after lightening. With semi-permanent dyes, the hair cuticle is not opened with ammonia; the final color of each strand depends on its original color and porosity (which allows some dye to enter the strands), so there will be subtle variations in shade across the whole head. Temporary hair dyes are non-oxidative and include colored compounds that stain hair but don’t enter the shaft or destroy the melanin molecules. Henna is one such item.

There are few women who have not experimented with a change of hair color at least once. Given the wide range of shades that can be achieved today, many have found a color that they feel is absolutely right for them.

Over the years, hair coloring has developed to such a degree that it is possible to change almost any natural shade into something quite different. This can be done with permanent tints, with semi-permanent colorants or with shampoo-in products that add color until the next wash. Bleaches are used to make the hair lighter. Whether you want a radical change and a whole new image, or a short-term lift to your natural shade, a professional colorist will be able to advise you on the shades that best suit your skin coloring. Rarely will he or she recommend an extreme change.

Most natural hair colors looks marvelous with additional tone, and going a hair color shade lighter or darker will bring new light and warmth to the hair. You must be prepared to change make-up colors to blend with your new hair shade. A warmer foundation, a new shade of blusher or lipstick, and a different eye shadow color might be needed to balance and flatter your new look.

You must be ready, too, for the necessary upkeep of your new hair color, so that it stays looking natural all the time. Almost all hair color shades of brown hair can be given a lift with coloring. A hint of color at the ends, especially around the face, can change plain brown hair into something special.

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