Last week, we looked at summer hair colour – specifically how to get and perfect the perfect summer shades. But what if you’ve never coloured your hair before? Colouring your hair for the first time can be terrifying but with the right care, tips and hairdresser (?) you’ll wonder why you didn’t do it sooner.

So whether you considering hiding those greys, making a bold statement or changing your look, we’re covering everything you need to know in this two-part blog series. Let’s get colouring.

Colouring your hair for the first time – making the choice

Once you’ve decided to take the hair colour plunge, you’ve got a couple more decisions to make. Specifically, you need to decide on:

1. The dye

There are three main types of hair dye to pick from:

?  Temporary hair dye – this colour lasts only a couple of washes, making it perfect for those only wanting to dip their toes in.
?  Semi-permanent – also known as a tint, this colour lasts longer than temporary dye but will eventually wash out and fade away, requiring reapplication.
?  Permanent hair dye – this colour lasts until it grows out or is coloured over.

While temporary hair dye is known as the least damaging option, you can still achieve happy and healthy permanent hair colour with the right dye, care and colourist.

2. The colouring

Next, you need to decide on the type of colouring you want. There are three main colouring services to consider:

●  Full colour – this involves colouring all of your hair one shade and is great for bold choices and changes.
●  Full head foils – this involves sectioning off and colouring the hair using foils. Different colour shades can be used in this process.
●  Half head or t-section foils – this is the same process as above, but covering only half of your hair or your t-section for a subtler look.
●  Balayage – this hot new trend involves hand-painting colour onto your hair to achieve a more sunkissed result that grows out naturally.

3. The colour

Perhaps the hardest decision of them all – what colour are you going to go for? Do you want a dramatic change, a natural transition or something totally out there? No matter whether you’re undecided or dead-set, it’s always good to get a professional opinion.

As top NYC stylist and salon owner Riccardo Maggiore says, colouring “It is more about science and colour theory and less about the colour you like. Your colourist can analyse your skin tone and find the colour that best compliments and highlights your best features.”

We recommend coming into the salon for a colour consultation, where we can sit down and explain:

●  The best colour for your skin tone, features, hair type and lifestyle;
●  Advice on the how long the colour will last and the options for re-touching; and
●  Information on how the colour may change your hair texture, volume and washing routine.

Colouring your hair for the first time – picking a salon

Home-dye vs. salon colouring is a topic best covered by its own dedicated blog – but in short, at the salon we have access to the products, techniques and expertise to colour your hair in the healthiest way possible.

Specifically, you want to find a salon who uses a high-quality hair dye (we use Redken), applies a PH bonder throughout the process to minimise damage, and who stocks Oplex to repair, protect and strengthen.

What next? You’ll have to wait to find out in part two of our colouring your hair for the first time blog series. If you can’t wait, then pop into the salon or give us a call to find out more.

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About Mack Hair and Beauty

Mack Hair and Beauty are the hair colouring experts of Rugby. Our expert team of colour lovers know what colours work and what techniques protect – ensuring you always have happy and healthy locks.

Book your new colour today