7 Things to consider before colouring hair

Looking to switch up your hair colour? We don’t blame you! With so many stylish new shades and hues out there (from straight-up rose, to mermaid and even watermelon hair!), you’re practically spoilt for choice this summer. But if you’re seriously considering dyeing your locks, there are some important things you should know first. Read on to discover the 7 things to consider before colouring hair.

Colouring hair: 7 Things you need to know

1. Your hair may become more damaged

Any form of hair-dyeing will undoubtedly cause some damage to your strands, but this is especially true if you’re going lighter and using bleach. If you’re prepared to put your hair through the dyeing process, you’ll need to make up for it afterwards by giving your mane some much needed TLC (AKA a deep conditioning treatment).

Indulge in a deep conditioning mask – like the Toni&Guy Nourish Reconstruction Mask (£6.49*) – once a week to help inject any lost moisture into your strands. Trust us, your hair will thank you for it!

2. You’ll need to change your shampoo and conditioner

If you want to maintain colour vibrancy, then you’ll need to switch up your current shampoo and conditioner for a duo that’s been specifically created for coloured hair. It may seem like a simple hair care routine change, but it really can make a world of difference.

Try: TRESemmé Colour Revitalise Colour Vibrance Protection Shampoo and Conditioner (500ml, £3.69 each*). This clever shampoo and conditioner duo will help keep your colour looking vibrant for up to 40 washes.** Yes, really!

3. You’ll need to visit the hair salon more often

Colouring hair doesn’t come cheap, and there’s no telling how often you’ll have to visit the salon for a general upkeep or root touch-up (although on average it’s every 4-6 weeks). So if you really want to dye your locks, be prepared to splash the cash.

4. You’ll need to be exact about the colour you want

Professional stylists and colourists are the best people to advise you on the right shade for your colouring. Our advice? Instead of just asking your hairdresser for ‘blonde hair’ (bear in mind that there are hundreds of shades of blonde), show him or her a few pictures of the specific colour that you want. This way, they’ll be able to better understand what it is that you’re after – and are more likely to deliver the exact hue you had in mind.

5. You may not achieve your desired colour the first time round

This is true for all hair colours, but especially if you’re going lighter. If you’re going from dark to light tresses, most stylists will advise that you do this process over a number of salon visits to avoid damaging your hair too much. So beware that you may not achieve your perfect shade in your first hair appointment.

Similarly, if you are considering dyeing your naturally light hair dark, be warned that it’s not an easily reversible process!

6. You’ll need to avoid sun exposure

Long exposure to the sun isn’t good for your hair or your skin, but it’s especially bad for coloured tresses. If you want to help maintain colour vibrancy, consider wearing a hat, or better still: sit in the shade. And if your jetting off on holiday, note that salt water and chlorine might also have an affect on your newly coloured locks.

7. Shade names may not correlate to their actual colour

*RRPs are Unilever suggested retail prices only, it is at the discretion of the individual retailers to set the actual price.

**TRESemmé Colour Revitalise Vibrance Protection Shampoo and Conditioner vs. non-conditioning shampoo.