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    The Hair Color Questions You're "Dying" to Know

    By | Fashion – Fri, Dec 4, 2009 11:53 PM EST

    Want to ring in the new year with a fresh new hue? Check out our expert advice below for color-treating your hair, whether you're African American, Caucasian, Asian or Latina.

    Q: My hair needs to be colored, but it is so dry that I am afraid color might damage it too much. Should I dye it anyway?

    A: There are a few things you can try to get your hair in shape for color treatment: precondition it with a deep-penetrating, moisturizing treatment or protein treatment. After this application, consult a reputable, professional colorist about your options. Pick the appropriate type of coloring, such as semi-permanent, to cover gray, or permanent hair color to lighten your own color and add shine. You can also use highlights or lowlights to add dimension and shine without compromising the strength of your hair. Make sure the hair is strand-tested before applying any coloring product.


    Q: I'm Asian and I want to make my natural hair color one or two shades lighter. Do I have to strip all of the color with bleach first or is there an easier alternative?

    A: If you want to lighten Asian hair one to two shades you do not have to strip out color with bleach. A professional can easily lighten your hair to a softer shade of brown without harsh chemicals. If you plan to do the job yourself, be sure to choose a cool, ash-based medium brown color (it will have the word "cool," "ash," or "smoky" on the box). Ash tones are usually blue or green based to prevent hair from turning too red or orange as it's lifting.



    Q: I have light brown hair and I want to go brunette with an at-home treatment but there are so many options! How can I decode a box's label?

    Don't just look at the picture on the front or the tuft of hair on the shelf-look at the back of the box too. There should be photos of how your hair color will turn out based on your starting color. Words like "golden," "honey," or "butter" will give you warm results. Words like "chocolate," "ash," and "mocha" will give you a cooler, neutral look. See how you look with a different hair color here.




    Q: I wash my hair every day since I use a lot of product to tame my big hair-I'm Latina. If I dye my hair, will I have to wash less frequently?

    The frequency with which you wash your hair may have to change after any chemical treatment is done. Shampooing colored hair strips it of protective oils and moisture. Unless you have extremely fine, thin hair that is also very oily, chemically treated hair should be washed no more than every three to four days.

    Conversely, the amount of conditioning you do to your hair may have to increase. Conditioning the hair every day, either through the frequent application of a leave-in conditioner or by using hairdressing creams and moisturizing products during styling, may be recommended. Even hermanas who have fine, oily hair that is colored or permed may need extra conditioning on the ends.

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    Reprinted with permission of Hearst Communications, Inc.