Choosing a fun, new hair color can be an exciting way to change up your look. With so many hair dye options out there, how do you decide what colorful hue is right for you? As a hair color assistant, here are some quick tips and ideas to help you find that perfect, vibrant shade.
What’s Your Base Hair Color?
Your natural base color will impact how vivid and bright an unnatural hair dye shade turns out. For the most vivid results:
- Platinum blonde hair can handle the most vibrant fantasy hair colors.
- Medium to light brown hair will need to be lightened first to achieve a bright fashion color.
- Dark brown to black hair will require bleaching to reach lighter levels first before coloring.
Keep your base shade in mind, as this will help determine if you need to pre-lighten with bleach before applying your fun color.
Temporary vs. Semi-Permanent vs. Permanent Hair Dye
There are 3 main types of hair dye options:
- Temporary hair dye – Lasts 1-2 shampoos; great for trying out a color before committing.
- Semi-permanent hair dye – Lasts 4-8 weeks; doesn’t require developer but fades gradually.
- Permanent hair dye – Lasts until hair grows out or is cut; requires developer to open cuticle for permanent results.
For longer lasting fantasy hair colors, semi-permanent and permanent dyes will give you the most vibrancy over time. Temporary dyes fade the fastest but are a fun option for events or costumes.
Consider Your Skin’s Undertone
Determining if you have warm, cool, or neutral undertones can help guide you to hair colors that will be most flattering:
| Undertone | Characteristics | Ideal Hair Colors |
|---|---|---|
| Warm | Golden, peachy, yellow hints | Warm reds, oranges, coppers, yellows |
| Cool | Pink, red, blueish hints | Cool purples, blues, emerald greens |
| Neutral | Mix of warm and cool traits | Most colors will suit neutral skin |
Choosing hair colors in the same tonal family as your skin tone can create a harmonious, flattering look.
Complement Your Eye Color
Certain shades can make your eye color pop! Aim for tones in the same color family:
- Green eyes – Purples, blues, emeralds
- Brown eyes – Coppers, reds, warm yellows
- Blue eyes – Greens, blues, violets
- Hazel eyes – Any color! Go bold.
While not a hard rule, keeping your hair color choice in the same color family as your eyes can really make them stand out.
Consider Your Lifestyle
Your day to day activities should factor into choosing your ideal vibrant hair color. Important things to consider:
- Work Dress Code – Are unnatural hair colors allowed? Start with subtle or temporary until you know.
- Active Outdoors – Frequent swimming or sun exposure can cause brighter dyes to fade faster.
- Low Maintenance – If you wash hair infrequently, darker toned dyes tend to last longer.
Think about your regular activities so you can pick a hair color that will work with your lifestyle.
Look for Inspiration
Here are some fun, colorful hair ideas to inspire you:
- Pastels – Lavender, mint, rose gold – soft, feminine
- Neons – Electric pink, lime green, highlighter yellow – bold, bright
- Jewel Tones – Emerald, sapphire, violet – rich, dimensional
- Metallics – Rose gold, copper, silver – glamorous, eye catching
- Ombré – Fade darker to lighter shades – fun, modern
Look for photos of looks you love and bring them to your color appointment for inspiration.
Do a Strand Test First
Before coloring your whole head, do a strand test of the hair dye first:
- Choose a small, inconspicuous section of hair near your face.
- Follow the hair dye directions and apply to test strands.
- Rinse, dry, and evaluate the color when fully processed.
Strand testing gives you a preview before fully committing. You can adjust the shade if it’s not quite right.
Go Gradual
For first timers or the commitment-phobic, consider going gradual with hair color:
- Try temporary colors or color sprays first.
- Get highlights/lowlights before trying all over color.
- Use semi-permanent before trying permanent dye.
- Start with natural shades before going bold.
Going subtle and gradual lets you get comfortable before ramping up the vibrancy.
Consult a Pro Stylist
For the best results, have your hair colored by a professional stylist. Experienced colorists can:
- Recommend shades that will work with your base color.
- Properly mix and formulate dyes to your specific needs.
- Time the processing perfectly for maximum vibrancy.
- Offer personalized maintenance suggestions.
An expert colorist will ensure you walk away with a gorgeous, shining new ‘do in your chosen vivid shade!
Maintain Bright Hues
To keep your fantasy hair color looking vibrant:
- Use sulfate-free, color safe shampoo and conditioner.
- Wash hair in cool water and limit washing to 2-3 times a week.
- Use a purple shampoo for blonde/silver tones.
- Reapply semi-permanent dye as needed for upkeep.
Proper maintenance is key for keeping your new hair color fresh and brilliant!
Change it Up Again
Once you’ve perfected rocking one head turning hair color, have fun switching it up to something new!
Vibrant hair dye lets you play with your look. Try on different colorful personalities by experimenting with various temporary shades until you find some favorites.
Change your bright hue with the seasons, holidays, or just when the mood strikes. Allow your hair to be your canvas!
Conclusion
Dyeing your hair a fun, vibrant color can be an exciting way to transform your look. With so many options for temporary to permanent dyes, you can find the perfect bold hue that complements your complexion and personality.
To decide what colorful shade is right for you, consider your base color, skin tone, eye color, and lifestyle. Seek inspiration from photos and do a strand test before taking the plunge. Working with a professional stylist ensures you achieve maximum vibrancy.
With proper maintenance and care, your new brightly dyed locks will turn heads everywhere you go. So take a chance and go vivid – find the perfect colorful hair color fit just for you!
