Make Your Hair An Accessory

Let Colour Go To Your Head This Winter

Supermodels change their hair colour as often as their clothes. And now models have started a trend for accessorizing clothes with hair colour. Linda Evangelista is top of the list for her chameleon-like ability to change her looks. Linda who has changed her hair colour 12 times in five years, says that dyeing her hair gives her an emotional lift.

So before the winter blues set-in and the party season begins, why not change your hair colour and let everyone see that you have a headstart on fashion.

There are lots of preparations that are inexpensive and easy to use in the shops now. You can enhance your natural colour or be a bit more daring with a completely new look.

One of the simplest and quickest ways to apply colour is a coloured mousse. These mousses are used just like a styling mousse, applied straight from the can and wash out with your next hair wash.

If you are nervous about colouring your hair or not sure which home colourants to use, then a colour-enhancing shampoo might be the answer. The colour progressively increases with each application, so that after a few shampoos you hair will be highlighted with subtle hints of colour.

Choose the product you use carefully, keeping in mind that a new hair colour can be as temporary or as permanent as you wish. If you only want a new colour for a special date, you can use wash-in wash-out shades which will enhance your hair and give it a high gloss. For longer lasting, deeper colour, a semi-permanent colour allows you to be experimental. Colouring shampoos are easy and will wash out gradually in about six washes and you can then renew or change the colour of your hair again.

If you've definitely decided to go with a colour, you can use a permanent colourant which will also blend in any stray grey hairs you may have. You have to be quite sure about the colour you have chosen before going permanent because they do not wash-out; they have to grow-out, and roots will need retouching after about six weeks.

The main hair colour story for autumn is red. Ranging from fiery red to orange-red in shades of conker, rosehip, russet, cayenne and mohagany.

Consider your complexion when choosing a new hair colour--if you have a cool skin tone then mahogany shades will look good on you. If you have a warm skin tone you will need a shade like conker, amber, chilli or a warm rich brown. Colours that most people can wear are auburn or a rich chestnut shade.

When you've achieved your new colour you may want to think about a new hairstyle. With retro revival come the sharp, blunt-cut bobs of the 60's and the 40's classical waves, pincurls, and french rolls. Whichever way you style your hair a high gloss finish is a must.

To Sum It Up

Use a colour-enhancing shampoo which adds glossy tones to natural hair and brightens existing colour on tinted hair.
Consider your natural hair colour before choosing a new colour. The longer you leave a colour in to develop, the more vibrant the result.
Try longer lasting semi-permanent colour which takes longer to fade than an ordinary semi.
Consider the texture of your hair and your skin tone.
For extra vibrancy, apply colour to highlighted or pre-lightened hair.
Always use a reputable product.
Use a shine-enhancing product to accentuate and add lustre, an absolute essential for this season's glamour look.
Buy the right product for your needs - wash-out, semi-permanent or permanent.
Do a strand test.
Read and follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.