Great Hair – Part 5 (of 7)

The First (of 2) of the 

Comandments for Great Hair –

Your Color

Rule #1:

Never subject hair to more than two chemical processes. If you’ve straightened or permed your hair, chose either a single process color or highlights but not both. Multiple processes are justtoo damaging and you’re likely to end up with wiry fried hair or no hair at all if you just keep layering the chemicals on.

In fact, women with relaxed hair should use only cream-based permanent dyes, which have more conditioners than gels or liquids.

Relate your color to your skin tone

Skin that has yellow undertones may look jaundiced next to hair that's too pale; deeper hues, on the other hand, can impart a beautiful golden cast. But rich browns won't do any favors for ruddier skin; a dark color makes a bull's-eye around red areas, Instead, lighten up with caramel or tawny brown highlights.

Stick with your childhood color

When in doubt, peruse old family albums. Stay fairly close to the color you had when you were young -- it will usually be the most flattering and easy to maintain.

Go lighter slowly

If you plan to reclaim a towheaded youth, however, don't rush in. Even at the salon, your hair will lighten only so much at one time -- push it too far and it turns orangey. Do a little every month, so you can control the brassiness.

Remember Your Brows

Never match your brows to a new haircolor, but consider making them a touch lighter or warmer.  It can make the whole eye area look younger and softer.

Root Maintenance is not an option

Even for Sara Jessica Parker fans’, retouching your roots is one of the golden rules of haircare -- but only use the bare minimum. If you want to keep your hair healthy, just do the roots, Coloring your entire head each and every time you color may alter your overall color and damage older, longer hair. That's how people end up with bleached ends.

If your color needs a recharge, ask your stylist for an all-over gloss or glaze. There are also at-home treatments that will do the trick. You leave it in for 10 minutes, you wash it out, and you've got shine no matter what your texture is, Just be sure to use restraint; don't use it every week; just once a month.