15 Things You Need to Do Before Changing Your Hair Colour

Thinking of getting a new hair colour? Whether you’re planning to go to a Singapore hair salon or dyeing your hair at home, these tips will help get the results you want.

If you’re going to a hair salon…

Book a 15-minute hair consultation

If you’re not sure about the hair style you want, or you’re trying a completely new look or very daring colour, you may want to schedule a consultation before you actually get your dye job. You can ask ask any questions about the shades and haircuts for your face shape and skin tone, technique, cost, and effect on your hair.

A separate hair consultation gives you time to think about your options. Call the salon ahead so you know you can speak to a senior stylist at a time that’s convenient for both of you.

Bring photos of the hair colour you want

Save pics of your favourite hair inspirations on your phone (or add them on Pinterest) to show to your hair stylist.

You should also show pics of what you don’t want too. For example: “I don’t want to go this blonde,” or “I think this look has too many highlights.”

Be honest with your hair stylist

If you want your hair to look great even after you leave the salon, you need to tell your hair stylist what you really want — and do. For example:

• Do you really have the patience to blowdry and style your hair? If you’re a wash-and-wear kind of girl, ask for a haircut that doesn’t need a lot of maintenance to look good.
• When was the last time you bleached or coloured your hair? How often do you have your hair dyed?
• Do you hair fall or itchy scalp — signs that you may need to avoid any chemical treatments until your hair is healthy again?

Check out Singapore salon reviews

There are many amazing Singapore salons, but some of them are especially known for hair colour. Do your research! Ask a friend or co-worker whose hair colour you admire. Look at the salons’ Instagram and Facebook pages, since they often have customer pics and reviews.

Ask about maintenance

Before choosing a hair colour, ask your stylist how often you need to have it retouched, and what treatments you may need to get (especially if you needed to have it bleached for a lighter colour to show through). Some special hair colours are also more expensive, and need special shampoos to maintain their vibrancy. Know the costs before you make the plunge!

If you’re going to dye your hair at home…

Use a hair mask the night before

This hydrates and strengthens your hair strands to minimize the damage from the chemicals. But don’t do this on the same day you’re dyeing your hair! It may prevent the hair colour from penetrating.

Apply petroleum jelly on your hairline

This will prevent the hair dye from staining your skin. If you have long hair, you should also apply it on your neck, the back of your ears, and your jawline.

Pick a semi-permanent gloss or subtle highlights

If it’s your first time to use dye your hair yourself, stick to a safe colour that just enhances your natural hair colour. At least if something goes wrong, you won’t be stuck with a really weird look that will take ages to grow out. Besides, even a subtle hair colour can make a big difference. A glossy shade will make your hair look shiny, and give just a hint of pigment. Subtle highlights can also make hair look thicker.

Once you’ve dyed yout hairself a few times and have become familiar with the process, you can confidently try more daring shades.

Stick to a reputable hair colour brand

At least you know that the ingredients are tested and safe! But even if you’re using a well-loved brand, always do a skin patch test to rule out allergic reactions.

Check the colour

Don’t assume you’ll get the exact shade you see on the box. Apply the hair dye on a small, inconspicuous section of your hair to see how it shows up.

Apply from roots to tips

This makes sure you get most of the hair colour where you need it most — the roots. And if you accidentally run out of hair dye, you’ll get a natural ombre effect.

If you don’t know what colour to pick…

Get a temporary hair colour

If you’re not sure about the shade, then test it out. You can buy a temporary colour hair spray in Singapore

Download an app

There are tons of free apps that let you see how certain hair cuts or colours will look on you. You can even share the pics to ask your friends’ opinions

If you’re looking for the best hair salons in Singapore….

Check Beauty Insider’s directory to find the nearest hair salon, and check our website and Instagram to find out more about any hair colour promotion in Singapore!