Hair Color FAQs: What You’ve Always Wanted To Ask Your Stylist

Dyeing one’s hair is actually an ancient practice, but it’s still a popular one. With 673,700 barbers, hair stylists, and cosmetologists currently working in the United States, there are a lot of Americans who are sporting hair colors that don’t reflect the hues they were born with. If you’re captivated by the idea of dyeing your hair a new color but aren’t exactly sure where to start — or have a million questions that are holding you back from booking an appointment at one of the hair salons in your area — you might want to check out some of the FAQs below. We know you’re just “dyeing” to know the answers!

Once I start coloring my hair, what will the upkeep be like?

The answer to this question depends on several factors, including the color you’ve chosen, the type of dye, the texture of your hair, the products you use on a regular basis, and how quickly your hair grows. Typically, a darker brown or medium blonde dye will last longer than a silver-gray or a red, as these tones fade faster. However, using color-safe, sulfate-free hair products will extend the life of your hair color and keep it looking fresh for a lot longer. If upkeep is a concern for you, be sure to ask your hair stylist about the particulars of the color and dye you’ve chosen before they start your service.

What’s the difference between semi-permanent, demi-permanent, and permanent color?

As their names suggest, these designations indicate how long a color will last. More specifically, semi-permanent dye will typically last for six to 12 washings. These dyes don’t contain peroxide, so they will fade rather than growing out. Demi-permanent dyes contain small amounts of peroxide and can last anywhere from three months to seven months. Permanent hair color lasts until the hair actually grows out and can produce more drastic results (i.e., significantly lightening naturally dark hair) than the other types of dyes mentioned here.

I’ve always wanted a certain hair color, but how do I know if it would look good on me?

Skin tone plays a key role here, as almost anyone can look good with a new hair color as long as the shade is a complementary one. If you want to go darker, wash your hair and see how your wet (read: darker) hair looks against your skin. You can also try out some wigs to see whether you might look good as a blonde or as a redhead. Your hair stylist is your best resource here, though. They’ll be able to ensure that the tone looks great on you from the get-go and that your hair stays healthy throughout this process.

If I’ve dyed my hair black, can I bleach it?

Your hair stylist will likely not recommend using bleach on hair that’s been permanently dyed black. Doing so can cause a lot of damage and breakage (or even hair loss in some cases). This may not be the case 100% of the time, but it’s definitely something you need to consult a professional about. More than likely, you’ll need to grow out the black dye before embracing a lighter hue. Your hair stylist may be able to use a gloss to restore shine or another semi-permanent dye to create some highlights that won’t cause damage but can bring some other tones back into your hair.

Can I dye my hair if I’m pregnant?

Yes, as long as your hair stylist knows not to use any potentially harmful chemicals and to keep the hair color away from your scalp. Highlights are typically recommended in lieu of a full coloring. Be sure to talk with your salon beforehand to ensure everyone’s on the same page before booking your appointment.

We hope this FAQ post has cleared up any lingering questions you may have had about hair dye. Always be sure to enlist the help of a professional stylist for any and all hair coloring. This is one time to skip the DIY and go straight to the experts! We’d love to help you achieve your ideal ‘do. Contact us today for more.