Coloring your hair is easier than ever before; you don’t need to worry about heading over to the salon – all you need to do is go over to the store, buy a box and get started. It really is that easy, and there is a good chance that the box does not necessarily come with all of the instructions that you need. While this is unfortunate, there are instructions online that you can use to ensure you get the hair done properly.

There are a few things that you will need to do in order to ensure that your hair comes out right whether you have virgin hair, or if you’ve been using an ionic ceramic flat iron for your entire life. The first thing we want to say is that if you happen to be getting a keratin treatment, then it would be best to do so when you color your hair, no question there. Apart from that, there are certainly a few other things that you need to know.

The Importance of Keratin Treatments

Are you planning on getting a keratin treatment? If so, then it’s definitely something you can’t do at home with your ionic ceramic flat iron. That said, you should probably consider getting your keratin treatment at the same time as your hair coloring, as such a treatment should definitely be done as you seal the color into your strands.

Keep your Color Protected

The importance of keeping your color protected simply cannot be overstated. Your first instinct is probably going to be to buy some shampoo, and while this is a great first step, it should ONLY be the first step. One of the best things you can do is use a color treated shampoo and conditioner specially formulated for your hair, and you should also be making use of a color protecting styling spray. A UV spray will also be in order, as UV rays can easily fade the color of your hair, leading to you visit the salon more often. The right products, however, can keep your hair color intact, and keep you from spending more money than you have to.

Root Touch Ups are Key

A root touch up can keep your hair in great shape as well, and you have several choices here. You could head to the salon, or you could buy a home kit. Either way, you’ll be able to keep your color in good shape and your hair healthy.

Avoid Products with These Ingredients

If you have a ceramic iron at home, there is a good chance that you’ve tried all kinds of different products to get your hair to come out looking amazing. Well, if you’re going to color your hair, there are certainly a few that you should be doing your best to avoid and we’re going to go over them one by one:
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•     Ammonia
•     Coal
•     Tar
•     Acetate

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While these might seem relatively harmless, they can cause serious problems. Ammonia, for example, can dry out your hair and the others can cause considerable harm. Finally, before you start coloring your hair, make sure that your hair is dirty. Okay, that might sound a little bit silly, but let us explain. Clean hair is typically too slippery, and color holds better to dirty hair.

Also remember that if you wash your hair before coloring, the dye/bleach may burn your scalp as you won’t have the natural oils to protect it. There are a ton of reasons to keep your hair protected, from the use of ceramic flat irons all the way to serums, so don’t settle for just one thing – keep doing research and keep your hair looking great!
 

This article first appeared on HSI Professional

Knowing how to get the most out of your hair appointment can make the process go a lot more smoothly.

Sometimes hair appointments can be downright terrifying.

First there’s the process of letting go of your old hair style, and then there’s the uncertainty of how your new ‘do is going to look and if it will even suit you!

To get the most out of your hair appointment, take a look at the next few tips.

Do Your Research
To get the most out of your hair appointment, do a little bit of research beforehand.

Check out salons in your area, what they have to offer, and what suits your budget.

Sometimes salons offer discount packages for students or if you book during certain times of the day.

It also pays to ask people you know who consistently have awesome hair where they get their hair done (and by who) – sometimes it’s a lot easier to trust word of mouth recommendations.

Be Clear
Come to your appointment with a vision of what you want your new hairdo to look like.

Sometimes things can get lost in translation, and we all don’t speak fluent hairdresser, so bringing in a photo of what you want your new hairdo to look like is a great visual aid.

If you can clearly explain to your stylist what look you’re going for, then everyone will be on the same page and after the same result.

Be Open to Change
While knowing what you want can help in some ways, it also pays to be open to change.

Not all hair styles, cuts, and colors suit everyone and your hairdresser is the right person to guide you through choosing what’s best for you.

If they can’t give you the exact hairstyle you’re after, it’s only with your best interest in mind.

In most cases they can create or suggest a similar style, but just one that’s more suited to your features.

Be Honest
At different stages throughout your hair appointment, your hair stylist might ask you questions about your hair and how you think the whole thing is progressing.

If you genuinely have concerns, then pipe up!

It’s better to address any problems while they can still be fixed than after the appointment is finished.

Pay Attention
Keep an eye on what the stylist is doing and how your hair is looking.

Watch how the cut is progressing and look at how they handle your hair.

From applying product to blow drying, if you can mimic their technique then that’s one way that you can try to recreate a salon-inspired ‘do at home.

Listen up
Your hair stylist knows what they’re doing (or at least they should!) so listen to what they have to say.

They’ll often give you tips on how to style and take care of your new hairdo, which can hopefully help make your new hairstyle last longer.

Ask Questions
Your hair stylist should be more than happy to answer any questions you have about your new hairdo.

If you’re after styling tips, special treatments, or the best products to use then ask your hair stylist for advice.

They are the experts, after all!

Bonus Tips:

Always Plan Ahead
What's the best way to maintain your blowout or 'do post-salon session?  Plan ahead.

Avoid working out right after. Think about going to the gym beforehand and having your blowout scheduled on a Friday, knowing that you won’t have major activities over the next couple days so it lasts longer.

Wet Hair Is A No-Go
Whatever you do, try not to walk into your appointment fresh out of the shower — or with wet hair, at all.   

When you're having a consultation and we're talking about what you want to do with your hair,  I can't wash it — I need to look at it dry when you come in.  Unless I already know you and I know what you want, I have to see it dry, and I have to be able to feel it.

Tipping Is Generally The Same Everywhere
Speaking generally, tipping etiquette is the same everywhere.  Suggested tipping is 18-20 percent if you feel that you've had quality experience and are happy with the finished result.

These tips should hopefully leave you more reassured and confident with your next hair appointment.

These tips were found here and here. ​