>

7 Questions to ask your stylist before you color your hair

7 Questions To Ask Your Stylist Before You Color Your Hair

Salon color appointment doesn’t have to be a confusing experience. Whether it’s your first time coloring your strands or you’re an experienced color chameleon, it’s totally natural to have questions about hair coloring. But before you get swept up in Google searches, try turning to your stylist first. Since they’ve worked with your hair before, they understand your hair care concerns and what styles will look best on you. Remember, you (probably) aren’t the first client your stylist has ever worked with. They understand that clients are concerned about the look and feel of their hair. Asking questions is a normal part of any hair color consultation. Not sure what to ask? Here are a few topics to discuss with your hairstylist before your next color appointment.

Choosing the right hair color is about much more than liking a photo on Instagram. From eye color to skin tone, there are several factors that go into determining if a hair color is right for you. Now, this doesn’t mean that you have to stay away from certain color families all together. All it means is that if you want a particular color range or trend, your stylist can walk you through which particular shades will look best on you.

Once you’ve decided on a shade, it’s time to learn about upkeep. While a stunning, vibrant red may seem like the perfect option, you’ll need to decide if you’re willing to do the legwork to maintain such a dramatic shade. According to Global Redken Artist Sean Godard, the hair colors that require the most maintenance and upkeep are red shades, ashy tones, silvers, pearls, and grays. Due to their color vibrancy and tendency to oxidize over time, these shades require more frequent salon visits. If you're looking for less fuss over your strands, Godard recommends balayage or ombre. Both styles focus on darker roots and lighter ends, which means less noticeable roots or regrowth.

At-home color care is extremely important if you want to maintain the vibrancy, shine, and tone of your hair color. Chatting with your stylist about the specific products to use and steps to take is a sure-fire way to help keep the integrity of your hair color. For instance, your stylist may suggest switching your daily shampoo from a deeper cleansing option to one that is color-safe and free of sulfates. While this change may seem small, it will do wonders for the longevity of your hair color.

While hair color maintenance is important, it’s also good to understand the timeline of the hair color itself. Some colors may last months on the hair, while others tend to fade more quickly. It all comes down to how well your hair type can hold color as well as the texture of the hair itself. Talking through this point with your stylist will help you to better understand the shelf life of your soon-to-be hair color.

Everyone’s skin reacts differently to different stimulants, chemicals and products. If you’re aware of a certain skin condition or sensitivity, be sure to let your stylist know beforehand. Having this conversation prior to color application will ensure that your stylist uses products that are safest for you.

Once your hair is colored, the texture of your hair can change. In order to keep up with this new development, be sure to ask your stylist how often you should cleanse your hair. While over-washing can lead to fading color, lack of cleansing can lead to product buildup. Find the perfect balance for your hair care routine by discussing your hair type and porosity with your stylist.

While this may seem like a pretty blunt question, it’s something that every client deserves to know. Different hair services take different lengths of time to process. For instance, a Shades EQ Gloss service takes around 20 minutes, while a highlighting and lowlighting service may take a few hours. So you can plan your day accordingly, make sure to ask how much time you should allow when you book your color appointment.

Want to try your next shade before your salon visit?

Try on your dream hair color with Redken's virtual color closet with over 70 shades. Click here to try before you dye!

If you have any other questions about services or products, just ask your Redken stylist. Think of them as your hair’s personal beauty guru.