You’ve no doubt seen that fabulous rainbow hair on Pinterest, right? Whether you’re coveting the braided look or the simple flowing style, there are some things to consider before you get your hair done up like a rainbow. You might find out that you’re definitely ready to rock it, but you might also come to the realization that you really aren’t. Here’s what to think about before you head to the salon.
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1. Is It Practical for Your Life Situation?
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No matter how much you want rainbow hair, it’s important to think about how it will work for your life. Will it be frowned on at work? It’s probably not a good idea to get it done right now. Are you a new mom short on time? You might not be able to keep the color up. Think about how you can make it work and if you can’t, this might not be the right time to get rainbow hair.
2. You Might Have to Be Bleached First
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If you have darker hair, your stylist may have to bleach it first so the rainbow color shows up. This carries certain risks. Some women say it really burns their scalp and others say that it irritates their eyes or makes it hard to breathe. At the same time, bleach can really damage your hair so rainbow hair might not look that good if you have thin or damaged hair that will really shows that damage.
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3. Decide What Shade or Shades You Want First
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Some women go for the whole spectrum and get a literal rainbow, but others choose just one or two shades. Make sure you know exactly what color you want so that you don’t end up with royal purple when you wanted lilac. Tell your stylist exactly what you want and make sure she has it right before you she starts applying the color.
4. Be Ready for Some Color Changes
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The color of your rainbow hair will be quite vivid and bright at the beginning, but expect that color to fade as you wash your hair. In fact, some experts say that you’ll notice a definite lightening in as little as 10 washes. You can help your hair hold on to the color by keeping it hydrated and so the color stays the way you want is as long as possible. Color will hold on longer if you have your hair dyed professionally than if you do it yourself at home.
5. Your Makeup and Clothes May Look Different Now
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Now that you have a bright color or colors on top, your current makeup and clothing choices may not go with the new ‘do. If your rainbow hair is lighter than your natural color, you may need to darken your makeup. Experiment to find out what looks best with your new hair color.
6. Be Ready for Compliments and Opinions
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When you have a crazy bunch of colors in your hair, expect to get second looks. Sometimes people will love the change and some people won’t. If you can’t stand criticism or hate when people don’t like your look, you may want to reconsider getting rainbow hair.
7. You Might Need Different Products
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Now that your hair has been bleached and colored, you will probably need products that are different than what you’re currently using. As I said before, you need stuff to moisturize your hair, but you might also need products that are designed for colored hair to help preserve the rainbow. Talk to your stylist about what makes the most sense for your hair.
Ever considered rainbow hair? What’s stopping you? Or have you already gone for it?
Comments
Pannacotta: To keep colored hair from fading after washes, you can use Overtone conditioners. They are a color depositing conditioner that comes in all sorts of different colors. They have daily and weekly treatments. I use it for my purple hair and it works great!
Sev: @liz I have had colorful hair for at least 10 years, and it has never lost me a job opportunity. I work in a medical field now, but even before, I was a secretary for a government building. No issues with rainbow hair as well. The only issue I've ever had was a call center, but they also didn't want to pay more than minimum wage so it wasn't a loss. If you are right for the job, have the qualifications and skill set, your hair will not be an issue. Implying you upkeep it and have it in a professional style, not messy curls or bun, but sleek straight or curled nicely or a tidy updo.
Splashhhh: Nope never! :p
GJP: No. I am not ready.
Anne: certainly colourful
Liz: Colorful but not if you are looking for work, don't even argue. Unless you are in an artistic field, no matter how qualified you are this is a strike against you. Life is not fair, yes, I know that. It shouldn't matter, ok, but it does.
J: Duh Liz everybody knows colorful hair is frowned upon in the workplace
Starrkya: I try not to do colors when I'm working, simply because I have to wash my hair everyday and it makes it seem like a waste. I did it once and anyone who commented seemed to like it. Although....I am an electrician. I may be the only one in the company using hair dye, but it's not like we're expected to look too professional:P
Olivia: You're completely right @liz, thanks for the reminder!
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