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Hair color
101
I HAD my first hair color three years ago (although now I
wouldn't say it was really a hair color because nobody seemed
to notice the change except me and those whom I told I had
one). I remember sitting in the salon, nervously and meticulously
browsing the color chart while the colorist impatiently waited
on me. Then, at last, I chose dark brown ? the color that
made no impact on my dark black hair! Of course I would have
chosen burgundy, mahogany or light brown as the colorist recommended
but I'm really more the conservative type (as you would have
guessed by now). Besides, deciding on a more daring color
would have made me spend twice as much in case I would want
it redone.
A year after, I had my hair colored medium brown. This time
its subtle effect complemented my features by diminishing
the contrast between my very black hair and fair skin color.
My new hair color surprisingly gave me a new sense of confidence
-- it made me realize that I had the power to alter my appearance
and create a more pleasing impact.
If you were born with exactly the same hair color you're sporting
now, I am encouraging you to experiment a little with hair
color. But first, know these basics on hair color as revealed
by beauty experts:
 COLOR
SAMPLES
Color samples in the color chart are mostly designed to give
you an idea of how the color would look on white hair. Thus,
your new hair color will vary from that in the chart because
of the blending of your natural hair color with the artificial
one. Other factors affecting the outcome of the hair color
are the condition of your hair and the method of application.
SUPERMARKET OR PARLOR?
With the last factor in mind, I strongly suggest that first-timers
in hair color go to experienced hair colorists. Buying hair
dyes at the supermarket is more convenient and practical but
its wrong application will cause damage not only to your hair,
but more so to your image and self-esteem. (Imagine sporting
uneven, red-orange hair in your workplace!)
CHOOSING THE HAIR COLOR
Consider your current hair color, skin tone and eye color
when choosing a new shade. It is always safe to choose a color
close to your natural shade. I personally believe that just
like make-up, hair color must be used only to enhance ones
features and not change how you look.
Most Filipinos have dark brown to black hair and eyes and
have warm skin tones. Compatible hair color will be the warm
tones of red, gold and auburn. There are also hair dyes now
specially formulated for Asian women. Color charts of these
brands will be the best reference in choosing your hair color.
TYPES OF HAIR COLOR
There are three types of hair color: temporary, semi-permanent
and permanent. The temporary hair color coats the outside
of the hair shaft so it washes out with the next shampoo.
Use this when you want to experiment on the different colors
or as a touch-up before going to an important social or business
event. Temporary hair colors are usually sold in the form
of mousses, gels and rinses.
The semi-permanent colors penetrate the hair only slightly
and washes out after around 6 shampoos. These colors do not
chemically change the hair shaft so it's gentler to fragile
hair. However, the color might change after every shampoo.
Permanent hair color penetrates growth shaft to deposit new
hair color and wears out along the hair growth. Although more
damaging compared to the first two, this is best to use when
you want your natural hair color lightened or darkened.
HIGHLIGHTS
Highlighting is achieved by applying bleach to areas where
lightness is desired. These are placed on the hair around
the face for a subtle effect, or all over the hair for a brighter
look. The three types of highlights are FROSTING (pulling
fine strands of hair through a frosting cap and using bleach
to remove the color), TIPPING (only tip ends of different
hair strands are bleached) and STREAKING (using a color brush
to streak/paint areas of the hair). Highlighting can also
be done with square of foil or other materials. *
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