Taking your hair to a new and exciting color can be an exciting time but, do so with caution. There is a reason we tell a person that you should keep your hair within a couple shades of its natural color.

This is because lifting your natural hair color can be damaging. The gentlest way to lift hair is to do so within a couple shades of the natural color. This does two things for you. First, it keeps your hair from the harm that comes from the harsher chemicals used to lift the hair to a lighter shade and it keeps you from needing more products to nurse your hair back to its natural health.

When you lift the hair color to a lighter color you must use a developer that has a higher peroxide content. The higher the peroxide content, the more damage that is done to the hair. If you have hair that has already been processed then you are causing more damage on top of the damage that has already been done. This can cause frizzy hair, broken hair, and turn it unruly.

If you want to take your hair to a color that is not within two shades than do so with a few highlights. This will keep most of your hair in top condition and the highlights will give you a lighter appearance. You will also have a multi-dimensional appearance to your hair.

We are all born with a hair color that complements our skin. But we like to play with our hair and change it and the easiest way to do this is by changing the color. So keeping the hair color within two shades keeps it looking more natural as well.

If you must change your color to a higher range than I suggest keeping it that color for at least four – six months and trim often. Deep conditioners will help your hair keep its strength so that you minimize breakage. The problem with breakage is when your hair splits and breaks then the ends act like Velcro and tangle at the ends.

There is nothing wrong with coloring your hair and having fun with it just as long as you have done your research and you know how to take care of it.