8 Things To Consider Before Coloring Your Natural Hair

I am a box color junkie, at least I used to be, but I was never the type do anything outrageously different from my natural hair color, I always bought black or shades of black.

Since going natural I have been more aware of my fine hair and how different things affect it especially chemicals and that means color too.

But every now and then like a moth to a flame I cruise through the box color isle at the drug store hoping to strap on a pair this time round and pick up something fierce.

What actually happens is after taking a long look I end up convincing myself that color is just not for me. The fear of coloring your natural hair is real ladies!

I wouldn’t want to ruin all those years of growth and time spent on wash days, prepoos, DC’s and protective styling for some blue streaks that I will probably be bored of in a month?

If you happen fall into the ‘I’m scared as heck’ category then move swiftly on, I promise I won’t judge you.

But if you are feeling brave then maybe we can ease your pain with some things that could make the decision a little easier.  Here are 8 things to consider before coloring your natural hair.

1. Get a color trained stylist to do the service for you. It’s the best way to guarantee safe effective color results

I mentioned box color earlier, but what I failed to mentioned was the horror stories that come with using box color at home. Some things are just not meant for DIY, no matter how tempting it looks on Pinterest.

Go to the salon and get your hair professionally colored if at all possible. A trained stylist will be able process your hair to get the best color result in the shortest time to preserve hair’s strength.

A stylist will know things about hair that you will never acquire from reading the directions in the box so just take the plunge and make an appointment, you will not regret it.

Make sure your stylist comes with credentials though; going to a rinky dink salon is just as bad as DIY.

2. Can your hair handle it?

Let’s be real, you know the state of your hair. If you have super fine hair that breaks easily or is easily damaged then bleaching your hair platinum blond might not be such a smart idea.

If you are using a pigment deposit system of color to your hair or making it darker then maybe you can get away with a little color, however, if you have super fine hair with sparse thickness then applying peroxide to your strands to lighten it is probably not worth it.

If you have very thick resilient hair then go ahead but as always, be cautious.

3. Can you pull it off?

Yes! Would that color actually fit your face? One great way to figure it out is to go for a trial run with a wig*. Sometimes it is hard to find your exact match but wigs* are so versatile these days you will probably find something suitable.

If you put on the wig* and you do not like the look, then chances are you will not like the color on your own hair either.

4. Virgin’s have the most fun – virgin hair is best for coloring

Don’t double process unless you are planning on keeping your hair short. This means, if you have a relaxer or any other chemical that raises the cuticles do not go raising them again by lifting your natural color. Period.

There is no getting around the fact that double processing leads to damage and lower length retention potential. Double processing can also mean coloring your hair twice over the same hair.

For instance, you go to the salon lift and deposit your color, it fades too quickly for your liking and you go back to the salon within three weeks to do it all over again.

Even if your hair is healthy you run the risk of literally frying your ends, uneven bleaching and just a really bad situation. Touch ups should just be for your roots.

Just remember though once you finally color your hair once that’s it! You are officially not a virgin anymore.

5. Prepare to have weaker hair that will need more protein treatments

Yeah baby, load up on that protein because it will be your bestie for as long as you are coloring your hair.

Protein conditioners are great anyway especially if you have fine or thin hair, therefore using protein should not be news to you. If you plan to color your hair however, be prepared to use protein as often as weekly.

Whether it is the penetrating kind that builds the hair strand from the inside out or the kind like egg protein that focuses on patching your hair strand on the outside, either way read your ingredients and if you see keratin listed hit the button that says ‘add to cart’.

6. Prepare to go sulfate free long term – sulfates strip color

Again, not a big deal because most of us already have an arsenal of sulfate free shampoos and co wash conditioners at our disposal right in our cabinets anyway. If however you are a sulfate junky and addicted to that squeaky clean feeling, you cannot mix that indulgence with color.

Not only will the sulfates strip the color it will add to the dryness that coloring tends to give natural hair. Be prepared to walk away from sulfates all together opting for a less damaging versions of cleansing agents.

7. Use sunscreen, often

Yes my lovelies, as if you needed any more additional things that fade color, the sun is definitely in the top five. The cool thing though is there are sunscreen brands out there that are designed specifically for hair. Shea butter* is a great natural alternative to sunscreen for your hair too.

If you plan to color your hair and you want it to last invest in sunscreen especially in the summer months. If sun screen is not your fancy then wear a hat, a big one!

We all should wear hats anyway just for added protection and if you do not have one, get one. Pick up a sundress or two as well!

8. Health before beauty

The healthier your hair is the better your color will look and the less likely you are to have damage. Make sure your hair is in the best shape overall before considering a color change.

This might mean regular deep conditions for some women and for others this might mean regular trims. Either way, the less your hair has done to it that is considered damaging the more likely your color will last and be less problematic.

Happy hair growing ladies.