However, there are a few factors that can help you determine which hair color will flatter your features best, as well as which tones to stick to on your very first dye. We tapped top colorists for their go-to tips and crafted a quiz to throw them all together (because hair color should be fun, no?). Consider this your field guide to choosing a dye. Before choosing a color, know the commitment you’re making: Generally, you can choose between semi-permanent, demi-permanent, and permanent hair dye: If you do wish for a lighter color but aren’t too jazzed about the upkeep, DeBolt suggests a “lived-in” color where most of the highlights weave throughout the lengths of your hair. “If there are fewer highlights on the scalp, or those highlights are shadowed to be more [in tune] with your natural color, the longer you can go between appointments,” he says. Additionally, “‘Ashy hair color looks less vibrant and healthy,” says DeBolt. “Someone with a frizzy texture or damaged hair might consider warmer tones so the hair reflects more light and looks healthier.” That said, look to your childhood hair color as inspiration—it’s also a great marker for what shades will appear most natural on you. Stephanie Brown, master colorist at IGK Salon, agrees: “I always say that what your hair was like as a toddler are the colors and tones you should stick to.” Finally, make sure to stay within two shades of your natural hair color for your first dye (whether you go lighter or darker) so it looks natural. A hair gloss, on the other hand, is a demi-permanent color that lasts about 12 to 20 washes—it’s primarily used to subtly enhance the hair color, color-correct hair undertones (like from warm to cool or vice versa), or to blend grays. A gloss gives more color payoff than a glaze, but both leave you with a result quite close to your natural hair color.
