6 hair colour facts no one will tell you

Did you know that your coloured hair may turn green if you took a dip in the pool without wearing a mask? 

Before you get all excited about colouring your hair pink, red, rainbow or blonde, there are some things you must be aware of.

For example, you need to test your skin type, the effectiveness of the colour you intend to pursue and understand how long it will last.

Also, some hair colour shades are more difficult to maintain than others. Red colour, for instance, is the hardest to achieve, maintain and get rid of.

Remember you are spending a bomb on your hair. So, if you don't take enough care or anything goes wrong, you'll end up embarrassing yourself.

Your hair, you do agree, means a lot to your overall appearance.

Here are some tips that should help you:

#1. The exact hair colour may differ

There is a certain risk involved with hair colour -- what you see may not necessarily be what you get.

It is likely that your definition of a certain colour may be different from that of your colourist's.

A good precaution would be to bring photos of the exact shade of hair colour you desire.

#2. Coloured hair demands specific shampoos and conditioners 

Once you have coloured your hair, you cannot go back to using your normal shampoos and conditioners.

For preserving hair colour, you must buy a shampoo and conditioner prescribed for coloured hair.

While buying, identify the tags 'shampoo for coloured hair' or 'colour vibrancy' on the pack.

#3. Use a purple shampoo to eliminate brassiness

A purple (toning) shampoo will prevent your coloured hair from getting over-toned. (A word of caution: Purple shampoos are not meant for everyday use. You can use them once a week.)

#4. Your hair colour can fade

Your stylist may or may not warn you, but hair colour generally fades faster when you are exposed to the sun.

It also fades quickly than it is supposed to be, when you do not use a shampoo or conditioner, which is not specially designed for coloured hair.

#5. Touch-ups are required

No matter how much you care for your hair, you cannot avoid the fading.

Your hair grows almost 1/2  inches every month and hence you need to get the roots of your strands retouched every six to eight weeks.

This process depends on the type of look you want.

If you want to avoid frequent touch-ups, choose a shade which is close to your natural hair colour.

#6. Avoid pool water

Chlorine hampers your hair colour. Due to the presence of copper in water, it can combine with chlorine to oxidise your hair.

Imagine your hair turning greenish in colour.

In order to prevent this, you should wear a hair mask before taking a dip.

Also, it is important that you get your hair wet before using the mask. This will keep your hair protected and the harmful water cannot damage your tresses.