TIPS : Updating your hair colour

Step 1: Enrich Your Natural Base Colour

Don’t try to cover up the color you were born with. Enhance it. Work with your colorist to figure out what hues are hidden below your surface. 

The idea is to find shades in your hair color’s family and bring out the warm, rich tones by adding more of that color. For example, if you have dark brown hair, chances are you also have some auburn/red in the mix. Bring those tones out by adding lowlights all over, suggests Adrian Wallace, colorist for Rita Hazan salon in New York City.

Step 2: Look To The Stars Of Shade

Check out celebrities wearing the color you covet, and observe how they switch their shades for the season, says Doug Macintosh of Pashah Salon in New York City.

Ask yourself, "Whose look can I realistically copycat?" Don’t try to rock Penelope Cruz’s color if your natural hair and skin tone are more Scarlett Johansson. Stay within one or two shades (darker or lighter) of your current or natural hue.

Step 3: Now, Customize it

Now that you’ve narrowed down the shade you like, bring the photo along on your consultation so you and your stylist can develop a personalized look, says Brad Johns, hair color director for Red Door Spas. It's also smart to ask questions. Talk about the colors in your wardrobe -- are you more browns, grays or blacks? Pastels or bold colors? This will help inform how much of what color is placed where.

From totalBeauty