Your guide to non-disastrous hair colours

If you were influenced by an Instagram post or just wanted a drastic change by dyeing your hair a colour off the rainbow, this article is for you.

First, pick a colour keeping the overall cost in mind, inclusive of maintenance, and follow up appointments. For example, according to an article by Seventeen, you may need multiple hair appointments to get your desired hair colour, varying depending on your hair type and the lightness of the colour you are trying to achieve. You also need to be aware of your work schedule to see if you have time for hair appointments.

Most Bangladeshis have naturally dark hair colours. Meaning, if you were to dye your hair a significantly lighter shade, you would likely have to resort to bleaching if you want the exact same shade as the model on the packaging or the hair sample on display at the salon.

Bleach goes into the hair shaft to break down molecules responsible for your hair colour, while simultaneously breaking down fatty acids on the hair shaft, making your hair weak. So, if you have heard of or watched bleach disasters where an individual's hair burns off, that is indeed a possible scenario, though less likely if you are assisted by a professional.

An article by The Washington Post recommends that you only bleach areas that require it. You could avoid bleaching your roots if you want an ombré type look. If you only need to retouch your roots, maybe just bleaching the roots would be better option than re-bleaching all of your hair.

If you are dyeing your hair a bright red/blue/pink/green or any unicorn colour for the first time and have never bleached before, it may be best to do so under the supervision or guidance of a professional first.

But suppose you have done so and have gotten your desired outcome. Then what?

In my personal experience, I have noticed that unnatural shades of hair dye tend to fade faster. The good thing if you won't have to re-bleach every time your hair dye fades, because bleaching is permanent. You can just reapply the same dye to your previously bleached hair at home.

There are also certain hair care requirements that vary depending on the hair dye you've chosen. For example, if you have blonde hair, you'll need purple shampoo to avoid your hair from becoming brassy over time as you wash it. There are also hair care products specifically made for colour-treated hair.

The same article by Seventeen mentioned that red shades of hair are the most difficult to maintain tend to fade the fastest. So, doing your research beforehand is a must. That way, you'll have all the necessary products exactly when you need them after dyeing your hair.

Hair colour options seem to get better and better every day. If well thought out, your decision made on a whim might turn out to have a beautiful outcome.

Bushra Zaman likes books, art, and only being contacted by email. Contact her at bushrazaman31@yahoo.com