Top Questions to Ask Your Hair Stylist Before You Color Your Hair

So, you're ready to shake things up and add a splash of color to your hair? Whether you're dreaming of a bold transformation or a subtle refresh, getting the right shade isn’t just about picking a color from a chart. It’s about making sure your hair stays healthy, vibrant, and fabulous. Before you dive into the dye, sit down with your stylist and ask these game-changing questions to avoid any hair-raising surprises!

1. What Shades Will Best Complement My Skin Tone and Undertone?

Some colors look better than others on certain skin tones and under tones. Your stylist should help you choose a shade that enhances your natural complexion. Cool skin tones generally work well with jewel-toned fashion colors like aqua marine, pastel pink, lavender, or peach. Warm skin tones tend to look best with golden glaze, caramel, bordeaux wine, fuchsia pink, or orange. If you’re unsure about your undertone, your stylist can help determine whether you lean warm, cool, or neutral.

2. What is the Difference between Permanent and Semi-Permanent Hair Color?

Understanding the difference between permanent and semi-permanent hair dye will help you make the right choice based on your goals:

• Permanent hair color penetrates the hair shaft, offering long-lasting color that slowly grows out over time. However, the shade range for permanent colors is limited—typically browns, blondes, bordeaux, and violets.

• Semi-permanent color coats the outer layer of the hair without altering its natural pigment, fading gradually and beautifully with each wash. Unlike permanent dyes, semi-permanent colors offer a broad spectrum of shades, from fiery red to midnight blue, from hot fuchsia pink to pastel pink, and from emerald green to steel grey, allowing for more creative expression. It’s great for trying out a new shade without commitment.

Your stylist can recommend the best option based on how long you want the color to last and how much upkeep you’re willing to do.

3. How Much Maintenance Will This Color Require?

Some shades require more maintenance than others. Ask your stylist about:

• How often you’ll need to touch up roots (especially for high-contrast colors like platinum blonde or charcoal grey).

• Whether you’ll need toning treatments to maintain vibrancy (important for shades like red, toffee, caramel, or ash grey).

• Which pH balance shampoo with color-protect complex should you use to extend longevity.

4. Will This Color Work with My Natural Hair Texture and Type?

Certain hair colors may affect different hair types in unique ways. If you have coarse, curly, or fine hair, your stylist should explain how the dyeing process may alter your hair’s structure and what treatments you’ll need to maintain health and manageability. Additionally, ask about bond protecting plex products which help reinforce hair structure and protect it from damage during and after the coloring process.

5. Do I Need to Prepare My Hair Before Coloring?

Many people overlook pre-color hair prep, but it can significantly impact results. Your stylist may recommend:

• Deep conditioning treatments a week before coloring to prevent excessive dryness.

• Avoiding washing hair 24–48 hours before the appointment so natural oils can protect the scalp.

• Skipping heavy styling products that can create buildup and interfere with dye absorption.

6. Will This Process Damage My Hair?

Some coloring techniques, can damage hair strands more than others. Your stylist should provide insight into:

• How much processing your hair can handle without excessive damage.

• Whether you need a bond-repair treatment like Plex Protect or Olaplex to protect your hair during the process.

• Alternative, less-damaging options if your hair is already compromised. Do you also believe that bleaching damages hair? Let’s burst your myth- brands promoting "no-bleach" or “no-ammonia” hair colors often replace ammonia with MEA or hydrogen peroxide. Meaning every touch-up and reapplication brings a mild bleaching agent directly to your scalp. This constant exposure is actually more damaging than bleaching once for a semi-permanent color and keep changing your color without thinking about the damage. Using hair bleach for hair color with bond protecting plex, helps maintain hair health, making it a safer long-term option.

7. Can I Achieve My Desired Color in One Session?

If you’re going for a drastic change (e.g., dark brown to platinum blonde), you may need multiple sessions to avoid excessive damage. Ask your stylist about a realistic timeline and whether your goal shade is achievable in one appointment or if a gradual approach is necessary.

8. Will the Color Fade or Change Over Time?

Hair color, especially reds, pastels, and vivid shades, can fade faster than expected. Your stylist should explain:

• How long the color will last.

• If it will fade to an undesirable tone (e.g., blonde turning brassy, red shifting to orange).

• What products and treatments will help prolong vibrancy?

9. Can I Go Back to My Natural Color Easily?

If you’re trying a bold or trendy shade, ask how difficult it will be to revert to your natural color later. Some colors require extensive color correction, which can be time-consuming and costly.

10. What Ingredients Should I Look for in Hair Dye?

Not all hair dyes are created equal! Some contain harsh chemicals that can lead to dryness, breakage, or scalp irritation. Before coloring, ask your stylist about:

• Must-have ingredients: Look for nourishing elements like argan oil, keratin, aloe vera, and shea butter to keep hair hydrated and strong.

• Quality matters: A product containing the highest quality PPD or resorcinol is often better than one that removes them but includes lower-quality alternatives. Just because a formula is “PPD-free” or “resorcinol-free” doesn’t mean it’s safer—low-grade substitutes may cause even more damage or irritation. Always go for the products that promise highest quality ingredients available.

• Vegan and cruelty-free options: If you prefer ethical beauty products, ask for recommendations that align with your values.

11. What Aftercare Products Should I Use?

Your stylist should recommend colour protect shampoos, conditioners, and treatments to keep your color looking fresh. Ask about:

• Whether their recommended shampoo and mask have a premium quality color protect compound to maintain vibrancy.

• Heat protection products to prevent color fading and hair damage like hair sprays with panthenol, proteins (rice protein, silk protein, wheat protein, keratin, etc.)

• Deep conditioning treatments and products to keep hair healthy post-coloring. These include leave in conditioners with panthenol and argan oil, cream based serums with hydrolysed keratin, or a hair mask for with deep conditioning concentrate.

Final Thoughts

Asking these expert-level questions before coloring your hair will help you make an informed decision and ensure that you achieve a stunning, long-lasting result. Your stylist is your best resource, so take advantage of their knowledge and experience. A well-planned color transformation can keep your hair looking vibrant, healthy, and exactly the way you envisioned!