To go Dark or not to go Dark

I'm not going to lie, I'm a little sad summer is coming to an end but I need to look at the positive. For example, I won't need to worry about burning my hands on my car's hot steering wheel or planning my pool days around wash hair days, but alas these are the stresses of life.

There are so many great things about autumn; crisp autumn air, fall foliage crunching underfoot, and cute jackets you've been longing to wear all summer. Autumn also brings with it a season of change. One of the most popular requests for change that I see is "I want to go dark for fall". There's nothing like a rich, chocolate brown, a deep mahogany or a golden chestnut to bring in the cozy days of fall. I love dark hair color, I have dark hair. With this season fast approaching I want to share my Guide to Dark... the tips and tricks, as well as the, are you ready to make this kind of commitment checklist.

Commitment Checklist:

• How long have I wanted to make this change? If you just broke up with your boyfriend, had a baby or completely changed your life, think about it a little bit longer.
• Do I have blond hair but need a change? Going dark is fabulous but going back blond is not easy and takes a long time, to keep the strength and integrity of your hair in tact you won't be your original blond again for at least 9 months to a year. I would rather be cautious than careless. Come in to see me and we'll discuss ways to spice up your blond without the commitment.
  
• I've been wanting to go dark for a long time now and have really decided that I would like to be dark for a while and I'm not too emotionally attached to my lighter hair and love change. Call me, make an appointment and get ready for some gorgeous hair.
  

Tips and Tricks

• To get an even, rich, consistent color when going from blond to dark a fill color will need to be used. When hair is lightened the natural pigment in the hair is lost and needs to be replaced before dark color is applied. Don't try this at home or you could end up with muddy, green hair. Let the professionals handle this one.
• Darker colors are sometimes a process. A few layers of color will need to be deposited to achieve the ultimate in richness and depth.
• Depending on the condition of the hair to start with, there may be some fading after the initial visit. (See above)
  
• When hair is changed significantly, other things need to change too. For example, make-up color palette and clothing colors, etc. Something that worked for you when you were uber blond may not cut it when you are strutting your stuff as a brunette.

Whether you decide to take the plunge and go dark this fall or not, that's up to you. Either way, your hair reflects you. Are you sharing with the world your ultimate self?