How Much Damage Does Color Do to Your Hair?
One thing that often comes to mind when you think of hair coloring is the damage it causes to your hair, but that's where the professional comes in. "Your colorist is there to make sure that there is no damage to the hair," Ambrose said. "You may have an idea for color that is not suitable for your hair. Your colorist will give you options that will preserve the integrity and health of your hair." This can mean different things. For example, if you naturally have dark hair and are trying to go blond, your stylist might recommend undergoing multiple treatments. "Occasionally, it's best to achieve a look slowly over time, particularly if you are going much lighter."
How Long Should You Prepare to Be at the Salon?
"The color can usually be done in an hour to one hour and a half," Ambrose said. Sometimes, if you're making a superdrastic change — like going brunette to blond — it can take even longer. "It's important to allow time after to follow up with styling or a cut." So if your hair typically takes an hour to be cut and styled, set aside at least an extra hour on top of that for coloring.
