I cannot stress this enough: if you’re dying your hair, especially for the first time, go to a professional. While it may look easy and it may be cheaper to buy a box dye kit, there are still chemicals involved and it could have disastrous results if not done properly, and not just for your hair, but for your skin too.

While looking for the perfect hairdresser for you, social media can help a lot, but also ask around to people you know and trust. They will tell you, firsthand, how it went, the price range, how their hair ended up and other details you might not find on Instagram or Facebook.

I’ve dyed my hair with two different hairdressers, both of them recommended by someone I trust. I’ve stuck with the second one, Raquel, because she understands what I’m asking for, is very blunt and honest on how the result may vary on my own hair, and always leaves my hair as healthy as possible.

Tip #4: Be ready for a long appointment

After you find your hairdresser and make an appointment, take into account how long it will take. Make the appointment on a day you have a lot of extra time to spare. No matter how simple the process may seem, it usually takes from an hour and half to four or five hours. The time it takes depends on the technique, your hair color, texture and general state it’s in.

I usually go on a Saturday morning or, if it’s during the week, after work.

Here are a couple of things to consider:

• Eat before you go there or take snacks with you; I usually take something to snack on while I’m waiting.
• If your salon allows, ask your sister, mom or friend to go with you and keep you company. My sister is usually with me while I’m at the salon, we talk and make a day out of it.
• Charge your phone and take headphones with you. If you can’t bring someone with you, it’s always good to have your phone’s battery to 100% and headphones to not disturb anyone around you.
• Take a book. If you need to get ahead on your reading, this might be a good moment to do so.

Blonde vs Brunette vs Redhead? My Experience

1. Brunette