I’ve been itching for a change. My hair has been the same color and almost the same style for a pretty long time now, and I’m getting pretty bored of it, but I’ve been holding out. There are a lot of things to think about when changing your hair color and I wanted to make sure I took them all into consideration before taking the plunge.

This doesn’t really apply if your all like “Hmmm my hair is chocolate brown but I’m thinking I want it to be more like MILK chocolate, ya know?” Because that’s not a huge change and it probably won’t be an issue. I’m talking major color changes here.

So if you’re thinking of seriously changing your hair color here is some stuff you might want to toss around in the old noggin first:

Is It Realistic?

Are you trying to go from dyed black hair to platinum blonde? Are you looking at a very badly photoshopped picture of a tricolor braid like the one above and bringing it to your hair appointment in hopes that your stylist can recreate it? Oh while I’m on that topic, SO many of the cool crazy hair colors I see on Pinterest are done in photoshop. That three colored braid took me about 15 minutes to do. It’s not that great . . .AT ALL, but I’ve never done it before and I did it quickly, so basically anyone with some Photoshop experience and a little time can whip one up. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

The point is, not every color change is realistic. Sometimes going from a very dark color to a very light color will take many, many appointments and need to be done over time. And some things that aren’t real like crazy photoshopped braids can’t be done at all. Just take a moment to think hard and make sure you have realistic expectations.

What Is The Condition of Your Hair?

Is your hair super fried from heat styling, or many many past color changes? Dying your hair always damages it a little, even when you do it in the most gentle way possible. So before you decide to make the change, consider what your hair is like at the moment and if it can handle more damage. Obviously everyone’s hair is different, and every hair color procedure is different.

A good stylist will be able to say “Listen lady, this is probably not a great idea for your hair” or can tell you if the condition of your hair will effect how the color will work etc. But thinking about it realistically first will help you avoid disappointment when you get in the chair.

How Much Maintenance is Required?

Carefully consider how much the initial change will cost AND how much maintenance is required. If the color is very very different from your natural shade, then you may find yourself back in the salon every few weeks to touch up your roots. Some colors fade faster than others,So you may need to go back for a glaze every few weeks to keep it vibrant. (FYI Red is notorious for fading super fast)

Before you commit to the color, can you commit to the time and money it might take to maintain it?

You Might Have To Change Up Your Makeup.

I’m not one of those people who believes in ridiculous “rules” like redheads can’t wear red lipstick (that one cracks me up actually) or your eyebrows have to be lighter if you have blonde hair. Variety is the spice of life! That being said though, you might find that you prefer to change your makeup once you have changed your hair color. So you should be prepared that you might feel the urge to make a trip to Sephora soon after for a new color of eyebrow pencil, or a different mascara or blush or whatever you feel is not gelling with your new look.

Do You Have A Huge Life Event Coming Up?

This is actually the question that has held me back from changing my color lately. I’m getting married in November and I can’t help but think I would look back at pictures and wish I had my normal hair color in 20 years when I look at the pictures. In case you’re wondering I learned this lesson the hard way, by having neon pink bangs at my prom.

If you have a big life event coming up where you will probably keep the pictures for many years to come, I’m not saying that means you CAN”T change your color before it, I’m just saying maybe you should think long and hard about it first.

I will probably be changing my color as soon after the wedding as I possibly can manage, because GOOD GOOGLY MOOGLY I am bored of this brown.

Want to see what color I want to try?

(I pulled these photos off pinterest as examples, if they’re yours or you know where they are originally from let me know and I’ll link it and give credit. The Pinterest links lead nowhere)

I’m thinking something along these lines, like a rich dark Auburn. What do you think? I’m pretty excited to try it. And of course obviously I’ll blog about it once I do!

Are any of you itching for a change? What are you thinking of trying, and what do you take into consideration before changing your hair color?