Lil Alis Speaks: Hair Highlights

Hey Lil Alis,

I know this may sound crazy but I have never colored my hair and I desperately want a new look. Can you walk me through all I need to do from finding the right colorist to how much I’m expected to pay? Thanks!

-In Need of Hueful Hair

Hi Hueful,

Don’t be embarrassed! Plenty of women have never colored their hair but now is a great time! Let me let you in on a few things from my experience. When I first started getting my hair colored, I paid attention to other women’s hair that I liked and asked them where they went. So window shop around and be bold! Most women will share their hair colorist and even the products they use without feeling threatened (for those that don’t - pooey on them!). Of course, there’s always the tried and true manner of searching through a magazine and pulling out the latest Beyonce or Jennifer Anniston picture to show your stylist what color you’re looking to slide on top of your dome.

Once you have picked out the perfect color and can accurately describe it, it’s time to find a colorist. I live by recommendation. If your regular stylist doesn’t do color, ask her or him for a recommendation. Also, check out that number the fly sister with the auburn locks on 5th Avenue gave you that day.  Call around, feel out the correspondence with the various salons and if you’re really diligent, go to the salon and see the ‘afters’ coming out. When you call ask a lot of questions. Are they responsive? Do they take time to explain the process? Do they answer all your questions with good customer service? And most importantly, how long before your new colorist can get you in? And lastly, because I’m gauging that this is a big thing for you, I suggest you get a couple of consultations first!

Now, for the big event. Be prepared to spend all day in the salon because coloring is a delicate process and you don’t want anyone to rush through it. As for the cash, I would have to say expect to pay no less than $200 at a good salon (and this is an east coast girl talking). It’s so worth it to get your hair colored right!

One last thing…bring extra cash for a manicure and lunch while you are there. Oh and a good book!

Have a lifestyle question for Lil Alis, hit her at LilAlis@MartiniPink.com. Also, check out more of Lil Alis at her very own website Lil Alis.