If you want a drastic change to your look, a dye job is definitely the way to do it. Haircuts are a great way to get people to notice something different, but no hairstyle pops quite the same way that a neon color does. If you’re getting ready to dye your hair, whether for the first time or the tenth, here are some things to keep in mind.

1. Will Your Workplace Be Fine with It?

Some workplaces require employees to maintain a professional look, which surely means no crazy hair colors. You may be able to get away with a red that’s a bit outside the norm, but blue and purple will be off the table. This information can usually be found in a human resources manual, but if you’re not sure, it’s always a good idea to ask your boss.

2. Does That Color Go Well with Your Style?

Your style is unique, and it has a number of unspoken rules that you want to stick to whenever you’re changing your look. If you’re a shy person, for example, you may want to avoid a rainbow hair color, to avoid calling attention. Even if you just have a tendency toward certain colors, take that into account when making your decision.

3. Will You Need More than One Treatment?

If you’re going from a very dark color to a very light one, or you’re going from more of a dirty blonde to a bright neon color, you’re probably not going to be able to do it in one treatment. Additional treatments will be more expensive and take more time, but they’re necessary. You just have to be prepared for the extra cost and time commitment.

4. Do You Have the Right Maintenance Products?

Maintaining your hair color isn’t as easy as just washing your hair a few times less every week. You need to use maintenance products that are specifically targeted at colored hair, and stocking up on those products can be expensive. If you’re going for something especially bold, you’ll also have to re-dye your hair every so often, which means more salon visits or more boxes of dye.

5. Do You Know What You Want?

You probably think you know what you want, but do you really? If you want a crazy color, what exact shade are you looking for? Do you want an ombre look, and if so, where do you want the two colors to fade into one another? One of the best things you can do when getting ready to dye your hair is find a few pictures that show what you want your hair to look like. Don’t leave it all in your stylist’s hands; after all, you’re the one who’s going to be sporting this look!

6. Are You Ready to Make Small Changes to Your Lifestyle?

Once you’ve dyed your hair, you’ll have to make some small changes in how you do certain things. For example, for at least two weeks before and two weeks after dyeing your hair, you’ll want to avoid swimming in chlorinated water. You may also want to start wearing a shower cap during most of your showers, to avoid bleeding. Even just the everyday strains of the summer sun can lead to an unplanned maintenance treatment. These are small changes, but depending upon your current lifestyle, they could have a big impact.

7. Can You Book an Appointment with a Stylist?

Especially if this is your first time dyeing your hair, it’s usually a good idea to just book an appointment. Don’t try to do it on your own, especially if you have to lighten your hair in addition to dyeing it. Sure, you can usually reverse the effects of a hair dye gone wrong, but even that reversal may not work out how you intended. Book an appointment with a colorist to reduce those possibilities.

You can get a professional color treatment at Ogle School. Whether you’re looking to fix a poorly done dye job, get something new, or just touch up an existing color, Ogle School Houston has an option for you.