Changing Your Hair Color Will Make You Look Younger   by Loretta Moreland

in Society / Women's Issues    (submitted 2008-09-24)

All baby boomer's know their best features. They've tried different hair cuts and colors in an attempt to continue to look their very best. It's true there are some beautiful women out there with silver tresses, and on some women it is very sexy. Even though platinum hair can look really cool, it will never make you look younger. It can make you look up to ten years older.

As you grow older, it's a good idea to start lightening your hair, I'm not saying everyone should be blond, not everyone looks better as a blond. But almost everyone looks better with a little lighter hair around their face. Whatever your current shade, go just two shades lighter than your natural base color and you won't believe the compliments you'll start receiving. Hair that is too dark emphasizes the lines on your face by throwing darkness into them. Severe dark color will not make you look younger, but will age you. You can lighten up the strands that frame your face even more than two shades with highlights. You'll immediately brighten up your face, illuminate your skin tone and give yourself an all-over youthful glow.

Some of our best known celebrities are examples of this; comparisons of photographs taken just 5-7 years ago will verify they have lightened their color for the sole purpose of looking better and looking younger. Consider Jane Fonda, Diane Keaton, Bette Midler, Barbra Streisand, Madonna, Hillary Clinton, Barbara Walters, and Katie Couric. Their lighter hair color makes them look younger and glamorous.

Hair color is the first thing people will notice about you. What does your hair color say about you right now. If you already color your hair, you've joined the majority of American women (54%) who color their hair on a regular basis. Consider lightening your hair just a couple of shades; it will make you look younger.

How to Choose Your Perfect Hair Color

When you going to dye your hair, you need to pick a color that will look fabulous on you. It's not about looking natural, it's about looking great. You'll may want to start slowly and just add a few highlights around your face. For help in this area, go to Clairol's website (clairol.com). You can upload your photo and try out a spectrum of shades on your photo. A fantastic way to see what your favorite hair color would look like on you. Clairol even offers free phone consultation. So if you find a color you want, but have questions, they'll help you.

To pick out your perfect color you need to consider your natural color, then go up or down two shades. Going five or more shades lighter might make you look washed-out because your skin tone and your new hair color may no longer be a match.

Another reason you don't want to do an extreme color change is that it can damage your hair, causing breakage. Within your chosen shade, you may want to add subtle hints of gold, red or even copper, just stay away from hints of ashy blond, as this can come off looking drab. Dark brunettes will look beautiful with lighter highlights. Blonde's should consider going a little darker than the shade of blond they had as a child. Starting with your hair color as a toddler is a safe way to ensure your new hair color will compliment your skin tone and eye color.

Determine the Amount of Maintenance You're Comfortable With

Whether you color your hair yourself or have it done at a salon, how often you need touching up depends on the difference in your new hair color and your natural color. If you are going from very dark to very light or vice versa, your roots will be more noticeable as they grow out. This will mean more maintenance, as you will have to color your hair more often in order to cover up the roots.

Whatever you decide, make sure you can do the maintenance yourself or you can afford to have a salon do it for you. Once you have taken the plunge and lightened your hair, especially around your face, you will definitely start getting the compliments. Oh, and don't worry if some of your (same age) friends make comments that aren't too complimentary, they are just jealous that you look so much younger than they do.

About the Author

Loretta Moreland is an experienced health care provider specializing in Elder Care.

Please check out my blog for all the latest treatments, suggestions, and reviews on homeopathic remedies.
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