How to Choose Hair Dye: Expert Tips & Virtual Hair Color Try-On
Choosing a new hair color can be exciting, but knowing how to choose the right hair dye takes more than finding a shade you love. Your starting hair color, previous treatments, desired result, and maintenance preferences all influence which coloring formula is right for you.
And what if you're not sure you'll love the result?
A virtual hair color try-on lets you preview different shades on your own photo before committing to a real color treatment. With HairLook, you can explore different hair colors and even use a hairstyle inspiration photo from Pinterest to visualize a look before taking the plunge.
In this guide, you'll learn how to choose hair dye, understand the differences between coloring formulas, explore six popular shades, and preview your next hair transformation with HairLook before making a change.
How to Choose the Right Hair Dye
Before buying hair dye, think about the result you want, your current hair color, and how much maintenance you're willing to do. These five factors can help you choose the right approach.
1. Your starting hair color
Your starting shade affects the final result. The same hair dye can look very different on blonde, brown, and black hair. If your hair has been colored before, the result may also differ from what you'd get on untreated hair.
2. Your desired result
Think about what you want to achieve. Darkening your hair, refreshing your current shade, covering gray hair, and going significantly lighter are different goals that may require different products or salon techniques.
3. Your hair history
Previous coloring, bleaching, and chemical treatments can affect how your hair responds to a new dye. If you're planning a major color change, tell your colorist about any treatments you've had to help them determine the best approach.
4. Your maintenance preferences
Consider how often you're willing to touch up your roots, refresh your color, or visit a salon. Choosing a shade close to your natural hair color can make regrowth less noticeable, while a dramatic change may require more frequent upkeep.
5. Your preferred shade
Have a color in mind but aren't sure how it will look on you? Use a virtual hair color try-on to compare different shades on your own photo before choosing a dye or booking a salon appointment.
Hair Color Levels and Tones Explained
Understanding hair color levels and tones can help you compare dye shades and explain exactly what you want to a hairstylist.
Hair color level: How light or dark the shade is
Hair color levels describe how light or dark a color is. Black and deep espresso are on the darker end of the spectrum, while blonde shades fall toward the lighter end.
Hair color tone: The shade's underlying character
Tone describes the color's character, such as golden, ash, copper, or red. Two dyes at a similar level can look quite different because they have different tones.
For example, espresso usually appears deeper and darker than chocolate brown, which can show more noticeable brown tones. Copper tends to have orange-red hues, while auburn blends red and brown.
Why does this matter when choosing hair dye?
Knowing the difference helps you narrow down your options. Instead of asking for a dark brown, for example, you can tell your stylist whether you prefer a deep espresso or a warmer chocolate brown. A virtual hair color try-on can help you visualize different shades on your own photo. However, it cannot determine which dye formula will work on your current hair or guarantee the exact result after coloring.
Take the Guesswork Out of Choosing Hair Dye
Not sure which hair dye shade to choose? Before purchasing a product or booking a salon appointment, use HairLook's virtual hair color try-on to preview different shades on your own photo. Comparing colors virtually can help you narrow down your options before making a decision.
Here are six shades to experiment with:
1. Copper: Inspired by Emma Stone's signature copper looks, preview a vibrant, red-toned transformation before considering a bold color change.
2. Honey Blonde: Take inspiration from Julia Roberts' golden blonde looks and experiment with a warmer, lighter shade.
3. Espresso: Explore a deep brunette shade inspired by Dakota Johnson's rich, dark hair looks.
4. Chocolate Brown: Try a rich brunette shade inspired by Hailey Bieber's glossy brown hair transformations.
5. Auburn: Preview a reddish-brown shade inspired by Julianne Moore's iconic red hair.
6. Burgundy: Take inspiration from Rihanna's bold hair color transformations and experiment with a deep, red-toned shade.
Permanent vs. Demi-Permanent vs. Semi-Permanent Hair Dye
Choosing between permanent, demi-permanent, and semi-permanent hair dye depends on how much you want to change your color, whether you need gray coverage, and how long you want the result to last.
Hair color type | Best for | What to expect |
Permanent hair dye | Lasting color changes and gray coverage | Color remains in treated hair as roots grow out; fading and refreshing depend on the shade and formula. |
Demi-permanent hair color | Refreshing color, adding depth, or blending some gray | Gradually fades and generally lasts longer than semi-permanent color. |
Semi-permanent hair color | Experimenting with a different tone | Deposits color that gradually washes out; results vary by product and hair condition. |
Hair glosses and color-depositing products | Enhancing shine or refreshing existing color | Effects vary by formula and may be temporary. |
Which type should you choose? Consider your desired result, current hair color, gray coverage needs, and maintenance preferences. Always follow the product instructions.
Consider Hair Color Maintenance Before Choosing a Dye
Timing varies by product, hair condition, and individual color goals. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions
How often you'll need to refresh your hair color depends on your chosen shade, coloring formula, and natural regrowth. Choosing a shade close to your natural hair color can make visible roots less noticeable, while a high-contrast change may require more frequent touch-ups.
Permanent hair dye provides lasting color in treated hair, although roots grow in and some shades may fade. Demi-permanent color gradually fades and is often used to refresh color or add depth, while semi-permanent color typically washes out more quickly. If you prefer a lower-maintenance look, consider how often you're willing to refresh your color before choosing a formula.
Can You Go from Dark Hair to Blonde in One Appointment?
It depends on your starting color, previous treatments, hair condition, and the blonde shade you want.
Going from natural brown hair to a darker honey blonde may be more straightforward than transforming previously dyed black hair into a very light blonde. Major lightening changes may require multiple salon appointments.
A virtual hair color preview can help you visualize your preferred blonde shade, but it can't determine how many appointments you'll need or guarantee the final result. For a significant color change, consult a professional colorist.
Brands such as L'Oréal Paris, Revlon, Garnier, and Clairol offer different at-home hair color products. Rather than choosing by brand name alone, compare the specific product's:
Formula: Permanent, demi-permanent, or semi-permanent.
Shade range: Whether it offers your desired color.
Gray coverage: Whether the formula is designed for your needs.
Starting-color guidance: Whether the instructions suit your current hair color.
Maintenance requirements: How often you may need to refresh the color.
Product availability and formulas vary by country, so check the packaging and official product instructions before purchasing.
Remember that the shade shown on a box is only a guide. Your starting hair color, previous treatments, and the formula will influence the final result.
Before you buy: Use HairLook to preview your preferred shade on your own photo. This can help you choose a color direction before purchasing dye or visiting a salon, although a virtual preview cannot predict the exact chemical result.
Consider Hair Color Maintenance Before Choosing a Dye
How often you'll need to refresh your hair color depends on your chosen shade, coloring formula, and natural regrowth. Choosing a shade close to your natural hair color can make visible roots less noticeable, while a high-contrast change may require more frequent touch-ups.
Permanent hair dye provides lasting color in treated hair, although roots grow in and some shades may fade. Demi-permanent color gradually fades and is often used to refresh color or add depth, while semi-permanent color typically washes out more quickly. If you prefer a lower-maintenance look, consider how often you're willing to refresh your color before choosing a formula.
How to Use Virtual Hair Color Try-On Before Dyeing
Choosing a new hair color doesn't have to involve guesswork. With HairLook's virtual hair color try-on, you can preview different shades on your own photo, compare your favorite looks, and find inspiration before deciding on a real hair color change.
Step 1: Upload your photo
Choose a clear photo of yourself to preview different hair colors.
Step 2: Explore hair colors virtually
Try different shades and balayage styles. Compare your favorite looks before deciding which color direction to pursue.
Step 3: Compare your favorite looks
Review your virtual transformations and save the shades you would like to consider for your next color change.
Step 4: Bring your inspiration to your hairstylist
Use your favorite previews as visual references. Your stylist can assess your starting color, previous treatments, and hair condition to recommend an appropriate coloring approach.
With HairLook, you can experiment with different hair color possibilities and use a hairstyle inspiration photo from Pinterest to help visualize a look you love.
Remember that virtual hair color is a visual guide, not a guarantee of the exact result you'll achieve with real hair dye.
Hair Dye FAQs: Choosing a Shade and Using Virtual Try-On
Can I preview hair dye colors on my photo before buying dye?
Yes. HairLook's virtual hair color try-on lets you preview different shades on your own photo before purchasing dye or booking a salon appointment. You can compare potential looks and narrow down your favorites before making a real color change.
Can virtual hair color try-on help me compare similar shades?
Yes. You can explore differences between shades such as espresso and chocolate brown, honey blonde and beige blonde, or copper and auburn. A virtual preview helps you visualize these options, although your starting hair color and the real coloring process will affect the final result.
Can I try a hair color from a Pinterest photo on myself?
HairLook lets you upload a hairstyle inspiration photo from Pinterest and explore the look on your own photo. This can help you visualize an inspiration look before discussing it with your hairstylist.
Can virtual hair color try-on show my exact salon result?
No. A virtual preview is a visual guide, not a guarantee. Your starting hair color, previous treatments, hair condition, and coloring technique all influence the final result.
How do I choose between permanent and demi-permanent hair dye?
Permanent dye is designed for lasting color changes and is often used for gray coverage. Demi-permanent color gradually fades and can help refresh a shade or add depth. The right option depends on your desired result, starting color, and maintenance preferences.
How do I read hair dye shade numbers?
Many hair dye brands use numbers to indicate color depth and codes or descriptions to identify tones. These systems vary by manufacturer, so check the brand's shade chart and product instructions before choosing a product.
Which hair dye is best for covering gray hair?
Look for a formula specifically designed for your gray coverage needs. Results depend on the product, your starting color, and the amount of gray hair. Follow the product instructions and consult a professional colorist if you're unsure.
Can HairLook tell me which hair dye will work on my current hair?
HairLook helps you visualize different hair colors on your photo, but it cannot determine which chemical formula is suitable for your hair or guarantee the outcome. Consider your current color and previous treatments, and consult a colorist for major changes.
Does virtual hair color try-on damage my hair?
No. HairLook's virtual try-on lets you preview different colors using a photo without applying dye or chemicals to your actual hair. You can explore possibilities before deciding whether to color your hair in real life.
Preview Your Next Hair Color With HairLook
Choosing a hair dye involves more than picking a shade you like. Consider your starting hair color, previous treatments, desired result, and maintenance preferences before deciding on a formula.
Use HairLook's virtual hair color try-on to explore shades on your own photo, then bring your favorite preview to your hairstylist or use it as a reference when comparing hair dye products.
Ready to explore your next look? Try different hair colors virtually with HairLook before making your next color decision.
