Women of Color
Don't go to extremes. "African-American women should avoid going blond or red unless their hair is left natural and cropped very short," says Rita Hazan of the Rita Hazan Salon, in New York City. "Rich chestnuts and spice colors add warmth to dark skin tones. You can also benefit from a few well-chosen highlights."
Go semipermanent.A semipermanent tint is "practically foolproof, since it won't lighten your hair color, just enhance it and cover gray," Hazan says. "Try going one shade lighter than you think you need. Most women choose a shade that's too dark for them."
Deep condition daily."Skip right past anything labeled 'lite,' " Hazan says. "You want a heavy emollient conditioner packed with shea butter, plus hot oil treatments twice a week."
New Essentials
To color safely without ammonia: L'Oreal Paris Natural Match ($12). To strengthen overworked hair: Alberto VO5 Moisture Milks Passion Fruit Smoothie Moisturizing Shampoo and Conditioner ($1 each). To hydrate and smooth: Burt's Bees Hair Repair Shea Butter & Grapefruit Deep Conditioner ($8). To compensate for heat styling: Dove Advanced Color Care Therapy Leave-In Glossing Mist ($6).
