Before deciding which hair color is right for you, you must first distinguish between the real you and the person you visualize yourself to be. 

 

Which hair color projects the “real you”?



By Cece Feinberg
Columnist

Does Your Hair Color Communicate Your True Personality?

For centuries, philosophers and psychologists have studied the influence of color on how we behave and how others behave toward us. Just as advertising executives know that color plays a vital role in the acceptance or rejection of a product or service, your hair colorist can tell you that the color of your tresses can communicate something about your personality and how others perceive you. 

Do Catherine Zeta-Jones’ black locks add to her mysterious sexual appeal? Do Nicole Kidman’s red curls covey her fiery spirit? Did Cher dye her infamous black hair blonde to evoke a more youthful image? Is the old adage true? Will men honk at a brunette, stop for a blonde and back up for a red head?

Although there are thousands of different shades of hair color, here’s what experts say that your color selection may be saying about you:

Black:               Women with black hair are perceived to be mysterious and artistic, as well as powerful, intelligent and serious. The negative perception is that these dark-haired beauties are dishonest and sneaky.

Brunette:           Brunette’s convey intelligence, glamour and sophistication. However, these earth mothers may also be perceived as lacking imagination.

Red:                 Just as the color red has the power to increase heart rate, redheads are perceived as sassy extroverts who demand – and often command – the center of attention. On the other hand, redheads can appear to be brassy, hot tempered and unreasonable. (Who me???)

Blonde:             It’s true – blondes are perceived to have more fun. They also communicate allure, passion and youthfulness. However, they can also be perceived as frivolous and incapable.

 
Women with black hair are perceived as mysterious and artistic.

Hmmm, this caused me to consider changing my color, so I contacted my dear friend and colorist, Richard Hughes at Salon 1000, an Aveda concept salon located at 1000 West Avenue in the Mirador (305-531-4614) to have a little chat with him about trends and tips for hair color for the season.

Richard explained that the most prominent trend of the season is texture through color. Multi-dimensional shades and mixtures that combine colors give your hair color added personality and make it look more natural. For example, a dark rich eggplant purple with red accents and a rich brown base gives the illusion of thick texture and incredible shine. Whereas a light, light blond spiced up with some golden sparks woven in makes hair look as if it has been “kissed by the sun.” Also, look for deeper shades, such as caramel browns, cinnamon and strawberry.

Before deciding which hair color is right for you, you must first distinguish between the real you and the person you visualize yourself to be. Licensed beauty professionals agree that the color clients select should reflect their true personas, and the decision to color should not be made in haste following a major life change. The wrong choice can create a negative perception rather than empowering you to live out your wildest fantasies. 

But with so many colors, how can you correctly communicate what color you’re looking for and how will you know if you look good in it?

Richard suggests a consultation with your colorist. Also, come prepared with pages out of magazines. (Note: Be aware that the color will not be identical – it will resemble the color in the magazine.) Have an open mind; a good professional should give you a few options. Don’t limit yourself and be ready to expand on your original idea.

The best way to determine if a color is right for you is to visit a salon that specializes in hair-color services. Some even offer cyber-imaging technology that enables you to see what you will look like before any color is even applied.   

No matter what color you choose, from mild to wild, your true colors will always shine through.