Aren't Colors Fun?

Hello! I've been lurking for about a week now, and thought I'd jump into the action, and ask for some tips.

I'm naturally diswater blonde (yuck, I know!), and have been going lighter for about a year, to a medium golden blonde shade.

About a month ago, I got it in my head that I should be a strawberry blonde, so I started doing my homework.

According to everything I've read, I shouldn't touch anything with red hues. I have pale skin that burns easily, dark blue eyes, pinkish undertones in my cheeks, and freckles. According to "the code" I can only wear boring colors, like beige and ash. What fun is there in that?

Last week I saw a professional, and she said I wouldn't be happy with red. So upset! But she said I needed to "put color back in" and proceeded to turn my hair darker than my dishwater days. Even more upset!!

After two hours and a bottle of lemon juice, I've got it back to where it was. Needless to say, I'm still bored with the color.

I guess my question is: Has anyone has successful results with a color that doesn't follow the rules? And how long should I wait before attempting a new color?

Thanks all, and happy coloring!!!

I've always just found a semi-permanent color I liked and tried it. I've never tried to go by what colors would look "good" with my skin tone. Way too much work. Sometimes the colors I try work, and sometimes they don't. It's not a huge deal, especially if you use semi-permanent. You can always try again.

Those rules are general guidelines. They are generally very safe. I'm sure you'll blend in with everybody else just fine if you follow the rules.

Me: I don't follow the rules, and I'm perfectly content with most of the looks I've conjured up in the past. (I actually really liked the way I looked with my orangey-faded out hair; nobody should look good with that.) I've got black hair now, even with a pale, pinkish complexion and dark blue eyes...

I think most looks just take some getting used to. I'm sure that whatever you try, you will find a way to make it work. Everything will be an adjustment.

I suggest photoshopping it to see if the color itself looks good on you. This is where I always start. Once you find the color you want, the trick lies in getting the color onto your head-- for that, I suggest lots of semi-permanent dyes and strand tests. If you find something you really like, you can move on to permanent dyes... but especially if you're unsure about it (which it sounds like you are) don't take any huge chances.

Sticking with the rules will make someone look good. Going outside of those rules will take a bit more work, but I'm totally positive that you can look great AND stand out with your new look.

Ever see someone with a really wacky color, who actually looked really good with it? My best friend always used to dye her hair blue. She looked punky, but she pulled it off in a strange kind of way. Now, nowhere in the "rules" does it say ANYTHING about blue dye. It just took some more work and experimentation on her part to make it work.

I wish you luck!