My First Hair Colour: What Should I Do?
Booking your first ever hair colour appointment is exciting — and, if you’re honest, maybe a little nerve-wracking too. That’s completely normal. The good news is that a first colour doesn’t have to be a big leap, and a good salon will make sure you feel comfortable every step of the way. Here’s an honest guide from the team at Wisteria Avenue in Abingdon on how to approach it.
Start with a consultation, not a decision
The single best piece of advice for a first colour is this: don’t feel you need to walk in with your mind made up. The right place to start is a consultation — an honest conversation with a stylist about what you’d like, what will suit your skin tone and natural colour, and what’s realistic for your hair. It’s far better to arrive with a rough idea, or even just a feeling, and let an expert help you shape it than to commit to something specific before you’ve talked it through.
Ease in gently
For a first colour, there’s a lot to be said for starting subtle. Techniques like balayage and highlights are popular first steps for good reason — rather than changing your whole head of colour, they add lightness and dimension that works with your natural hair. They look soft and natural, and crucially they grow out gently, so you’re not locked into constant upkeep while you decide whether you like having colour. You can always do more next time; it’s much harder to undo a dramatic first change you’re not sure about. If you’d like to understand the different options properly, our guide on how to choose a hair colour is a good place to start.
Think about maintenance honestly
Every colour comes with some upkeep, and it’s worth being realistic about that before you start rather than being surprised later. Some looks need refreshing every few weeks; softer, grown-out styles can go months. Be honest with your stylist about how much time and budget you want to put into maintenance — a good one will steer you toward something that fits your life, not just something that looks nice on the day.
A practical note: the skin test
One thing every first-time colour client should know: you’ll need a skin test before your appointment. It’s a quick, simple check carried out in advance to make sure the colour is safe for you — and it’s a standard, sensible step rather than anything to worry about. Just bear in mind it needs doing ahead of time, so factor it in when you book.
Book your first colour in Abingdon
If you’re ready to take the plunge, we’d love to help you do it properly. Book in for a free, no-obligation colour consultation and we’ll talk through everything honestly, at your pace. You can also have a look at our price list to see what’s involved.
