The dos and don'ts of getting beautiful hair colour

Vibrant, shiny hair colour is every girl's best accessory - it completes your outfit and changes the way you feel about yourself. A change of colour can transform your locks from dull and drab, to beautiful and glamorous.

But how do you find the right colour and how do you know whether it will complement your eyes and skin tone? It's simple - listen to the experts.

We asked a selection of leading colourist's to share their top tips for how you can guarantee beautiful hair colour.

• Do visit a professional salon
  
  "Visiting a professional salon is the only way to get a true colour analysis of your hair. Its current state, its colour history and what will bring out the best in it. All of this will lead to the perfect result - beautiful, head turning colour."
  
  Luke Walton, Rainbow Room International



• Don't neglect your colour in the sun
  
  "Always be careful in the sun. Use products that have a UV filter, and wear a hat when sunbathing."
  
  Toby Brown, Manager and Creative Director, Browns



• Do be prepared for a change
  
  "After a dramatic colour change, expect it to be a bit of a shock!!!"
  
  Tim Scott-Wright, Salon Director, Lisa Shepherd Salons



• Don't be shy
  
  "Don't be afraid to contact your salon if your colour didn't work out the way you wanted."
  
  Adam Browne, Artistic Director, Fordham Soho



• Do plan ahead
  
  "Set colour change goals with your colourist so they can plan for the new seasons trends by gradually heading in the direction of the colour, so you don't need to use harsh chemicals to create a major change."
  
  Gina Conway, Ambassador of Hairdressing, Aveda Lifestyle Salon & Spa, Wimbledon and Fulham



• Don't go too drastic on your first visit
  
  "Take it in steps so that your hair's health stays in balance. Remember to reserve your next salon experience so that your colour doesn't self-destruct! Get a home maintenance kit to insure your colour investment."
  
  Stephanie Kocielsk, Paul Mitchell Artistic Director



• Do get to know your colourings
  
  "Ask your colourist to explain what colour is best for your skin type, hair type and the haircut you are carrying. Colour can make your hair look amazing and really complement your haircut. Salons use professional colour products, which are beneficial to the condition, and give more personalised colour to suit you."
  
  Anya Dellicompagni, Director of Hairdressing, Francesco Group



• Don't go too dark or too light
  
  "Don't go for a colour too much lighter or darker than your natural base shade, you will end up looking washed out. We are trained professionals and know what will, and won't look fantastic on you!"
  
  Mark Leeson, Mark Leeson Hair Body & Mind