Changing things up!

To Go Boldly...Maybe not "where no one has gone before", but perhaps someplace new for you?

As anyone who has seen me at a coference or book signing knows, I like to change my hair styles. Often. Or at least more often than most people. You can count on me having a different cut, style, or color from one event to the next.
What can I say?  I like to play.  And I like bold statements with both my cut and color.
The best way to try something new colorwise without a lot of risk is to use a color that washes out. If you end up liking the new color, switch to a semi or fully permanent color. Be aware though, that not all "wash out" colors really do.

Testing new styles isn't as easy, or at least it didn't use to be. But now you can go to www.thehairstyler.com and using a photo of yourself, try out tons of different styles and color combinations. It's a blast! Audacious color is fun, but grow-out is not our friend.  So, I've learned a few things along the way to try to mitigate that.
If you have dark hair, but want to try blonde or the brighter reds...give multi-colored highlights a try rather than an all over single color change.  The grow-out won't be as obvious and you won't be getting touch-ups three weeks later.  You can even frame your face with blond or red sections, but try having an inch out from the roots and the back of your hair died a color similar to your natural color so that the grow-out won't look distressingly out of place.
Saucy color is fab, but can fade.  Here are a couple of tricks I've used successfully.
Blondes who attempt to go black with their hair have a problem with fading.  I found that when dying blond to black at home, adding a little heat made for shinier, more long lasting color. (Just cover with a shower cap and heat with blow-dryer set on medium for ten minutes of the processing time.)  And remember, gloss can always be added with the right hair products. :)  A dark brunette will hold its color longer, but probably won't satisfy the goth-wannabe in you.

Red shades tend to fade as well, no matter what the natural hair color. Using a red color boosting shampoo once or twice a week can really help. I use color care shampoo and color protective products all the time. Salon products cost more, but I find the extra $ more than worth it.
I've like Biolage's line for color care products and have used it a lot.  While not strictly for olor care, I currently use the Fekkai gloss line and get sleek, shiny hair with half the effort I used to put into it.
What do you like to do to change things up a bit?