Hair Advice - maybe color?

I'm looking to refresh my haircut.  It's been my intent for a while to grow it to shoulder length, and it's still not as long as I'd like, but I'm itching for a cut, and especially liking the first cut that Shannon posted in this thread.  

However, in the name of giving shoulder length hair an honest attempt, I'm planning to refrain from cutting length off for another several months.  Instead I'm contemplating coloring my hair.

I'm thinking dark red (auburn?).  I've colored my hair that color before and loved it.  But that was before I knew much about coloring or style or anything (not that I know much now - but it's way more than I knew back then).  And I've aged in that time too....

My question is whether you think this color might suit me?  My natural coloring is midline-cool (more cool than warm, but not super cool) on the spectrum.  My hair used to have a fair amount of natural red in it, but that has faded with age, leaving me with brown and traces of gray hair.  I usually see red hair on people with warm, not cool complexions, and wonder if perhaps it would be a bad choice for me?

Pic below is approximately the color I envision on someone who also seems to have a "cool" complexion - it's not super flaming red, but more red than brown.  (I would dye it with henna, which I've done before, and this is about the color I think I'd achieve).

What do you think?  Yay=Worth a try or Nay=danger zone?

This post is also published in the youlookfab forum. You can read and reply to it in either place. All replies will appear in both places.

8 Comments

  • CocoLion replied 9 years ago

    If you had red hair before and liked it, why not go for it again if you are itching for a change?  I'm not that great about assessing cool vs. warm tones, perhaps because I  myself am a mix of the two (according to professional make up artists).  My yay vote comes with the usual caveat about hair dye.  Hard to maintain, expensive, hard to grow out.  I have thought many times about going blonder but the upkeep and expense of it gives me pause.  My niece does hair and make up for film and she told me there are people who spend $1000 a month in LA to get the most beautiful color!

  • Sveta replied 9 years ago

    This red is on the cool side so it should work for you. I also use henna to color my hair and I like it much better than the chemical dyes (although of course the colors with henna are much more limited).
    If your natural hair had red highlights in it I think red should suit you even if the natural highlights faded now. It happened to me too - interestingly red highlights were coming thrugh every time Idyed my hair - no matter which color, even ash brown! :-)
    Go for it! After all you can always dye it another color if you do not like the results.

  • Angie replied 9 years ago

    YAY. I love the idea of new hair colour. 

    This colour looks a little orange though, Amy. Too warm. I vote go a little purple/burgundy-red, rather than orange red, if you know what I mean. 

  • Sheila replied 9 years ago

    I like hair color that is multi toned. To my eye, it looks more natural. This color maybe fine straight up but I think it may fade and become too orangey.
    I think it is too straight toned  as well.  Maybe foils ? ... they can be easier to maintain as well.

  • Sara L. replied 9 years ago

    I think it your hair used to be red, it should look okay.  If you don't like it you can always dye it back to it's natural color. That's my philosophy on hair dying at least.  Yes, it will cost some to dye it a second time but then you don't have to worry about growing the color out.

  • Rebecca Mielke replied 9 years ago

    I have heard that actual red hair is most often found with cool skin tones. I know it is true with my one auburn-haired daughter: warm hair and eyes, cool skin. Just instinctually, I like the color you posted for you.

    Also, based on what I know of your personality type, I think you would do better than most with all-one-color hair. :)

  • Rebecca Mielke replied 9 years ago

    Btw, I do like that haircut - the one you linked to. Love the diagonal line at the jaw! :)

  • amiable replied 9 years ago

    Thanks Rebecca - I was hoping you'd chime in (considered emailing you) :)

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