In the spring, most people like to color their hair lighter. Even blondes will add highlights or lighten their hair a shade or two. Lighter hair reflects the sun better and makes skin look darker. If you are planning to dye your hair for spring, consider these tips to help you choose the right color and make it last as long as possible.

Stop Conditioning
Sure conditioner makes your hair softer and more manageable, but it can also strip the color away and leave your dye job looking less than amazing. Even if you don’t color your hair, you shouldn’t condition it everyday because it strips away the natural oils and can damage your hair. If you must condition your colored hair, try to only do so once or twice a week. Be sure to use conditioners that are designed for color treated hair.

Red Or Blonde
When you think of coloring your hair lighter, blonde is probably the first color that comes to mind. While blonde is obviously the lightest hair color available, there are other colors that can lighten your hair in a more subtle way. If you have dark hair, consider adding red highlights or dyeing your hair a light auburn. The change will not be as dramatic as going blonde but will still give you a lighter color.

Blondes may want to consider adding red highlights as well. The darker contrast of the red will make the blonde stand out more. If you do choose to go blonde this spring, opt for a natural shade instead of a bleached, artificial looking color.

Did @_Mgizzelle hair today ☺️ Went from a lot of red & brown lowlights to blonde highlights pic.twitter.com/A6kPrOmVjC

— alexis (@_DamnAlexis) April 24, 2014

Long wavy red hair with blonde highlights .. pic.twitter.com/OoWEzuBDHx

— Best Hairstyles ღ (@HairPornx) April 5, 2014

Before: Brassy Brunette. After: Ashy blonde highlights. By Lindsay pic.twitter.com/7AwSC0Bucq

— Darren and Co. Salon (@DarrenCoSalon) April 17, 2014

Chunking Highlights
Highlights are a great way to lighten hair a little without dyeing it completely. If you choose to highlight your hair, choose a color that is at least two shades lighter than your natural hair color. Chunking highlights are going to be popular this spring and if you are feeling really brave, you can try adding them with a hot neon color such as pink or purple.

So, I'm hearing that contrast colour is back…. Please just tell me chunking isn't … I hate chunky highlights

— Josh Cooley (@studiojry) April 10, 2012

New hair coloring techniques allow for soft or bold look. We can create chunking highlights. visit http://t.co/idLKhAkk pic.twitter.com/9FCvDPPT

— Lorie Gutierrez-Ford (@StylistLorie4U) December 21, 2011

Contrast colors VR and Blonde chunking technique. Guest: Meghan #paulmitchell #highlights #hairjunkie… http://t.co/NRT5MnrXCd

— Alexandra Villafañe (@MadeinPR_AV) March 11, 2013

It’s time to enjoy the sunshine and look your best. When it comes time to dye your hair for spring, remember these three tips and choose your color wisely.

Image via Wikimedia Commons