Dyeing for autumn

The last couple weeks of class, particularly last week when the weather dipped into the 50s and 60s, I noticed that new fall trends haven’t really taken to the streets yet. In the stores, I see a lot of last year’s repeats — floral pastels mixed with earth tones and leather shoes.

I didn’t even see a lot of coats, which makes me think that others are in the same ill-equipped boat I am as I failed to bring my fall coats from home, probably in my vain pursuit of prolonging the summer weather. Needless to say, I was a bit chilly.

As students start making the transition to their fall wardrobes, I’d like to take a step back from the upcoming fall trends and get everyone thinking about some more unconventional fall accessories.

I am a frequent hair-dyer. I’ve been a redhead and a brunette and just about every shade in between. It’s typically this time of year that I opt for a deep brown to complement the season’s warm hues, but this year, at the insistence of my friends, I ventured into the unknown and went for a bright blonde.

I often hear people tell me they’d like to experiment with their hair color but are too afraid to take the leap. This season, put your doubts aside and do it.

Whether it’s a deep auburn, a sultry chestnut or a bubbly blonde, changing the color of your locks is, in my opinion, the easiest and least expensive way to drastically change your look.

I’ve always been a do-it-yourselfer when it comes to hair color, which means scouring the massive hair dye aisle for that exact hue. In the eight-some years I’ve been dyeing my own hair, I’ve come across a few tips that can make the plunge a little less uncertain.

Hopefully you have a color in mind. If you have dark hair, there aren’t many places you can go but darker. If you feel like adding a pop of red, purchasing an auburn or red will add a tint to your hair, giving it an overall warmer look.

If you want to be drastic, the first thing you want to do is lighten. Once you go blonde, the sky is the limit, whether it be a natural red or eve blue, if that’s your style. But in order to get to blonde, keep in mind un-dyed hair can be bleached, but dyed hair cannot. If you’re like me and have dyed hair, purchase a lightening kit in order to achieve your look. I go for Clairol’s Nice ‘n Easy Born Blonde, which is less than $10 at most beauty stores.

Before dyeing your hair, patience is key. Never dye your hair the same day as a shower. Natural oils that collect on your hair after waiting a day are a great defense against damage done by hair dye.

Also, it’s important to read directions. Dyeing hair usually takes me about 40 minutes, while lightening can take upward of 90 minutes. It can be helpful to snip off a piece of your hair, roots and all, and test it with the color and timing before you take the dye to your whole head.

Finally, buy color-protecting shampoo and conditioner. These are typically less harsh than deep-cleansing shampoos and can help you to get the most out of your dye job. It’s best to spend a decent amount of money on these, and I would also invest in a repairing deep conditioner for the week after dying, when hair can become dry.

If you’re uncertain about a DIY dye, there are times when I recommend consulting a professional instead. Accidents happen, but they can always be fixed. If you don’t like the way your color turned out, consult your stylist for some expert re-coloring.

Finally, if you want to stop re-dyeing your hair, have an expert match your roots and dye your hair back to its natural color.

Another trend I’d like to see daring fashionistas take on this season? Lipstick. Oranges, corals, nudes and reds were everywhere this summer, and it’s a trend that I’d like to see transfer to the chilliest seasons. Lipstick is an easy way to feel chic, fancy and confident in the months that often include pale skin and weight gain. Keep people’s focus on your pretty pout by playing up your lips.

Anyone can pull off a warm fall scarf, a wool peacoat or patterned tights, so when considering your fall look this season, dare to do something different to keep the cold months ahead exciting.