Q: I want to know the best way to make my hair dark without looking fake?

A: 1st seek professional consultation- go to the salon locator and make an appointment with a matrix colorist.

Depending on your natural/existing level- to remain more natural looking you should only go 2 levels darker than what your natural is otherwise you get roots in 2 weeks and it does look fake. Ask your colorsist for a dimensional color. They will deepen and take on the tone of the darker but will not reach the same depth and as a result, will look more like natural color does- your end result will be dark with dimension instead of solid color.

Q: I dyed my hair too black! How do I fix it?

A: You will need something called a tint removal from a professional stylist. After you see your stylist, ask them for some good color maintaining products. Click on the "Find a Salon" or "Where to Buy" link and find a matrix colorist near you.

I have a question about getting rid of highlights. I have naturally dark brown hair but decided to put very light highlights in it that involved using bleach (this was professionally done). I now want to get rid of the highlights because I think the repetitive dying is killing my hair and I am in the process of growing it out (it's about shoulder length now). I was wondering what advice you could give me about getting rid of the highlights that will damage it the least and won't require me to chop off my newly grown locks. Thanks so much.

Hi there. This is such a common question!
Speak to your stylist and tell her everything you just told me. Then ask your stylist to use a demi coloron you, which will be the least damaging to your hair. Also, Biolage makes Earthtones, which are color conditioners and come in 5 colors, try the violet to tone down or brown depending on the color of the high lights.

Q: Today my stylist highlighted my naturally brown hair with blonde highlights. I had already gone blonde, more strawberry than true blonde before she applied the highlights. It is so blonde and concentrated only in the crown of my head. I don't like it but don't know what to ask for to change it. What do I ask for? What can be done to look more like a natural blonde vs. a bleached blonde?

A: The most important thing you can do is communicate. Share your concerns with your stylist. Communicate to her that you feel too blonde and tell her you would like some lowlights added in. Your stylist will be more than happy to help you out.

Nourishing Shine Cream and Reflective Shine Spray are unique products.
What are they for? Should I use both?

UV rays and free radicals are color killers. Color.smart has created two leave-in steps for continuous protection while answering different styling needs. Use both to keep color shined and protected all day. Nourishing Shine Cream acts like a sunscreen for hair. As a smooth base, it preps hair for styling while fighting frizz. A dime-sized amount is all you need, so don’t overdo it! Great to use before blow-drying or ironing to help protect against heat damage while enhancing shine. Finish with Reflective Shine Spray to lay down last bits of frizz and add gorgeous shimmering lights. Carry with you for shine touch-ups anytime. Check it out below:

www.matrix.com/products/color_smart/index.aspx