As someone who has been coloring her hair since she was in middle school, I think I can say I’ve been around the block enough times to know a thing or two about dying your hair. Though many people around you might try to scare you out of it, I’m saying you should go for it. A lot of what people tell are in fact misconceptions and, if you ask any professional, will turn out not to be true. So whether you’re planning on going to a hairdresser or are going to turn your own bathroom into a salon, here’s some advice for your brand new do!

1. Bleach Won’t Make Your Hair Fall Out.

As long as you take care of your newly colored hair after you or your hairdresser has used bleach, you won’t have to worry about chunks falling out.

2. You’re Not Ruining Your Hair.

Sure, you’re not doing your hair a whole lot of good by getting it colored but you certainly won’t end up bald by the time you’re thirty or forty. As mentioned above, you just have to make sure you’re taking care of your hair and I promise you’ll still have a full head of hair once you hit the Big 4-0!

3. Don’t Wash Your Hair Every Day.

Even if you still have virgin hair, washing it every time you go into the shower isn’t healthy. Washing your hair does make it nice and clean, yes, but if you do it every day it strips it of its natural oils. It’s especially important to follow this rule after you’ve had your hair highlighted or colored. Personally, I let my hair go for three days before washing it again. Dry shampoo will become your best friend!

4. Colored Hair Products Really Aren’t That Much Expensive.

Once you’ve discovered the magic of dying your hair, you should seriously consider getting shampoo and conditioner specially designed for treated hair. They work differently than normal shampoos and conditioner to keep your hair healthy and strong even after you’ve colored it. You don’t even have to go for the name brand stuff: I usually look for whatever’s on sale. It’s also good to ask your hairdresser or any professional if there’s a specific treatment you should buy, especially after bleaching. You have to make sure to keep your hair healthy and happy!

5. You’re Hair Won’t Get Dry or Brittle.

With bleach, you might run this risk but if you’re only planning on doing a shade darker or getting highlights, your hair won’t feel gross and crunchy. If you have gotten it bleached like me, you just have to follow rules three and four and listen to a professional. Dying your hair certainly isn’t the worst thing in the world and as long as you’re treating your hair well, your luscious locks will still remain intact for you to style them all you want!