Just before the beginning of this school year, I got my previously dark blonde hair dyed bright lavender. I did it mostly because I'd had the same hair for a long time and felt ready for a change, and I wanted to try something drastic and fun. Since then, I've learned a lot about hair and hair maintenance, which is not something I ever gave much thought to before. Having bright candy-colored hair is pretty fun, and it's a great way to switch up your style, but people are often intimidated to make the leap because they're afraid it won't look good, it'll be too damaging, or they won't be able to maintain it. Overall, I haven't found the process to be as difficult as I was expecting, but if you're considering dyeing your hair a crazy color, here are some things you need to know.

Bleach is no fun

I do not recommend trying to bleach your own hair, especially if this is your first time at this. But even if you're getting it done professionally, getting your whole head bleached isn't the most relaxing experience you'll ever have at the salon. It takes a long time, and depending on dark your hair is to begin with, you may need to go in for a couple rounds of bleaching over a period of a few weeks to mitigate the damage. Have a talk with your stylist about what kind of shape your hair is in and how damaging it will be to bleach it. Also, if you have sensitive skin, you probably want to ask about bleach formulate for your skin type. It's a pretty harsh chemical, and you don't want to end up with a scalp full of blisters. They're not exactly dangerous, and they go away in a week or two, but better to avoid that if you can. That said, it's probably not going to fry your hair as much as you think. It's damaging, but relax, your hair isn't going to fall out.

I hope you like dirty hair...

If you're one of those people who washes their hair every day and likes to have it squeaky-clean all the time, kiss that goodbye. If you wash your hair every day you're going to strip your color out in no time flat. You should wash your hair with shampoo no more than twice a week, less than that if you can manage it. Don't worry, it's not as crazy as it sounds. I work out six days a week and I can still deal with it. If you're sweaty or your hair looks greasy, shower with a shower cap, then use a tiny drop of color-safe shampoo and wash the sweat and oil out of your roots in the sink. Stock up on dry shampoo for quick spot treatments and you'll be fine.

And cold showers...

Any time you wash your hair, whether it's in the shower or the sink, you need to use water as cold as you can stand it. (Bonus tip: This is actually good for your hair even if it isn't color-treated, it seals the cuticle and makes it look shinier!) It helps a lot, but it does take some getting used to. Dousing your head with cold water right after a hot shower probably sounds like a nightmare. But by this point I'm so used to it that it's actually pretty refreshing. Colored hair takes sacrifice, friends.

But coloring your hair isn't as scary as you think.

If you're worried it won't match your clothes, don't. You want to pick a color you like and that flatters your skin tone, but if you're hesitating to get the bright blue hair of your dreams because you're afraid it'll look strange with your favorite canary yellow sweater, you shouldn't be. Own that color combo. Contrary to what fashion magazines would have you believe, most "clashing colors" don't look as bad together as you think. Blair Waldorf can do it, you can do it. And if you're worried about the maintenance, don't be. It does take a little extra effort, but invest in a quality boar-bristle brush to prevent breakage and wash your hair less often and you'll be fine. And when your color does eventually fade, you don't necessarily need to shell out for another salon treatment. Buy a $12 bottle of direct dye (just pigment, no chemicals) and touch it up yourself. I just put it in with my hands, let it soak for about and hour, and rinse. Works like a charm. Sure, your roots may still show, but they're not as noticeable as you might think. What are you afraid people are going to see? That you don't have naturally bright pink hair?

Seriously, just give it a try.

If you want to have a crazy hair color but you're scared to try it, just do it. Everyone needs to take a risk once in a while. Worst case scenario is you don't like it and end up having it dyed back. But odds are you'll be glad you did it, and it's a great way to mix up your style and get out of your comfort zone for a while. Even if you just want to get some streaks rather than the full-head treatment, it's something everyone should try it at least once.