"Nothing changes your attitude and mood like good hair color," says New York City colorist and mother of two Sharon Dorram-Krause. This is especially true postpregnancy, she adds, when all too often "you just don't feel good about yourself." If your tresses and your psyche are drab or gray, head to the salon and indulge in a gloss, some rich semipermanent color, or highlights. All three are shockingly low maintenance, doable at home (if you must) and, some might argue, far more impactful than a session with the ol' shrink. "Color is a big confidence booster," says New York City salon owner Rita Hazan. "And it doesn't go away the next day."
Glazes
WHY YOU SHOULD TRY THEM
Glazes subtly tint and pump up your natural color, so they're perfect for anyone who "wants a little pick-me-up when their hair's been beaten up by pregnancy," says Joel Warren, co-owner of the Warren Tricomi Salon in New York City and a L'Oreal Professional spokesperson. One caveat: They contain very low levels of pigment, so they don't cover grays.
WHAT'S INVOLVED
After mixing up a custom glaze, your colorist will coat your hair and park you under a heat lamp for 20 to 30 minutes, then rinse. Most salon glazes last a month.
AT-HOME ADVICE
"The first time you use a glaze, rinse it out right away to see how much color it deposits. You can always add more," says Jason Backe, master colorist at the Ted Gibson Salon in New York City.
Try
John Frieda Luminous color glaze $10, Walgreens.
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