Hot hue revue: latest trends in high definition hair color

STRIKING HIGHLIGHTS and multihued layers are the trends in hair color this season. Hair care experts say that with an initial consultation with a professional colorist, combined with continued at-home maintenance, Sisters can have the best of both worlds radiant color and healthy hair.

IT'S a new year, and it's the perfect time to debut a brand-new you--and what better way to do that than with a hot new hue? From Tinseltown to Motown, trendsetting Sisters are transforming their tresses with every color of the rainbow. And with the new hair care products designed specifically for relaxed and dyed African-American hair textures, your radiant, dyed crown can be healthy, too. Here, professional stylists and colorists provide some important tips for those Sisters who are considering a sizzling new shade for 2006.

RESPECT YOUR UNDERTONE AND YOUR AURA.

Selecting the best new shade or highlights for you depends on a number of factors, from your aura--that inner glow that you're born with--to the kind of emotive energy that you want to project, according to some hair experts.

"Color can have either a warm or cool intensity or tone," notes celebrity hairstylist Diane DaCosta, author of Textured Tresses: The Ultimate Guide to Maintaining and Styling Natural Hair." Warm tones are oranges, reds and yellows. Cool tones are blues, violets and greens. Warm tones tend to brighten or lighten your aura while cool tones tend to darken or subdue your aura."

It is ideal that your aura agrees with your undertone. It doesn't matter if your complexion is fair, medium or deep; when it comes to choosing the right hair color, your skin's undertone is what can make or break your overall look, explains Los Angeles hairstylist Therris Williams-Spears, co-owner of the Mane Appearance Salon." Women with reddish undertones should choose golden colors, reddish-browns and copper, but you should avoid platinum-blonde colors, unless that color is mixed with a shade that is closer to your tone. If you have a lighter complexion with green undertones, I don't suggest that you wear pure blonde colors because your undertone could cause your hair to look olive."

CONSULT A PROFESSIONAL COLORIST.

Your hairstylist may not be a professional colorist, cautions master hairstylist/colorist Rob Willis, owner of the International Salon in Detroit, and global color consultant at Mizani USA.

"You have to understand the difference between a stylist and a colorist; a colorist styles, but he or she also knows the art and science of hair color," Willis says. "A stylist is trained to give you what you want, but a colorist is trained to give the best possible color for your skin's undertones." (Tip: When you consult your colorist, bring a picture that illustrates the color you want.)

Willis adds that if you apply hair color at home, you must be mindful of the processing time. After coloring your hair, you should avoid alcohol-laden styling products (such as spritz) and using intense heat to prevent breakage.

VISIT YOUR STYLIST REGULARLY.

Why spend $100 to get the most perfect hair color if your hair is going to end up in the sink? "You should look for a colorist who is also into hair care," advises Los Angeles hairstylist Notasha Shannon. "After the color, you still have to keep your hair maintained so that your hair will not become damaged. A professional maintenance routine is important because after you color your hair, your perm routine must change, and you must also know what shampoos, conditioners and styling products are best for your type of hair."

WEAR THE RIGHT COLORS TO COMPLEMENT YOUR NEW HAIR HUE.

Now that you've updated your hair-do, don't forget to update your wardrobe, advises style expert Lloyd Boston, author of Before You Put That On: 365 Daily Style Tips for Her. Boston suggests that if you have brunette or black hair, then fuschia, turquoise and royal blue are your best bet. If you have classic blonde hair, then orange, gentle earth tones, classic camel and navy will complement you; and if you have red hair, wear mint, earth tones, orange and pale gold to turn heads.

Colorists' tips

1. TAKE CARE OF YOUR HAIR FROM THE INSIDE OUT. A healthy lifestyle and a positive attitude promotes healthy hair and hair growth. Brittle, broken and damaged hair is quite often the result of stress and a poor diet.

2. ADJUST YOUR PERM AND STYLING ROUTINE. You may want to switch to a milder relaxer formula or a relaxer for color-treated hair after you get permanent hair color, suggests master colorist Rob Willis of Detroit. He suggests that you avoid alcohol-laden styling gels, holding sprays and spritzes that can dry out relaxed, colored hair, which can lead to breakage. Keep your hair conditioned and moisturized to maintain its health.

3. FIGHT FADING COLOR. Ask your colorist for a soap cap (mixture of shampoo, peroxide and water) to keep the color fresh between touchups. When washing your hair at home, use shampoo and conditioners for color-treated hair to help maintain your color's radiance.