A change in the seasons means a change in your hair color, right? And let’s be honest, there is nothing more fun than switching up your hair color for a fresh, new look. Recently I went from full on bright blonde ombre locks to a much more subdued, natural blonde hue. How did I successfully make the change? Keep reading.

1. Bring pictures

I have colored my hair since a very young age, so I’ve made my mistakes and I definitely learned from them (I personally should never have Zoey Deschanel’s haircut or color). When going from one hair color to another you need to bring lots of pictures to show your stylist. Bringing multiple pictures that show a similar hair color trend will help your stylist understand what you’re trying to achieve. The clearer your vision, the better the end result. Pull pictures from Pinterest or the internet. Just make sure you’re clear with your stylist about what you like from each picture so you’re on the same page.

2. It won’t be a quick appointment

I spent 3 hours in the salon when transitioning my hair from summer to fall. You might finish your hair transformation in a few hours, or it might take several appointments. It all depends how drastic of a change you’re asking for. What you need to remember is good hair takes time, so don’t be frustrated or upset if your stylist can’t give you the exact look you want in one appointment. They’re the experts, so trust them. Also, be prepared to stock up on deep conditioning products. We love Joico K-PAK Reconstructor and Wella LuxeOil Keratin Restore Mask. All over changes of color mean hard changes on your hair.

3. Keep your daily routine in mind

Hate being in the salon every 4-6 weeks? Don’t switch your haircut or color to something you can’t manage. Sure, bangs might be all the rage for fall, but are they right for you? If you’re not prepared to go in for trims and touch ups, you might want to reconsider taking the plunge. If you do end up with roots, invest in a root touchup product such as AG Hair Root Touch Up & Dry Shampoo or Joico Tint Shot Root Concealer.

Switching up your hair for a new season is fun, but to get the results you want you need to come prepared, and have realistic expectations. Patience and trusting in your stylist will get you the fall hair of your dreams.