One issue that many Asian women face when coloring hair is going from dark to light, while avoiding brassiness. Helene Sheptin, a Los Angeles-based celebrity hair stylist, says that her first suggestion for coloring Asian hair is to avoid clashing hair color with skin tone. She recommends avoiding violet, platinum blonde, white and blue-tinged shades when choosing hair colors, because these can clash with Asian skin tones. This is not to say that a girl cannot have blonde Asian hair or even red Asian hair, but layering color is important in order to allow good contrast between colors. This will also add a shimmering effect to hair, which adds luster. Highlights are a great way to transition into a lighter hair color, adding texture and depth as well as the illusion of fullness.

Going to the salon can be costly, which is why at-home hair coloring should never be overlooked either. Sheptin warns that a lot of hair-color products at the drug store do not always work as well on Asian hair, which tends to be thicker than other hair types. However, there are several name brands that do get the job done. Loreal Feria Color 3D is a permanent dye that offers deeper and more intense hair color, and John Frieda Precise Foam Colour is a convenient foam dye that absorbs easily into hair. Palty Hair Dye is a Japanese brand that is also recommended for coloring Asian hair, and is available on Buy.com.

It is always easier to go from lighter to darker, Sheptin says, but going from dark to light when coloring Asian hair is not impossible either. Never attempt to do anything drastic, and when selecting a hair color, always go within two to three shades from your natural color. The good thing about going light is that if you make a mistake, it is easier to dye over with a darker color. Sheptin also recommends rinsing your hair with cold water to seal in the color, and use shampoos and conditioners designed specifically to prevent color from fading.