Getting a new hair color is one thing; maintaining it is another story. The more your chosen color contrasts with your natural color, "the more upkeep you will need to do," reminds Lordet. "So keep that in mind." A natural blonde with rose gold highlights may need to hit the salon only once every eight to 10 weeks for touch-ups. But a natural brunette with platinum blond color will require much more maintenance (read: monthly salon appointments and money galore).

If you're not up for a major commitment, make a less extreme change to your overall color that you can maintain with at-home color, or consider partial highlights. A few foils around the hairline or some subtle balayage can help you change up your hair game without making you a hostage to your hairstylist.

If your hair's health is toast, there's a limit to how drastically you can change your color. Hair that's damaged from frequent hair-color changes, perms, or copious heat-styling shouldn't be lightened up with bleach due to the risk of breakage. Even dark hair color can do a number on weak hair, since permanent hair coloring products typically contain cuticle-swelling ammonia and drying hydrogen peroxide. If your hair is seriously damaged, think about getting some highlights or trying a temporary coloring product, which boosts hair color without intense chemicals.