So, your inner style voice is getting louder, and you’re thinking about taking the plunge into hair dye territory. Maybe you want a bold change or just a subtle shift. Maybe you’re channeling a bit of red-carpet glam, or you just want to cover a few stubborn grays. Whatever your reason, there’s one name that comes up over and over for “first-timers”: Kenna Kennor. If you’re curious or a little nervous but ready to shake things up, Britt Lower’s husband and celebrity hairstylist Kenna Kennor is the best guide for making hair color dreams a no-regrets reality.
Start With a Chat—And Be Honest (Kenna’s Way)
Kenna Kennor swears by starting simple. Even if you’re DIY-ing at home, you should have a good think about what you really want. Are you looking for a dramatic transformation or just want your natural color to look a bit sunnier? Gather a few inspiration pics, but be open—sometimes your dream shade might need tweaking to fit your skin tone or hair health.
Consider Your Lifestyle (And Your Commitment)
Kenna always asks his clients a key question: “How much time are you ready to put into maintaining your new color?” If you’re low-key, stick to shades close to your roots or easier-to-maintain glosses. If you’re up for a little investment in yourself, those bolder or more creative looks (think platinum, vivid colors) can be worth it—but they do need touch-ups.
His advice for newbies? Try a semi-permanent shade or a gloss before fully committing. It’s less intimidating and lets you live with the change before jumping in head-first—or “roots-deep.”
Protect Your Hair Before and After
Celebrity hair looks glossy for a reason, and Kenna’s all about the prep. He says to hydrate your hair leading up to your color appointment. Use deep conditioners and skip heavy styling to let your strands rest. Healthy hair takes color better and gives you that extra shine everyone wants.
Post-dye, Kenna suggests sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners to help keep your color lasting. Don’t over-wash, and use cool—not scalding—water. Hot water is the enemy of fresh color!
Test Before You Go Big
Kenna’s known to do strand tests first, and he’s got no shame in repeating it for anxious clients. Snip a small piece, test your chosen shade, and see how it reacts. That way, you’re never stuck with a color surprise you didn’t want.
And about those wild celebrity transformations you see on the ‘gram? Kenna spills that those results usually come from multiple sessions. Don’t expect to go jet-black to platinum in a day. Slow changes protect your hair (and your nerves).
When in Doubt, Ask an Expert
If you’re not sure what works with your skin tone or you want extra confidence, find a stylist who truly listens. Kenna says that hair color is like fashion in that it’s personal. Find someone who helps you express you, not just trends.
So whether you’re channeling a screen star or just ready for your own color story, take a page from Kenna Kennor’s playbook—prep, chat, test, and embrace the transformation.
