Here are some hints for hair color from the Rita Hazan, hair maven over at Oprah.com. Consider this the top 10 hair color screw ups, if you will:
Tip #1 You shouldn't over-highlight to blend gray. The highlights are an accent to the color, not a color themselves.
Tip #2 Colors that are too beige or ashy don't complement skin tones. Try using gold or warm tones, this gives the skin a more youthful, healthy glow.
Tip #3 Too solid of one color can look too dense.
Tip #4 Too light of one color can wash you out! Too dark can turn scary. Too red can be too clowny. So try to stay away from the extremes.
Tip #5 Don't forget the conditioner! There are very lightweight conditioners out there if you are concerned with weighing your hair down. Conditioner keeps your hair healthy and shiny.
Tip #6 Don't have the same hair color for years! Every season you need to change the tone a little bit, this way, you will never get stuck in a rut.
Tip #7 Following trends can be hard. Add a touch of a trend but nothing stripey or chunky.
Tip #8 Roots are simply never sexy.
Tip #9 Two-tone hair: Do not walk around with half your head one color and half another color. If you are growing out your hair, darken it first.
Tip #10 Don't get too creative with your color, less is more in hair color!
And there you have it! My worst hair color disaster (apart from unnatural colors like purple, blue, etc.): dying my hair caramel. The color was too wishy-washy and just faded away in a matter of a few washings (and it wasn't a cheap mistake, of course!).