When it's time to get braces on your teeth, there are several types to choose from. You may prefer the look of ceramic braces over conventional stainless steel, because ceramic braces are translucent and appear to be clear, or tooth-colored, which makes them nearly invisible in your mouth.

Whether coloring your hair yourself or going to a salon, you absolutely must bleach your hair if you want to dye it a lighter color. Bleaching agents do cause hair damage, even when professionally applied. Professionals, however, know what bleaching agent to use, how best to use it and how to minimize the damage.

Well water often contains high levels of iron and other minerals. Hair absorbs these contaminants like a sponge, resulting in discoloration, dry and brittle hair and a metallic odor. The best way to protect hair from such contaminants is to avoid using tap water while shampooing.

Making a hair color mistake is almost always unpleasant. If your color mishap is the deepest, darkest shade of black, however, you've made a choice that might seem difficult to reverse. Because not everyone can carry off jet-black hair with style, you may feel that you are stuck wearing a hat for the next few months.

Salon and at-home dye treatments lighten your hair in a hurry, but the results may not look as natural as you'd like. Dye also contains harsh chemicals that can damage your hair. If you prefer a more gentle, subtle effect, use lemon juice and the power of the sun to lighten your tresses.

If you dye your hair, you probably love the color but hate how dry and brittle your locks feel. Dyeing stresses hair by stripping away natural oils, lipids and nutrients, which causes it to weaken and break. If you're sick of losing your strands, you don't need to swear off coloring forever.

You can't stop your hair once it starts turning gray, but you can color it for a more youthful look. Salon and store-bought dyes contain harsh chemicals that might weaken your hair or cause skin irritation. If you're sensitive to these dyes, try using coffee as a more natural alternative.