Summer means sun, surf and dips in the pool, but all this fun is murder on your haircolor. Keep it looking luminous this summer and beyond.These simple strategies will help protect your investment.

If you think haircolor is just about creating a new look or covering gray, think again. In the hands of a pro, haircolor can work wonders, from making fine, thin hair look thicker, to slimming a full face, to perking up a pale complexion. Check out what it can do for you:

In a recent Wella Professionals survey it was revealed that 42% of women have never had a consultation with their colorist prior to dyeing. Whats more, 45% of women admitted they chat with their colorist about their personal lives, but only 13% actually discuss the products theyre using. So we enlisted Wella spokesperson Aura Friedman, a colorist at NYCs fabulous Serge Normant Salon, to give us the lowdown on the best way to talk with your colorist to achieve the look you want.

We know times are tough, but unlike manicures, pedicures and waxing, which can easily be done at home, haircolor is not something you should scrimp on. Coloring hair is truly an exact science and even the slightest amateur mistake can leave you looking less than fabulous. And after all, professional colorists go through years of training for a reason — because theres a whole lot more to the process than simply painting on color. Still not convinced? Here are five great reasons to trust your tresses to the pros.

So you want to color your hair, but youre a little hesitant. Thats understandable considering how complicated the whole process can seem. Should you get one all-over color, highlights or both? Are semi-permanent or permanent formulas better for you? And what is balayage, anyway? Weve come up with these haircolor cliff notes to get you started, but the best resource is always a professional colorist. So read up, then take what youve learned to your local salon.