We love playing with our hair, from trying new, trendy haircuts to adding new colors. But color can be stressful for hair, and unprepared locks can prevent you from having the lush shade of your dreams. Get gorgeous, longer-lasting results by giving your hair some serious TLC before you get to the salon.

Oil is a must.

Color strips natural oils and moisture from hair, so it helps to give your mane a little boost before you take the plunge. Add a dime-size drop of oil (we like Shu Uemura Essence Absolue Nourishing Protective Oil) to your hair a few times a week as a treatment to prep your hair for your next color appointment, or daily for an extra boost, says celebrity colorist Justin Anderson of Chris McMillan Salon.

Unless you have an overly oily scalp,avoid washing up every day. This dries out hair and strips shine - the last thing you want before a color treatment. Remember, the healthier your hair is before you color it, the longer your color will last.

A shampoo and conditioner, like L'Oréal Paris EverCrème Sulfate-Free Moisture System Nourishing Shampoo, keeps our hair healthy and shiny. Make this a habit now so it'll be second nature once you get your color done. When your hair is healthy, your color is happy.

What new hair shade are you fantasizing about this season? Tell us in the comments!