In one sentence, describe what the following article is about: Dyeing your hair, especially a unique color, requires some steps. The last thing you want after going through the trouble to dye your hair is to realize you want a new hairstyle. If your natural shade is dark, it will be harder to get the color to show through. You can always go for a darker shade, but the color may not be as vibrant than if your hair was a lighter hue.  Lighter hues can also affect the outcome of a dye job. For example, if you are yellowish-blonde and try for a shade of red, your hair may come out orange. Go for blue, and you may end up with green instead.  White or grey hair can also make dye much brighter than it actually is. A blue-black shade, for example, could become bright blue.  To prevent these mishaps, it would be best to do a test strand before coloring your entire head because it will give you an idea about how the color will turn out. A common recommendation is to never go two shades lighter or darker than your natural hair color. The best thing to do is start with a lighter shade. You can always go darker later if you want.  Some shades may not work with your skin tone. If you have a tendency to blush, for example, you may want to avoid going with any pink or red tones. If you have pale skin, bright greens, and yellows could make you appear to be glowing. To see how shades look on you, visit a Halloween store and try on a few wigs to see how the colors look. Aside from your hair dye of choice, you'll need to gather a few items to make the process easier. Keep these stored in your bathroom for future dye jobs.  Plastic hair clips: These are useful for holding large sections of hair out of the way.  Rubber gloves: Hair dyes can contain some pretty harsh chemicals. Wear gloves to keep your hands safe. They'll also protect your skin from taking on the same color as your hair.  Vaseline: Spread a thin layer on your hairline and on your ears. Put it anywhere the dye might come in contact with your skin. Vaseline prevents the dye from staining your skin.  Old clothes and towels: Dyeing hair gets messy. It's always a good idea to use materials you don't mind ruining. Other items such as a kitchen timer, q-tips, spare gloves, and extra dyeing brushes are also good. While you could dye your hair on your own, the process will be much easier with a friend. Having an assistant who can get to those hard to reach spots will make for a smoother dye job.
Summary: Get a haircut. Consider your natural hair color. Choose a color that suits you. Assemble a hair dyeing kit. Find a friend to help you.

In one sentence, describe what the following article is about: The safest, smartest, and quickest way to improve your sex life is to communicate openly with your partner. Tell your partner what turns you on and what turns you off. Discuss your limitations and your ambitions for your sex life. Tell your partner anything they need to know to make your sex life as pleasurable as possible.  Don’t focus on what your partner is doing wrong, instead, focus on expressing your desires. Use “I” statements, such as “I like it when you touch me like this” or “I’d feel more comfortable waiting for that.”  If you find it difficult or embarrassing to talk about sex with your partner, do simultaneous free-writes and share your writing with each other, or turn off the lights and talking in the dark. Talking builds trust and intimacy. While it may seem hotter to cut to the chase, talking in the early stages of your relationship will help you avoid awkwardness and build the trust necessary to facilitate a healthy sex life. Don't do anything you're not ready for. Talk about it first. When talking about sex, we often get sheepish and fall somewhat short of talking as specifically as would be helpful. Try to be as specific as possible so your partner doesn't have to work to decode your messages.  Instead of saying, "I wish we'd have more sex" or "I wish we'd have different sex," tell your partner how much you love being with them and how you want to work on building your intimacy with each other. Then discuss specific things you'd like to do together, or specific things you'd like to change. Don’t fake anything. This damages trust and intimacy in the relationship. Instead, make your desires known and be honest of what is and isn’t working. Both men and women experience physical changes that can affect their sex lives.  If menopause is changing your libido, say something. It’s better than your partner thinking you are uninterested. If you are experiencing erectile dysfunction, talk with your partner and your doctor. The condition is often easily treated and is nothing to be embarrassed about. Maybe you shrug off having a higher sex drive than your partner, but perhaps you are not engaging in the most interesting sex for your partner. Discuss what each of you likes that the other partner does. Then, discuss things you’d like to introduce that may be new or different. The goal is to ensure the happiness of both partners in mutual pleasure. Approach this discussion with a non-judgmental attitude and do not be afraid of shame; feel safe discussing sexuality with your partner. Talk about the things you fantasize about, the things that turn you on. Write them down if you feel sheepish and then discuss them with your partner. If something comes up in conversation, like when you're watching television or reading a magazine, ask "What do you think of that?" Be honest and be open with your partner. Sharing fantasies can be refreshing in your sex life. The brain is your most sensitive sexual organ. Discussing fantasies doesn't necessarily mean you're going to act them out in real life, but in a trusting and open relationship, discussing fantasies of all sorts can be an open door to explore your sexual side and keep your sex life fresh, spontaneous, and fun. Before sexually connecting, try connecting in different ways. These ways may differ from couple to couple, so it’s important to connect in meaningful ways as a couple. Find the ways you meaningfully connect, then engage these interactions before sex. Intimacy can include intellectual, experiential, and emotional connection. You want to build a sense of intimacy and trust as a foundation.  Emotionally connect through heart-filled conversation, sharing your feelings and practicing empathy. Intellectually connect by discussing a topic you both care about. Connect physically with your partner by sitting across from each other and staring into each other’s eyes. It may feel silly or you might start to feel vulnerable, but keep with it and maintain this intimacy until you are ready to move forward.
Summary:
Tell your partner what you like. Be specific. Be honest about changes in your body. Engage in mutually pleasurable activities. Share fantasies. Connect with your partner.