# Writer Brief: Hair Color
> **This is an editorial brief, not final article copy.** Replace this brief with the finished article before publication.
## 1. Article identity
– **Category:** Hair Color
– **Article type:** pillar
– **Primary keyword:** hair color
– **Planned URL:** https://designworksstyle.com/hair/hair-color//
– **Canonical:** self-referencing canonical to the exact planned URL
– **SEO title:** Hair Color: Choosing Shades, Techniques & Maintenance
## 2. Searcher intent and job to be done
Broad hair-color hub connecting shade inspiration, color effects, balayage, and maintenance.
Answer the immediate question first. Then give enough explanation to help the reader make a good decision or complete the task. Do not write for a keyword list.
## 3. Secondary search concepts
– hair color
– hair color ideas
– hair coloring
– hair shades
These are concepts to cover naturally where relevant, not a checklist for forced exact-match repetition.
## 4. Questions the article must answer
– How do I choose a hair color?
– What factors affect color choice?
– Where should I start with balayage?
## 5. Detailed coverage requirements
– Explain shade families, undertones, natural base, maintenance, coloring techniques, and how goals affect the choice
– link to caramel, ash brown, balayage, and age-related color guidance.
For each major section, give the reader a concrete answer, example, decision rule, step, or troubleshooting point. Avoid generic filler.
## 6. Scope boundary / anti-cannibalization
Do not attempt to cover every color trend as a separate section; preserve distinct intents for balayage and specific color topics.
If a closely related question belongs to another planned page, answer only enough to orient the reader and link to the appropriate page. Do not reproduce the sibling’s main content.
## 7. Exact internal-link map
**This article should link TO these planned posts:**
– **Caramel Hair Color** → `https://designworksstyle.com/hair/caramel-hair-color//`
**Linking rule:** Use this as the parent for general hair-color decisions and route technique-specific searches to Balayage.
## 8. Reverse internal-link map
These planned articles should link **TO THIS ARTICLE** where context naturally occurs:
– **Ash Brown Hair** → `https://designworksstyle.com/hair/hair-color//`
– **Caramel Hair Color** → `https://designworksstyle.com/hair/hair-color//`
– **Hair Colors That Make You Look Younger** → `https://designworksstyle.com/hair/hair-color//`
## 9. Recommended article movement
1. Define the subject and reader problem.
2. Give the big-picture framework.
3. Introduce the major subtopics.
4. Link to focused supporting guides exactly when readers need deeper help.
5. Give the reader a clear next step through the cluster.
## 10. Length and quality standard
Target **1,000–1,500 words** unless the live SERP clearly supports a different depth. Do not pad. A concise, complete answer is preferable to repetitive length.
## 11. Editorial and SEO rules
– Use the primary keyword naturally.
– Do not force exact-match keyword repetition.
– Do not create sections solely for keyword insertion.
– Keep the article materially distinct from every sibling page.
– Use the exact planned URL.
– Use a self-referencing canonical for that exact URL.
– Do not canonicalize this article to another planned page.
– Do not create duplicate keyword-variant URLs.
– Internal links must be contextual and point to planned URLs.
– Validate the live SERP before writing; if intent materially differs, flag the page for review.
– For beauty/hair claims, distinguish general guidance from individualized professional advice and avoid unsupported promises.