The Do’s and Don’ts of At-Home Hair Coloring
It is probably no surprise that hair colors have changed dramatically over the years, moving from rather natural tones to bold, unnatural shades. In the hair colour industry, there are so many different trends going on, it can be hard to know which shades you can DIY at home, and which ones you should leave to the professionals. Do not worry, we have you covered! We’ve put together this guide on how to color hair like a pro to help you along with your DIY hair coloring efforts.
Knowing when you need to visit the salon is key to beauty success.
If you’re thinking about dyeing your hair at home, it might seem a little intimidating- not only is it a permanent or semi-permanent process- but experts say it’s possible to get salon-quality results at home if you follow some tips. Of course, stylists would prefer if you came to see them in a perfect world, and some even say that buying your own box colour has its place.
“At-home color helps those with gray hair or who can’t get to a salon easily,” according to Doug Macintosh, color director at Kieran McKenna Salon in New York City. when an individual doesn’t have a lot of time or is unwilling to make an expensive salon visit, it’s a time for a home color product.
The following are some tips for at-home colorists on how to make the most of their color as recommended by colorists at top salons.
It is Important to Pick the Right Shade
The rules are slightly different for color. For best results, go to a pro. “The further away from your natural color you want to go, the more reason you need to visit a professional,” explains Colin Lively, a colorist at Eddy’s on Coventry in Cleveland, OH. Getting your natural skin tone more than two shades lighter or darker will result in unpredictable results, according to Macintosh.
The task of bleaching or lightening your hair can also prove difficult for an amateur. Without understanding the theory of color lift, hair density, and hair texture, it is difficult to know how long to leave on bleach to achieve the result you want, says Nicole Brumley, owner of Kiiro Hair Lab in Springfield, MO. it has taken me quite a few tries to get DIY bleaching right, and I wouldn’t recommend doing it at home.
Conduct a patch test before use.
There is a box on the package of the hair dye suggesting performing a patch test before applying the color to your entire head. It is essential, according to Macintosh. it’s important to make sure you’re not allergic to the color because you could get a reaction. In order to be on the safe side, he advises mixing a small amount of the kit, applying it to your skin behind your ear or near your elbow, and waiting at least 24 hours to see if you get a rash or any irritation.
You may need more than one box
In order to color your hair completely, you will need a certain amount of dye boxes depending on your hair length and texture. lively explains that, if you’re applying for the first time, you’ll probably need more than one box since they are designed for touch-ups and regrowth. “If your hair reaches your shoulders, buy two boxes.”
Macintosh suggests people buy more than one box at a time so they can be prepared. You can mix them one at a time, and the other will be available if you need more color or, in the worst case, you’ll have a box for next time.
Preparation to Avoid Stains
The appearance of stains around the hairline is a common sign of at-home coloring. Rhys recommends applying Vaseline to the hairline and the tops of the ears to protect skin from the dye. Brumley supports this technique but stresses the importance of keeping the Vaseline away from your hair. This is because the Vaseline will prevent your hair’s pigments from taking root.
Prepare Your Tools
While box kits usually include gloves, experts recommend upgrading to get a better experience. I recommend buying gloves from the drugstore; not only are they inexpensive, but the ones that come in the kit are thin and flimsy and will tear, Lively says. “They are not really suitable for dye application.”
While some kits come with brushes, purchasing a tint applicator brush from a beauty supply store can ensure a seamless application, Rhys says. The brush makes it easier to apply color evenly to the hair rather than the unpredictable blob that can result from a bottle nozzle.
Apply Like a Pro
Don’t cover your whole head all at once. Brumley says to section your hair into quadrants. You should part your hair from forehead to nape and ear to ear, and clip each section separately. Next, you should apply the dye as close to the scalp as possible. According to Macintosh, it might be wise to enlist the help of a close friend, who can view the progress of the dye from afar. Also, he suggests starting with the backs because they are darker and more resistant to color, so you’ll have to leave the dye on for a bit longer to process.
“Apply the colour firmly to the root area and make sure you apply the colour firmly,” Rhys say. “You should feel the color on your scalp. You’re not going to get good results if you’re not applying enough pressure at the roots”.
Observe the instructions
“This is a progressive tint,” Macintosh explains. “Therefore, the longer you leave it on, the longer it will develop.” You should follow the directions on the box and pay close attention to your hair while applying the dye. Thus Brumley recommends following with the conditioner included in the kit. The conditioners lower the pH of the hair, so they close the cuticle to prolong the color, and therefore you should always use them.
