Are you tired of your current hair color? Do you want to try a new look without breaking the bank? At-home hair coloring might be the answer. While it can be tempting to dive right in, it’s important to take certain precautions to avoid potential hair disasters. This post will cover the dos and don’ts of at-home hair coloring to achieve your desired look without mishaps.
Do: Choose the Right Shade
When selecting a hair color, it’s essential to choose the right shade. Look for a color that compliments your skin tone and enhances your natural features. If you’re unsure, opt for one that’s no more than two shades lighter or darker than your natural hair color. This will ensure that the color blends well with your current look.
Do: Perform a Patch Test
Before applying hair color all over your head, perform a patch test to check for potential allergic reactions. Place a small amount of hair color in a discrete area, like behind your ear, and wait 24 hours to see if there are any adverse reactions before coloring your entire head.
Do: Protect Your Skin
Hair color can easily stain your skin, so protect it by applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly around your hairline, ears, and neck. You can also use a barrier cream specifically designed for hair coloring.
Do: Use High-Quality Hair Color Products
Investing in high-quality hair color products will ensure you achieve the desired results. Cheap products may contain chemicals that can damage your hair and scalp. Look for natural formulas without ammonia, peroxide, or other harsh ingredients.
Do: Follow the Instructions
Hair color products come with instructions for a reason. Read and follow them carefully to ensure you achieve the desired results. Failure to do so can result in hair damage, uneven coloring, and other hair disasters.
Do: Condition Your Hair
After coloring your hair, condition it to restore moisture and prevent damage. Using a deep conditioning treatment once a week will also keep your hair healthy and shiny.
Don’t: Color Your Hair Too Often
Coloring your hair too often can damage your hair and scalp. For best results, wait at least 6-8 weeks between sessions to allow your hair to recover. If you’re unsure about the timing, consult a professional hairstylist.
Don’t: Use Hair Color on Damaged Hair
If your hair is damaged or already colored, it’s best to avoid using hair color altogether. Hair color can cause breakage and hair loss, so it’s best to let your hair recover before attempting to dye it again.
Don’t: Use Hot Water
Hot water can strip the natural oils from your hair, making it dry and brittle. Instead, you should always use lukewarm water to wash your hair.
Don’t: Overdo It
Less is more when it comes to at-home hair coloring. Don’t overdo it by applying too much hair color. This can result in uneven coloring and hair damage.
Don’t: Skip the Strand Test
Before coloring your entire head, perform a strand test to check for color compatibility. To do this, apply a small amount of hair color to a section of hair and wait for the recommended processing time before rinsing. This will give you a good idea of how the color will look and whether you need to adjust the timing or application method for better results.
Don’t: Attempt Drastic Changes at Home
If you’re looking for a drastic change in your hair color, it’s best to consult a professional who can help you achieve your desired look while minimizing the risk of damage.
Our Picks for At-Home Hair Coloring
When you feel confident enough to try coloring your hair at home, check out some of our favorite products below.
Madison Reed Radiant Hair Color Kit ($30, shop here)
This coloring kit includes everything you need to achieve a perfect color, including a nourishing color activator, a barrier cream, cleansing wipes, gloves, and easy-to-follow instructions. Take the hair color quiz to find your perfect match before you buy.
Aura Haircare Balayage Highlighting Kit ($28, shop here)
This DIY hair highlighting kit is perfect for attaining natural-looking highlights at home. The kit includes a non-drip formula, an easy-to-use brush, and a protective serum to keep your hair healthy and shiny.
eSalon Personal Colorist Kit ($32.50, shop here)
This popular at-home coloring kit comes with a personalized color formula, a developer, a stain guard, and disposable gloves for easy application. You can choose from a range of best-selling shades or personalize your color to your liking.