Yahoo Lifestyle How to Dye Your Hair at Home
Once upon a time, rich, glossy colour required two hours in the hairdresser’s chair—and a hefty bill to boot. But the DIY dye job has recently undergone a revolution and women across Australia are catching on, with 56 per cent colouring their hair at home, according to a L’Oréal survey. “Hair really is the most important cosmetic,” explains Matt Clements, 2012 Hair Expo colour technician of the year. “The right shade can make you look 10 years younger overnight. And with the latest developments in technology, it’s possible to achieve a fantastic result at home.” Ready to slay the grey or shake up your shade? Follow these five expert tips.
Rule #1: Have a plan
Before confronting the shop’s wall of colour, have a clear idea of what you want. “Be realistic about your expectations,” says Clements. “Ask yourself: why are you colouring your hair? To cover grey? To boost shine? To go lighter or darker? Then consider maintenance and the time you’re prepared to invest in upkeep, as well as lifestyle factors like swimming or shampooing every day.”
Permanent colours are great for grey as “they contain peroxide, which opens the cuticle so that colour can penetrate the hair shaft for full coverage,” explains Orieta Pires, colour specialist at Maiolo Salon in Sydney. Permanent colour won’t fade, but it will grow out, so be prepared for regular root maintenance. No time for touch-ups? Blend and soften grey by using a semi-permanent hue, which “fades as your hair grows out due to a low concentration of peroxide, so your roots won’t be as noticeable,” Pires adds.
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Rule #2: Be realistic
Before we go on, it’s important to clarify one major thing: home colour is suitable for women who want a subtle change. Brunettes coveting Nordic blonde, bin the box and see a professional colourist. “Don’t do anything drastic at home. You’ll just make mistakes and it’ll cost a lot to correct—money that you expected to save in the first place by doing it yourself,” advises Pires. For best results, stick to the two shades lighter, two shades darker rule—an extra shade or two outside this is risky and not worth it, according to Belinda Jeffrey, Clairol Nice’n Easy expert colourist.
Still unsure? Consult a professional for advice on what shades suit your skin tone and brow colour. It’s also important to consider the state of your hair before colouring, as it determines the quality of the outcome. “If your hair’s in great condition, you can expect a terrific colour result. But if it’s damaged and porous, or has cuticles missing, it’ll look lacklustre,” reveals Clements.
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Rule #3: Always test first
Before dabbling in dye, test the formula on your skin to rule out an allergic reaction. “Apply a small amount behind your ear—it’s time-consuming but necessary,” says Pires. “If you don’t do a strand test and you end up having a reaction, the manufacturer can’t be held responsible.”
Tip: While you’re waiting, do a colour check to ensure you’re happy with the hue. “Cut off a lock in an inconspicuous place, put it on a piece of foil, apply the colour, then check it after the recommended processing time,” advises Clements.
Rule #4: Trust the packet
It may not seem like much, but “a few minutes either way [of the suggested colouring time] can make a huge difference”, says Clements. Apply dye when hair is dry—the natural oils will protect your scalp. Use a barrier cream (such as Vaseline) around your hairline and ears, and always wear gloves.
Retouching your roots? Always colour them first, then, in the last 10 minutes, coat the rest of your hair. “Your ends only need a five- to 10-minute refresher; dyeing them for 30 minutes overprocesses them. After three or four months, they’ll become really brittle,” explains Harry Josh, international creative consultant for John Frieda.
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Rule #5: Use the right post-colour products
Colour is only one part of the great-hair equation. Keep it luminous by shampooing less and conditioning more. “Wash hair two to three times a week and make treatments part of your routine,” suggests Clements.
“Moisturising treatments can be left on overnight, while protein products should be rinsed out after five minutes.” Invest in colour-friendly shampoos and include a clarifying version once a week to prevent colour fade and product build-up.
