Introduction
So you're thinking of coloring your hair at home. We don't blame you—it's a great way to save money and have some fun with your style. But before you pick up that box of hair color, there are a few things you need to know.
Below, we've gathered 20 expert tips for coloring your hair at home like a pro. Follow these tips and you'll be on your way to gorgeous, natural-looking hair color that will make everyone ask, "Did you just get back from the salon?"
Choosing the Right Hair Dye for You
Before you even think about picking up a hair dye, take a look at the color wheel. Knowing how to mix and combine colors is essential when it comes to hair dyeing, and it's something that you can easily do at home.
Start by finding the color that is closest to your natural hair color. From there, you can begin to experiment with different shades and hues. If you're looking for a dramatic change, go for a color that is two or three shades lighter or darker than your original hair color.
Of course, if you're not sure where to start, you can always consult with an expert colorist. They will be able to mix and match the perfect shade for your skin tone and hair type.
How to Prep for Hair Coloring
Now that you know the basics, it's time to prep your hair for coloring.
This is where a good quality hair color comes in. We recommend Preference by L'Oréal Paris, as it's ammonia-free and has a patented conditioning technology that leaves hair looking radiant and feeling silky smooth.
Before you start, shampoo your hair with a color-safe formula—like the L'Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Shampoo—to get rid of any excess oils or dirt. This will help the hair color to adhere to your hair evenly and prevent any unwanted streaks. Towel-dry your hair and then apply the color according to the instructions on the box.
Applying Color to Your Roots
When it comes time to apply color to your roots, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. For starters, section your hair off into four even parts: two in the front and two in the back. This will make it easier to apply the color evenly.
Then, take a small amount of color and apply it to your roots. Start at the scalp and work your way out, using a brush or your fingers to make sure the color is evenly distributed. Be sure not to apply too much color at once, as it can make your hair look streaky.
If you have any leftover color, be sure to put it back in the bottle and close the cap tightly. You don't want it to dry out and become unusable.
Applying Color to Your Hair Tips
Now comes the fun part—coloring your hair! Before you start, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Start by giving your hair a deep clean. Apply a clarifying shampoo, leave it on for 5 minutes and rinse it off. Make sure to use cold or lukewarm water all throughout the coloring process since hot water opens up the cuticle, leading to color fade and damage.
- Section off your hair into four sections and have clips handy so you can easily divide it up more. This will help make sure everything is evenly colored.
- Put on gloves before applying the color to protect your hands and nails from staining. Also don't forget to do a patch test 24 hours before applying color to check for any sensitivity or allergic reactions.
- Working from the back of the head towards the front, apply small sections of color with a brush or comb and massage in circular motions down your strands, starting at root level and working towards the ends. Be sure to cover each strand evenly with product for even coverage and optimal results.
Create an Even Distribution of Color
Creating an even distribution of color is key to achieving your desired look. Before you start coloring, brush your hair to ensure it's free of tangles and knots. Then, section off your hair into four sections starting from the nape of your neck and working up.
Use a comb or brush to work the color through each section by starting at the roots and pulling it through to the ends. This will help you ensure that all hairs are evenly coated with color. Once you’ve applied color to each section, go over it one more time with a wide-tooth comb for extra coverage.
Keep in mind that if you’re using a box dye, the instructions should tell you how long you should leave the dye in to get the best results. Set a timer so that you can make sure not to over-process your strands or leave it in too short of a time.
How to Follow Up After Coloring Your Hair
You're almost done after you've finished coloring your hair. But there are a few more steps you should take to make sure your new hair color looks as good as possible and lasts as long as possible.
First, try to avoid getting your hair wet for at least the first 24 hours after coloring. This will help the color set properly and make sure it doesn't fade too quickly.
Once it's been 24 hours, use shampoo specifically designed for colored hair to make sure that your color won't fade too fast. You may also want to use conditioner, but be careful not to overload your hair with too much product, since this can also cause fading.
Finally, try using a deep conditioner once every one or two weeks to keep your locks looking vibrant and healthy. If you do this, your newly-colored hair should stay looking great for much longer than if you hadn't used any products at all!
Conclusion
With these 20 expert tips, coloring your hair at home can be a breeze! Just remember to take your time, use quality products, and be careful not to overdo it. With a little bit of effort, you can have the perfect color that you've always wanted.