The Dos and Don’ts of At-Home Hair Coloring

Hair coloring is a great way to change up your look and express your personal style. While it’s always best to have a professional color your hair, it’s understandable that many people want to try at-home hair coloring. With the right preparation and approach, you can achieve beautiful results at home. However, there are also plenty of mistakes you can make when coloring your own hair. Here are some dos and don’ts to keep in mind.

DO: Choose the right color

Before you even start the process of coloring your hair, it’s important to choose the right shade. This can be a bit overwhelming since there are so many options to choose from. Consider your skin tone and natural hair color when making your selection. If you’re unsure which shade to go for, start with a semi-permanent dye that will fade after a few washes. This will give you a chance to try out the color and see how it looks on you before committing to a permanent dye.

DO: Read the instructions carefully

Each hair color product has different instructions, so it’s important to read them carefully before starting the coloring process. Make sure you have all the necessary tools and supplies, including gloves, a timer, and a mixing bowl. Follow the instructions step-by-step and don’t skip any important steps. If you’re unsure about anything, consult the instructions or look for online tutorials.

DO: Protect your skin and clothing

Hair dye can be messy, so it’s important to protect your skin and clothing. Wear old clothing that you don’t mind getting stained and use a protective cape or towel to cover your shoulders. Apply petroleum jelly around your hairline to prevent dye from staining your skin. You can also use a barrier cream or lotion to protect your skin.

DON’T: Rush the process

Hair coloring takes time, so make sure you set aside enough time for the process. Rushing the process can lead to uneven color or even damage to your hair. Make sure you have enough time to apply the dye evenly and let it process for the full recommended time. Don’t try to speed up the process by increasing the heat or leaving the dye on for longer than recommended.

DON’T: Use outdated products

Using expired or outdated hair coloring products can lead to unexpected results. Check the expiration date on the packaging before using the product. If the product has expired, discard it and purchase a new one. Using outdated products can also be dangerous and lead to allergic reactions or skin irritation.

DO: Test for allergies

Before applying the dye to your entire head of hair, do a patch test to check for allergies. Apply a small amount of the dye behind your ear or on the inside of your elbow and wait 24 hours to see if you have any adverse reactions. If you experience any itching, redness, or swelling, do not use the product and consult a dermatologist.

DO: Deep condition your hair

Hair coloring can be drying to your hair, so it’s important to deep condition your hair before and after the coloring process. Apply a deep conditioning treatment to your hair before applying the dye to help protect your hair from damage. After the dye has processed and been rinsed out, apply another deep conditioning treatment to help restore moisture to your hair. Our Pick: 100% Pure 16oz Deep Moisture Shampoo & Conditioner.

DON’T: Overdo it

When coloring your hair at home, it can be tempting to go for a dramatic change. However, it’s important to be realistic and not overdo it. Making a drastic change to your hair color can be damaging and difficult to maintain. It’s best to stick to a shade that is close to your natural color or a few shades lighter or darker.

DO: Follow up with a professional

If you’re not happy with the results of your at-home hair coloring, it’s important to follow up with a professional. A stylist can help fix any mistakes or make adjustments to your hair color to achieve the desired look. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or advice from a professional, as they have the expertise and experience to help you achieve your desired look.

DO: Maintain your color

After coloring your hair, it’s important to maintain your color to keep it looking vibrant and healthy. Use a color-safe shampoo and conditioner to help preserve the color and prevent fading. Limit your use of heat styling tools, as excessive heat can cause damage to your hair and lead to color fading. Protect your hair from the sun by wearing a hat or using a hair protectant spray. Our Pick: Olaplex Shampoo and Conditioner Bundle.

DON’T: Wash your hair too soon

After coloring your hair, it’s important to wait at least 24-48 hours before washing your hair. This allows the color to fully set and prevents fading. When you do wash your hair, use cool water and a color-safe shampoo and conditioner to help preserve the color.

In conclusion, at-home hair coloring can be a great way to change up your look and express your personal style. However, it’s important to take the necessary precautions and follow the dos and don’ts to achieve beautiful and healthy results. Remember to choose the right color, read the instructions carefully, protect your skin and clothing, test for allergies, deep condition your hair, and maintain your color. If you’re unsure about anything, don’t be afraid to seek the help of a professional stylist. With the right approach, you can achieve salon-worthy results from the comfort of your own home.