Helpful Suggestions for Hair Color at Home

Looking to stretch your budget for hair coloring or root touchup in-between salon appointments? If dyeing your own hair at home seems scary to you, do not fret. Here are some do-it-yourself tips for home hair coloring.

According to Women’s Health Magazine, the first step to coloring your hair at home starts before you even enter the drugstore to purchase your dye. You must first decide which formula you would like to use in your hair.  There are three different levels of hair dye: semi-permanent (or non-permanent), demi-permanent, and permanent.

Non-permanent is the least harsh for your hair, and usually does not contain some of the harsh chemicals that demi-permanent and permanent hair dyes possess. Also, a semi-permanent hair dye will  last approximately six to twelve shampoos. If you are looking for a no-strings attached relationship with your hair color or you just simply like change frequently, then this is the type you would want to choose.  Non-permanent deposits color and cannot lighten hair, but will gently cover grays. 

If you are looking for a longer lasting color, but do not want it to last forever, then go with a demi-permanent hair dye. These usually last approximately 25 shampoos. These are more commitment than the semi-permanent, but not as much as the permanent hair colors.

Finally, if you are looking to go the whole nine-yards and are fully committed to the color or wish to lighten your natural color, then choose a permanent hair dye. This will last until you cut your hair or it grows out completely. Permanent hair dye is also the best bet when trying to cover grays; however, keep in mind that with permanent hair dye, you will want to ensure that you don’t miss any spots and that the dye is completely even. The thicker your hair, the more difficult this will be. If you want to be sure to have full and even coverage, maybe ask a friend to assist you when dying.

Now that you have picked your formula, you need to pick a color. Marie Claire Magazine suggests that you stay within a range of three shades either lighter or darker.  According to Rita Hazan of Rita Hazan Salon in NYC, “When in doubt, stay lighter.” It is always easier to darken your hair if it comes out light than vice versa.  

When picking your color, if you are unsure of your natural hair color hues, then refer back to older pictures of yourself from before you ever dyed your hair in the first place. See if you have either a warm, honey color versus a cool, ash color and go from there.

Now you’ve finally made it to the final step of the process—it’s time to dye your hair. When coloring your hair at home—after you read the directions, of course—divide your hair into sections before applying the color. This will help make sure that you don’t miss any spots. Also, rather than using the applicator provided for you in the box, run to a local beauty supply store and purchase a mixing bowl and brush for the application. This will also help you maximize coverage.

Always be sure to Care For Your Hair! After dying your hair, make sure you keep up with deep conditioning in order to optimize your results and keep your hair healthy!