Since the pandemic, the number of women choosing to forego salon visits and color their own hair in the privacy of their homes has steadily risen, the ritual as much a way to maintain a youthful appearance as an important part of their self-care routine. For the first timer, at-home hair color can be daunting. In addition to reading AND following the directions, here are five tips to help perfect the process:
- Strand Test – There are a few reasons why strand testing is key to a successful at-home color. First, it determines if you have an adverse reaction to the dye and its ingredients. And secondly, it is a great way to see if the hair color shade you chose is the correct one before committing to an all-over semi-permanent color.
- Protect Your Hairline – It’s hair color. It stains. And yes, that means if it comes in contact with your skin, it will stain that as well. That’s why applying a thin layer of Vaseline around your hairline provides a barrier of sorts to protect your skin as you get as close as possible to the roots that border your face.
- Prep the Set Up – Make sure you have everything you need for the dye process so you don’t have to stop in between to grab a towel or gloves. Every time you stop can lead to your hair color staying on for too long, which can cause irritation or dryness.
- Skip the Bottle – If you want your hair to look like a professional colored it, then you need to act like one and use a bowl and brush. Skipping the bottle is key when it comes to control. A brush allows you to get closer to the roots, allowing for more time to process regrowth.
- Get Dirty – Try and go at least three days without washing your newly colored strands. Waiting allows the cuticle to close, lock in color, and restore hair’s natural pH. When you do shampoo and condition, be sure to use color safe products to preserve and prolong your desired shade.