Obtaining an affordable, easy and manageable dye job may seem like a daunting task. With today’s economy, many have decided to DIY when it comes to beauty and haircare — whether it be an at-home manicure, or, what we’re here to talk about today, dying our hair without running to the salon. The secret to a great dye job that anyone can achieve involves three steps: selecting the right color, applying the color evenly and, finally, maintaining the color. Read on as we discover the best products to get the job done from some of the hair industry’s most reputable stylists.
The first step usually involves running to our stylist for assistance, but it doesn’t have to be. Walking into any hair dye aisle in the drugstore can be scary, but if you keep one major rule in mind the aisle somehow becomes less intimidating: The most important concept when deciding on a color is that at-home coloring kits have limitations.
Frédéric Fekkai, who recently launched Salon Color — a line of at-home hair dyes, advises that “you should never go more than 2 shades lighter or darker than your natural color.” When we stray too far we usually end up needing color correction at a salon. Clairol Professional colorist Nico also warns that dye reacts differently on “virgin” hair than previously color-treated hair. On color-treated hair the dye will show up with a “darker and more vibrant hue.” Keep this in mind and finding a color should only be a struggle due to indecisiveness.
Next is the actual application. Nico shared some great product tips on how to achieve the best results. He recommends using Clairol Professional Beautiful Collection Semi-Permanent Hair Color. This product is gentle, “simple and intuitive.” Another tip is to apply Vaseline or moisturizer to the skin around the hairline to prevent color staining. This is crucial for any color job, but more important when you are going darker. Lastly, colorists suggest using a bowl and brush application procedure like salons do. These types of products are available at beauty supply stores and according to Fekkai give “consistent, even results.”
Finally, after all that work, those salon worthy tresses must stay healthy and maintained. This is often the step that can make or break a look. Here is where the brilliance of keeping the dye close to your natural color comes in. Because at-home color has limitations, the roots are not as visible as a brunette going platinum. This means more time between touch-ups and less work. Both great things! If you need routine touch-ups, Clairol’s Nice ‘N Easy Root Touch-Up is a great product. Also, for a faster solution, our favorite editors at Allure recommend Colormark Temporary Liquid Hair Color Wand. According to these ladies it is “easy to paint on and amazingly natural.”
Simplicity is often the easiest way to master something and these tips should break down the complexity of the at-home hair dye dilemma. Master the basics and you will have great, affordable hair color for life!
– Yiannoula Choros
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