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Always been too afraid to take the plunge with the peroxide? Or are you colour curious but don’t know where to start? We asked the experts for their top tips for dyeing your hair at home, and the process might be easier than you think.
Whether you’re wanting to add subtle highlights, try your luck with a 180 switch from dark to light, or embrace a Dua Lipa-style cherry cola colour, dyeing your hair at home is one of the easiest – and most cost-effective – ways to freshen up your look.
Of course we all love a salon visit, in a time when cost of living pressures are top of mind, mastering the art of an at-home colour session is a covetable skill that can be worth its weight in gold.
Gone are the days when box dyes were only used as a last resort or in times of appointment-scarce crisis, the at-home options for hair colouring, treatment and toning offer comparable results to an in-salon session – as long as you know what you’re doing.
That’s where we come in! We’ve tapped into our little black book of professional hairstylists to bring you the complete guide to dyeing your hair at home. By following the below tips and tricks, the only thing you’ll be regretting is not giving it a go sooner.
At Home Hair Dye Is Not For You If…
- Unless you are an at-home pro, then professionals recommend that you don’t take your colour more than three levels lighter or darker than your current colour. So if you’re naturally dark-haired and you’ve been inspired by Kendall Jenner’s recent platinum transformation – it’s best to speak to your hairdresser before taking any drastic steps.
- Colour correcting: you’ve made a mistake. Now seek professional help. But if you just want your natural colour back, you can find a variety of colour removal products at most pharmacies.
- A tint-back: going back from light to dark requires extra pigments that have been removed during the lightening process – leave it to your colourist.
What Do The Numbers On A Box Dye Mean?
The numbers on the box refer to base and reflect tones. “The number before the decimal point is the base shade pigment and gives the depth and grey coverage, and numbers after the point are colour tones,” explains Claire Tapp, national education manager at L’Oreal Paris.
“If you have lots of greys you’ll get better coverage using a base shade, like an 8, or a shade with just one reflect, such as an 8.3.”
How To Dye Your Hair At Home: A Step-By-Step Guide
1 Don’t Over Wash Your Hair
Your natural oils help protect the scalp when using permanent or semi-permanent colour; dirty hair, however, can prevent the dye from penetrating. While it’s best not to wash your hair before applying colour, day-two hair is a great starting point.
For the home colourist who wants to go the extra mile, prepare your hair by applying the Clairol Professional Colour Studio Pre-Colour Serum Primer to your strands before you dye. Prepping like a pro will optimise the colour uptake and help prevent any damage that could occur.
2 Pick The Right Formula
Permanent colour lasts longer, while semi-permanents are ideal for first-time colourists, covering a few greys, or for those who regularly change their colour.
The Clairol Professional Colour Studio Permanent Hair Colour Cream has been developed by professionals to deliver salon-quality results at home. The cream formula comes in 15 rich tones and promises 100 per cent grey coverage for visibly healthier hair.
3 Find Your Match
Whether you’re going lighter or darker, it’s suggested that you stay within two shades of your natural colour to ensure your new hue flatters your skin tone and eyes.
4 Take A Test
To keep sensitive scalps happy, do a patch test at least 48 hours prior to colour application to ensure there’s no itching, burning or discomfort.
5 Follow The Instructions
Every product will have enclosed information which explains how to apply colour for the first-time users. The instructions will also help you avoid any unwanted colour build-up on the ends for more frequent users.
6 Toss The Rest
Mixed formula loses its potency over time, which is why the components are packaged separately.
7 Take Another Test
Mix the colourant with the developer and apply to a strand of hair (root to tip). Leave for the total recommended time, then check the result.
8 Protect Yourself
Smear some Vaseline around the hairline and on ears to avoid staining, otherwise, use a gentle exfoliant or cleanser to wash off stains.
9 Skip The Brows
Never apply home hair colourant on your eyebrows – only use a specially formulated brow product for the delicate eye area.
10 Use Quality Aftercare Products
Whether you’re using the supplied post-colour conditioner, or a specialised topcoat, following a quality aftercare process will help to eliminate excess colourant and re-establish your hair’s natural pH balance by closing the cuticle. The same goes your first wash after colouring: by using the best products for the job, you’ll extend your colour, avoid moisture loss and keep your freshly coloured strands vibrant and full of shine.
The Clairol Revitalise Colour Protect Shampoo and Conditioner is gentle enough for daily use while cleansing and prolonging colour and vibrancy in between colouring.
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