Color Your Hair at Home Without Totally Ruining It, How to

This is not a lie, I dyed my hair in the first year (I cry at my emo phase, that my mother let me walk with so much love). Yes, thankfully, I graduated with the ugly purple and black jet bought in bulk at the pharmacy, but I still touch my hair at home when I do not have the time (or money) to join my colourist. I can safely say that I already know a bottle of hair dye, but I literally made every mistake imaginable along the way. your red, to which I am definitely not subscribed.

And since I hate the fact that your first experience of dyeing money bills is a bullshit show, I've broken all the suggestions, tips and products you need to make the process a lot easier. I spoke to Meri Kate O'Connor, a super expert colorist at the Eva Scrivo show in New York City, to explain some tips approved by experts. Translation: you are in good hands.

How to dye hair at home
1. FIND YOUR NUANCE
Obviously, the first step in your home coloring journey is to buy a dye. But instead of rushing to the pharmacy and choosing the prettiest box, I would like to stress the importance of finding the right tone. "Spot dye is a unique situation for everyone," O'Connor said. "Therefore, I generally suggest that customers keep a cool or neutral hue, because the color box can" enhance "the natural color of their hair and make them warmer than expected."

For your information, if you want to wear your hair with a full shade (or two!), Lighter or darker than your natural color, O'Connor suggests skipping the box and making an appointment with a professional. More space for error when you are drastic. But if you're just looking for a small or shiny size, take one (or two if you have longer hair) from these favorite cult dyes:

2. Prepare the hair
If you take the time to color your hair at home, it's worth doing a little bit of preparation to make sure the process runs smoothly. The easiest way to protect your scalp while you paint it? Work with your hair for three days. "I suggest you do not wash your hair for a few days before you color them, because their natural oils will help protect the scalp from any chemicals in the dye," O'Connor said.

One last thing: before mixing the dye, get a Vaseline. "You can smooth some Vaseline around the hairline and ears to protect the skin from blemishes," says O'Connor, since there is nothing worse than washing the color and noticing that you have colored your hair. the skin (who is guilty).

3. FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY
Remember that each dye box comes with its instruction set. Read them carefully before you start. Once you have mixed your dye (your instructions will guide you, even if it is usually only a revealing colored bottle), wear a pair of gloves and start with the roots. "Your roots need more time to grow, so if you color your entire head, you'll want to start from the top and throw the dye through the ends," O'Connor said.

How to color lighter hair at home
I know, I know: you'd rather be blonde at home than spend money in a salon, but dyeing your hair harder requires great skill and you should definitely leave it in the hands of professionals. When you thin your hair, "lift" the pigment (natural or dyed) and it is very easy for this new color to accidentally move away from the warm, tanned side.

Here are the colourists: they can mix your custom dye to make sure you get the right end result. "With color at home, you usually have little or no control over the color you use, so you may end up with hot or auburn roots, especially brown ones," says O'Connor. The truth hurts, I know.

How to color gray hair at home
Do you have gray hair coming out but you're not ready for a complete dye job? You can completely color your gray hair at home. There are many methods, including root remodeling kits (targeted hair coloring), and corrective sprays (dry shampoo formulas that temporarily dye the hair). until you have them). washes). Here are some of my favorites, all incredibly easy to use:

How to correct hair color errors
IF YOU LEAVE THE LIGHT ...
If you rinse the hair dye and it's not the chocolate eyeshadow you thought you were, do not panic, you definitely have a choice. You will only have to wait a few weeks before you can dye your hair again, because even the healthiest hair can not support several dyeing cycles simultaneously. That said, once you've given yourself some time (and you've invested a good hat), you can reapply the same color and let it sit for a shorter time, checking every 5 to 7 minutes before rinsing. it's too dark, O'Connor said.

IF YOU ARE VERY DARK ...
"If it gets too dark, I would suggest using a lightening shampoo first to help lift some of the pigment," says O'Connor. Basically, the better, the better, so pick one that contains sodium lauryl sulphate in the ingredients list, which would usually be your nightmare, but because of the degraded color? Go ahead (once). "However, you should continue with a deep conditioner, because whitening shampoos tend to be a bit difficult." When in doubt, O'Connor always suggests contacting a professional to correct major errors.

How to prolong hair dyeing
Well, then you have the perfect hair color, now is the time to make sure it is perfect. The semi-permanent hair color can last up to 12 washes, but only if you take care of it. This means that you will use a sulphate-free shampoo and conditioner every time you clean your hair, as well as an ultra-moisturizing mask or care that repairs dryness and damage (Olaplex Hair Perfector No. 3 is a product favorite in the industry Christophe Robin Shade Variation Care Nourishing mask with temporary coloring).