We all want to have gorgeous hair colour but going to the salon can be an expensive exercise. And while there are plenty of dyes available on the shelves in our shops, using them incorrectly can result in a hair-colour catastrophe.
Here’s what you need to know about achieving the perfect colour from the comfort of your home:
Picking your dye
When you are selecting a hair dye, check the list of ingredients and make sure that the dye is free from nasty chemicals such as ammonia, coal tar and acetate, which are not only bad for your hair but also for your general health. Opt for a hair dye that is as natural and gentle as possible.
A colour that says it is multidimensional is the best choice for those with thin hair. Because the colour deposits slightly different tones throughout the hair, it gives the illusion of more movement and body.
Going darker is not only much easier but also a lot safer than attempting to lighten your hair at home. Bleaching hair at home is no easy feat and should be left to the professionals to avoid major hair damage or loss.
Related: Can visiting a hair salon be dangerous?
Dyeing your hair
Leave your hair dirty before you dye your hair. While it might seem as though colour would take better on squeaky-clean locks, once all the natural oils are removed the strands actually become too slippery for the pigment to attach to.
Before you get going, apply either a thick moisturiser or petroleum jelly to your face, particularly around your hairline. This is to prevent any dye from staining your face, as it might take a few days of scrubbing to remove!
Related: Got thin hair? Here’s what you should avoid doing
Maintaining your colour
Roots can be touched up easily at home, especially if you have a conventional hair colour. There are touch-up kits and pens available in stores and these are better to use than dyeing all your hair again, as this will minimise damage.
Colour-protecting shampoo and conditioner aren’t the only things you need to keep your colour looking vibrant – it’s important to invest in a UV-protectant spray as well. This ensures that your colour lasts longer and doesn’t fade as a result of sun exposure.
PHOTO: iStock/ValuaVitaly
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