Want to try colouring your hair at home but are afraid of a catastrophe? No worries! Just follow these six steps for flawless results worthy of the finest salon!
1. Test your sensitivity
Before colouring your hair for the first time, you need to make sure you aren’t allergic to hair colours. Even if you’ve never had a negative reaction to hair colour in the past, test your product; they’re all made of a different ingredients.
In terms of preparation, the test will only take a few minutes. Just mix a small amount of hair colour, apply it behind your ear and rinse after the wait time listed in the product instructions. Then wait 24 hours to make sure your skin doesn’t react (eczema, hives, swelling, etc.).
2. Select the perfect shade
Make sure you choose the right shade and the right kind of colour by consulting a cosmetician to assess the state of your hair (percentage of grey hair, colour of hair and tips, etc.). If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to ask.
Next, pick the colour that suits you best: platinum blond, chestnut with copper highlights, chocolate brown… the choices are endless as long as you follow the golden rule and choose a colour that’s one or two shades darker or lighter than your natural colour. Can’t decide between two shades? Go with the lightest one. It’s always easier to make your hair darker next time than the other way around (a new colour doesn’t make another one lighter).
Note : If you have long or thick hair, it’s probably best to purchase two kits. Running out of hair colour right in the middle of the job can lead to a colourful disaster.
3. Follow the instructions carefully
It’s important that you read the instructions carefully and follow them to the letter. To get the right shade, always make sure you wait the amount of time listed in the instructions and respect the quantities you need to mix.
4. Prepare the necessary accessories
For a flawless colouring job, make sure you always have these items on hand:
- 1 or 2 hair colour kits
- 1 old shirt
- 1 old towel
- Gloves
- 1 bowl and 1 applicator brush (optional)
Hair colouring stains! It’s best if you wear an old shirt and wrap an old towel around your neck. To avoid staining your skin, take a few moments to apply petroleum jelly (such as Vaseline) on your ears and near the hairline around your face and at the nape of your neck.
Carefully following the instructions, mix the ingredients in the bottle provided in the package, or in a bowl. Don’t forget to wear gloves. That way, you’ll avoid having to walk around for a few days with stains on your hands.
5. Apply the colour
To make it easier, separate your hair into four sections. Start with the back of the head. If you start with the front, the colour could become too dark before you finish the rest of your head.
Apply the colour to your visible roots first, then work your way to the tips. Make sure the colour is evenly spread out and reapply the product to any strands of hair you’ve overlooked. If you feel the need, ask a friend or family member to help you out.
6. Rinse
Once you’ve waited for the amount of time indicated in the instructions, rinse your hair thoroughly to get rid of the product. This step is crucial. You’ll know you’ve gotten all the dye out when the water draining away is colourless again.
To finish, apply the conditioner that usually comes in the kit. This step is just as important as all the others because it helps set the colour while nourishing and moisturizing your hair to give it added volume and radiance.
Tip : To make sure your colour stays vibrant as long as possible, use a shampoo and conditioner specifically designed for coloured hair.