Clients tell me all the time that at some point in their lives they did their own hair color. Usually the outcome was not good. I have only done my own color twice and I'm a professional! Even for me, it's hard to do color on my own head.
The first time I tried to put highlights through the top of my head was a mini disaster. My foils were loose so the color bled out onto my scalp and turned brassy yellow, not pretty. Did I mention it was New Year's Eve? The second attempt was about 6 years later. This time I was only doing one color on my entire head so I thought - no big deal. Did I mention I was using bleach? My hair was short and I couldn't tell that I was overlapping the color . A few days later I realized I hadn't done such a great job. My hair had broken as short as a 5:00 shadow! So, when someone asks me about Do It Yourself hair color I say don't do it.
Having said that, I know there are reasons some choose to color their own hair. Here are a few suggestions on how to DIY while avoiding mini disasters.
1. Assess the condition of your hair. Damaged hair leaves no room for error.
2. Determine your natural hair color. This is one of the biggest mistakes people make. (you are probably not still blonde like you were as a kid, just saying) Go to a beauty supply store and pick up hair swatches. Separate your hair and hold the swatch next to it to determine a good match.
3. Determine your desired end result. This should only be 1-2 levels (max) lighter than your natural color. Any more and you could be dealing with a mini disaster.
4. When applying hair color as a touch-up, only apply to roots. Never pull color through your ends. This should be left to a professional. Dark colors that are pulled through can leave hair looking flat and shoe-polishey. Blonde colors can cause major breakage.
5. Highlighting kits are o.k. but still only lighten a couple shades lighter. Start with just a few through the top. If results are good, you can always add more.
6. Whenever possible have a friend apply color for you to ensure even applications.
7. Never DIY when mad, sad, in a hurry or on the night before a big event.
For those of you who are not into DIY but need a break on the old budget sometimes, there are some options. I have clients who like to come in for mini touch-ups to help them stretch out their color. Check with your hair colorist to see what type of mini services they offer. A few highlights around the face and through the part can help you get by an extra 4-6 weeks. A mini tint, applying color in those same areas can get you by an extra 2-3 weeks. For in-between grey touch-ups try ColorMark.
Remember, for any major hair color change, please see a professional. You don't want the hair color of your dreams to turn into "fix me" color. Once your hair is colored you need to use specific shampoos and conditioners for color treated hair. Colored hair is sensitized and can be dry. Davines has a fantastic line of hair care products for all types of colored hair.
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