When it comes to coloring your hair, there are two ways to go: professionally, which requires zero work on your part; or do-it-yourself, a much less expensive option that requires some mastering of the skill. All that mixing, measuring and processing can make at-home coloring seem scary, but we promise it’s not. You can get beautiful color, excellent coverage and long-lasting results, as long as you know what you’re doing.
Check Your Level of Gray
Kiyah Wright, Clairol professional celebrity colorist and stylist, says to only color your hair yourself if it’s less than 50 percent gray. If you hair has more gray than that, definitely leave it to the pros.
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Stick With Semi-Permanent or Permanent Color
It can be confusing to pick the right formula with so many options available, but what you ultimately end up using comes down to whether or not you want to lift your natural color and go lighter or just make it darker and richer. “If you want to go lighter, use permanent; if you want to deposit color, go with semi-permanent,” Wright says.
Be Mindful of the Products You Use
Colorist Christophe says that if your hair is already colored and you are trying to hide grays with temporary or permanent products with coloring pigments, these products may actually end up distorting the color of your hair. “I suggest periodic appointments with your colorist for touch-ups so that you don’t create long-term hair damage.”
Expect to Do Regular Touch-Ups
At-home color lasts about four to eight weeks (professional color is about the same) before the color starts to fade and those gray roots peep through. If you color your hair yourself, know you’ll need to touch-up your roots about every month or so.
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