HOME HAIR DYE 101
The best way to colour your tresses like a pro!
With many hair salons temporarily closed, it’s time to take matters into our own hands – and by that we mean beautifying ourselves at home. Forget the toilet roll shortages, for most women out there, the real problem was no longer being able to nip to the salon for a quick colour touch-up.
Luckily for us, home hair dye is easier to grasp than ever thanks to new professional quality formulas and access to fail-safe tips.
We chatted with Bronwyn Fraser, national training and education manager for the Consumer Products Division at L’oreal, to find out how we can make your DIY dye job a success.
PREP
Preparation is key when dyeing your hair at home. Once the gloves are on and the dye is in hand, things can start to get hectic. It's vital that you gather up everything you need beforehand and keep it all within arm's reach. “Keep a couple of old towels on hand to use each time you colour, as it can stain/bleach towels,” Bronwyn says. “Wear an old/pre-loved T-shirt or button-up shirt just in case, and ensure you have all the components before you start, such as gloves, instruction leaflet, comb, clips etc.”
TIP: It's important to set aside some time to do a sensitivity test before using the dye.
SHADE MATCH
This is the part of the dyeing process that is make or break. Bronwyn says, “A good guide is to select a shade that is within two shades lighter or two shades darker than your natural shade, as this will harmonise with your natural skin and eye colour.” If you're dyeing your hair to cover greys, Bronwyn suggests picking a permanent colour as it will give you the most longlasting grey coverage. However, she adds that colour will need to be reapplied after about four to six weeks when the new growth is visible. Permanent colour is also the way to go if you want a much lighter or brighter shade.
WE LOVE:
1. Garnier Olia Permanent Hair Colour in 8.0 Medium Blonde $16.95
2. Brilliance Intense Colour Creme 85 Violet Vision $14.99
3. Revlon Salon Hair Color in Light Golden Brown $18.99
You should use a long-lasting semipermanent dye if you're looking to blend first greys, or to add some colour and shine. This dye will achieve those looks… 4. L’oreal Paris Casting Creme Gloss in Mochaccino $16.45