The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Nine hacks for stunning hair color
Roughly 43 million women in the U.S. have dyed their hair in the past six months, studies show. Whether you’re a salon regular or a DIY devotee, we have GH Beauty Lab and pro secrets for getting (and keeping) the head-turning hair color of your dreams
1. Update your shade. Freshen up your go-to hair color for fall with personalized advice from Rita Hazan, a celebrity colorist in New York City who’s created custom hues for icons like J.Lo and Madonna. GH Beauty Lab Tip: To find your best shade at the store, eye those close to your current one. Boxed dyes are usually displayed in color order on a shelf. Hold a section of your hair up to a box to find a close match, then choose from the next two shades on either side.
2. Know when to go pro. The biggest DIY dyeing snafu is thinking you can transition from, say, black to platinum hair at home (or even from brown to blonde). Changes from one color family to another can require multiple processes, which are best left to a salon colorist who knows how to assess tones and minimize damage. “When dyeing your hair yourself, stay within two shades, lighter or darker, of your current color,” says Kari Hill, a celebrity color- ist at Meche Salon in Los Angeles.
3. Buy two boxes … if your hair is shoulder-length or longer, as you may need more dye to cover your whole head depending on hair thickness. If you end up with an extra box, save it for next time or return it.
4. Don’t skip the strand test. Though bypassing it is tempting, the strand test is key, especially when trying a new shade. Color a few trimmed or hidden hairs first, then look at the result before you commit.
5. Go naked. To avoid staining clothes, put on an old robe or button-front shirt (or, as some GH testers do, go nude!) so you won’t have to lift a top over your head when it’s time to rinse. Cover surfaces (floor, sink) with garbage bags or layers of news- paper you can toss afterward rather than sheets or towels that can get soaked through and need washing.
6. But don’t streak. Guard your skin against stains by gliding a clear solid lip balm along your hairline, including around your ears, before applying color. “Its small size makes application precise,” Hill says.
7. Think like a surgeon. Lay your tools out on the counter and read through the included instructions before you jump in. That way, you’ll be clear on the steps and won’t have to stop mid-process, which could lead to mistakes like leaving the dye on too long or missing areas.
8. Highlight with a toothbrush. Here’s a smart trick from GH testers who color their hair at home: When applying highlights or lowlights, use a clean toothbrush or mascara wand to paint on the dye precisely and subtly. Genius!
9. Start at the top. Begin applying dye at the roots since they need the most color (and processing time), letting it develop per package directions. Then, comb it through the rest of your hair to distribute it evenly and avoid a two-tone effect. Work in four to six sections like salon pros do (use hair clips as you go if you wish) to ensure full coverage.