DIY HAIR COLOR
lorist Life & Style spoke to Nikki Lee, celebrity colorist and co-owner of Nine Zero One salon in LA, for tips on how to dye your locks at home!
Has your hair color taken a hit over the past month or so? You’re not alone. But here to help with those emerging roots, seemingly multiplying grays and dul ler- by- the- moment strands is Nikki Lee. The celebrity colorist extraordinaire — who’s responsible for some of the chicest shades in Hollywood, like on the lovely ladies seen here — gives Life & Style the 411 on how to master the ever-so-tricky athome dye job:
WHERE SHOULD THE DIY PROCESS START?
Finding the right shade is the first and most important step! Refer to the color swatches on the side of a box of dye to see what result will be achieved from your current root shade. To ensure the best results at home, I do not advise going more than two shades above or below your natural color.
ARE HIGHLIGHTS A GOOD AT-HOME OPTION?
Leave the big changes to the professionals. The safest and easiest types of hair color to DIY [are] single-process color. Do not try to do highlights or lowlights — especially if it’s your first time coloring your hair at home. You don’t want to experiment with techniques just be - cause you’re bored. Trying anything too drastic may result in more corrective work f or you r stylist.
HOW CAN GRAYS BE MANAGED?
Try a root cover-up, like Garnier’s Express
Retouch. This paint- on concealer is great for getting you by until you can see your stylist and will rinse out in one wash. For something more permanent, [apply box color to] the hairline and roots.
ANY THOUGHTS ON EXPERIMENTING WITH A FUN COLOR?
They tend to be highmaintenance. In addition to being difficult to achieve, they fade quick. If you feel like this is your time to try something fun, opt for a colored conditioner in a pink or purple hue to add some color to your life without a permanent commitment.
WHAT ARE YOUR TIPS FOR MAINTAINING VIBRANCY?
Now is a great time to nurture your hair. Find a mask that keeps your locks super hydrated. Right now, I am all about Garnier’s Nutrisse Color Revivers [which come in five different hues] because they help restore vibrancy and smoothness and are great for a refresh of color and shine.
DOES A PERSON’S HAIR TYPE (CURLY, STRAIGHT, OILY, ETC.) AFFECT THE COLORING METHOD?
Yes, it’s important to be aware of your hair type before coloring to ensure you achieve the desired results. For instance, because curly hair spirals, you have to apply color on top and underneath the hair to guarantee every angle is covered.