Home Hair Coloring Tips

There are many reasons women decide to color their hair at home. Maybe it's a tight budget or a time factor. The reason I color my hair at home is because, frankly, I've had too many "professional" hair coloring disasters from different salons! I simply will not trust anyone else to color my hair again.

I am not saying that all professionals are going to botch your hair. I don't believe that for a minute. I think there are some top-notch pros out there who know precisely what they're doing -- finding them is the trick. If you can get a recommendation from someone with similar hair, you'll probably be in good hands.

I've learned how to get my hair exactly how I want it -- you can too. If you choose to color your hair at home, here's some basic tips and advice to help put you on the right track.

Coloring Your Hair

• Color your hair according to your skin type. Keep in mind that sometimes it's not a major change you need, but just some highlights or lowlights.

• It's best to alter your hair color only 1-2 shades.

• If you're pregnant, check with your doctor before using any chemicals.

• The color on the box is just to give you an idea. Your results may vary greatly if your hair color is different than the model's natural hair color.

• There is a reason that test strands are recommended. To prevent any allergic reactions and any major hair color disasters!

• Don't wash your hair before coloring. Natural oils help protect your scalp against skin irritation.

• Don't apply permanent hair color throughout your hair every time you color it. This will cause uneven color. Next time, just color the roots or use a semi-permanent color.

• The color of your eyebrows should come close to your own hair color.

• You can color your eyebrows. Just make sure you have them done professionally for safety reasons and better results.

• Don't be in a hurry. This will increase your chances for mistakes.

• Apply the color slowly, from the roots to the ends.

• Take notes on the timing, color number and brand, so you will know next time how you achieved the results. Keep in mind that after coloring, you hair will become porous and will absorb the color quickly.

Hair Color Maintenance

• Chemically treated hair has special needs. To avoid fading, use a shampoo and conditioner specifically designed for color treated hair.

• Baby shampoo is extra gentle and helps retain color.

• Wash your hair no more often than every other day, in tepid water, to retain your vibrant color.

• If you're trying to hide dark roots, don't part your hair down the middle, try a side part, a zig-zag part, or pull it straight back in a bun or pony tail.

• Wear a hat if you're going to be in the sun for any length of time. Sunlight exposure will fade your perfect color rapidly.