From getting friendly with your colourist to investing in professional equipment, these are the ultimate hair-colouring tips worth knowing…
Whether you’re a staunch salon-goer or more reliant on an at-home job, there’s no denying the power of a colour refresh.
A subtle shift in shade can have as much of a positive impact as a whole head of blonde highlights or balayage – and it’s true that hair colouring has come a long way in a few short years.
No longer is there a need to worry about brassiness or yellowing in blonde hair – there are so many products out there to help revive the colour from the comfort of your own bathroom.
Neither will colouring cause as much damage as it once could, because both home box dyes and professional in-salon colours are loaded with clever technology and conditioning ingredients to ensure your hair remains looking and feeling the best it possibly can.
But which products are best and what else is worth knowing for anybody looking to embark on a hair-colouring journey?
We asked a selection of real women – who each dye their hair – for their best need-to-know tips, tricks and hacks. Here’s what they said….
1. Befriend your colourist
“It sounds like a no-brainer, but making friends with your chosen colourist will work wonders for your current and future hair colour choices.
Not only will staying loyal help them learn what you like and what you want to achieve, but you’ll also feel more comfortable. Any crazy expectations can be managed in a positive way and, ultimately, that trust will build up organically.
After years of switching salons, I’ve found that that’s such an important relationship to have, especially with something as personal as hair colour.
It also means that if something goes wrong – the colour isn’t as expected or you’re not happy with the outcome – it’s easier and much less awkward to bring it up.”
Sarah, 34, Leeds
2. Get a pre-colour treatment
“My hairdresser recently introduced me to L’Oréal Professionnel’s Metal Detox range and she now uses the professional pre-colour treatment on my hair before colouring it.
I’ve never really noticed a difference with these sort of in-salon treatments before but with this one I did.
It’s literally just a spray that contains 10% glicoamine – an ingredient that neutralises the metal particles that find their way into your hair when you wash it in hard water.
It makes my hair softer, smoother and more conditioned than ever. It feels less dry and it really helps improve the overall colour, too – I’ve noticed it stays looking fresher for longer.”
Chloe, 34, Croydon
3. Do a patch test
“The first time I ever did an at-home box dye, I just went straight in – I didn’t patch test or do a strand test and I regret both.
The patch test is to ensure you’re not allergic to any ingredients (I just do a small patch behind my ear) and the colour test is essentially where you check that the product you’ve bought will be the shade you’re looking for.
It’s also a good way to check that your hair will take to the dye (especially important if your hair is dark and you’re looking to go lighter) and that it’s actually the colour you want.
I usually cut a few strands of hair out from underneath at the back of my head and no longer am I left disappointed by the dye I’ve bought.”
Krystal, 35, Milton Keynes
4. Invest in professional equipment
“The biggest at-home hair dye game-changer for me came when I decided to invest in the proper tools.
Whenever I had my hair coloured at the salon the hairdresser used a plastic bowl to mix the dye, and then it would be applied with a brush.
They’re both really cheap things that are easy to buy either online or on the high street and for me, they make such a difference.
It means I don’t have to apply the dye straight from the bottle, so it’s less messy and I can be much more precise too.
I also bought myself a box of clear gloves that actually fit, too – the ones provided are always too big and baggy – and that makes things so much easier as well.”
Carly, 38, Cornwall
5. Choose your at-home products carefully
“For me, the biggest revelation in my hair colour journey was using products specifically designed for coloured hair.
For so long I didn’t think it made a difference, but then – after learning about metal damage (which is caused by excess copper in the hair fibres and can cause dullness, colour fade, brassiness and murkiness in hair) – I discovered L’Oréal Professionnel’s Metal Detox range.
It consists of a shampoo and mask that shield, protect and condition hair by penetrating the hair fibres and neutralising copper, which can be found in water. My hair’s never looked so good.”
Aashni, 28, London
6. Double up on dye
“OK, so I made this mistake once and then it never happened again.
My hair is relatively long – it comes down to around the middle of my back – and hairdressers tell me it’s fine but there’s a lot of it.
And while I was midway through dying it, I realised I was going to run out of product and I didn’t have another one.
I had no choice but to only do half my head before going to the shop to buy a second box. It’s such a simple thing but I never imagined that there wouldn’t be enough dye in one box, so now I always make sure I double up, and I probably always will, even if one day I decide to cut my hair off.”
Becky, 31, Manchester
