Home is where the hair salon is
Ever thought of colouring your hair at home? Going to the hairdresser can be expensive and time consuming. So here are a few 'dos' and 'don'ts' on getting the hottest hues at home.
When it comes to colour, the season's hottest shade is red. "From strawberry blonde to fire engine red to deep mahogany, red is the colour to turn heads this season" says Kenneth Stoddart from La Boutique Hair Salon in Double Bay. Think titian haired goddesses like Julianne Moore and Christina Hendricks. Mysterious, sultry and sexy it's time to reveal your inner redhead!
Home hair colour products have come a long way. Colourants contain gentler ingredients and advanced formulations which improve shine and add richness to your hair.
1. Assess your hair
What condition is it in? Does it have left over colour on the ends that you're growing out? Is it brittle and damaged? If so, get a trim and rehydrate your hair with pre colour treatments and conditioners. The healthier it is to start with the better the end result. Try Pantene Night Miracle which works on damaged hair while you sleep for 8 hours of continuous repair.
2. Match your skin with your hair colour
Matching your skin tone to the right red can be tricky. Check your hair colour and your skin tone outside in the bright daylight. A good rule of thumb is: blue based reds suit a cooler skin tone, orange based reds suit a warmer complexion and pink based reds are best for fair skin.
3. Choose your red hair colour
Temporary and semi-permanent colours are a great idea, especially if you're a first timer to red! Temporary colours include rinses, shampoos, and mousses and are generally characterized by larger colour particles which cannot penetrate the hair cuticle layer. Try Schwarzkopf Live Colour Red Embers. For colour that lasts 6- 8 washes
Semi-permanent colour is longer lasting Try L'Orèal Paris Casting Crème Gloss 565 in Red Mahogany; which lasts about 28 washes and will add vibrant colour and shine without the harsh ammonia or peroxide.
If you're a dab hand at home hair colouring, try a permanent colour, but be certain of the shade as permanents are exactly that! Use the guidelines on the side of the box, instead of the model shot on the front, to get a better idea of the end result on your hair colour. Schwarzkopf Brilliance 43 Red Passion will liven up even the dullest hair. For a more subdued red, try Garnier 100% 460 Deep Red.
4. Apply your colour
Make sure you read all the instructions on the pack - not once, but twice! And follow what it says to the letter. Do the strand test (it's also a colour preview), the skin patch test and adhere to the application tips and the timings. Remember: experiments are for the science lab, not your bathroom! We stock a range of tools for home hair colouring including a Priceline Tinting Brush, Tinting Bowl Set or Style Essentials Hair Colouring Duo Pack containing a tail comb and colouring brush.
5. Maintain the look
Every hair colour needs protection. Use specially formulated conditioners and shampoos which will not strip the colour out. Toni and Guy Red Brunette Shampoo & Conditioner has a tone intensifier and shade protectant. Minimise the use of hair driers and irons and avoid chlorinated pools and the beach - the ocean will fade and strip your colour.