How to Colour Your Hair at Home

No doubt about it, coloring your hair at home saves time and money. If you’re still hesitant to give it a try, we’ve got some good news: Home haircolor kits are easy to use (and their formulas are gentle to your hair). Follow our steps and you’ll achieve great results.

Step 1: Select a Color

When it comes to choosing a single-process shade, which will alter the overall color of your hair, you can go lighter or darker as long as you stay within one or two shades of your natural hue. Don’t go by the model on the box. It’s better to use the color guide on the side, which is a more accurate indicator of the results you can expect based on the color of your hair. If your current hair color isn’t pictured, put down the box—that color won’t work for you. At-home color kits are best for enhancing your natural color and for covering gray. Don’t rely on them for drastic changes like going from brunette to blonde. Visit a salon and let the pros handle that.

Step 2: Condition Your Hair

Two days before coloring, apply a deep-conditioning treatment to help strengthen hair. This will also give dry or damaged strands an added dose of moisture to help absorb the color better. We love the Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Deeeeep Conditioner ($3.25; at drugstores). Then wash your hair the night before you’re going to color, not on the same day (your nails could accidentally scratch your scalp and cause the fresh color to irritate your skin). 

Step 3: Prep the Bathroom

Create an at-home haircolor kit by gathering the essentials: a wide-tooth comb (to help section hair), four large hair clips (to secure sections), a kitchen timer (so you don’t need to stare at the clock), a jar of petroleum jelly (to apply along your hairline to protect your skin from staining) and an old button-down shirt (easier than a T-shirt; you won’t have to slip it over your hair before rinsing). You can stow these items in a bucket under your sink, so they’ll always be on standby when you need a touchup.

Step 4: Read the Instructions

Sounds obvious, but this step is both the easiest and the most ignored. Take the time to read through the instructions before coloring (don’t just rely on the photos). Every kit is different, and the instructions explain exactly how to mix and apply the color correctly as well as how long to keep the solution on your hair. And be sure to wear the gloves that come in the box to keep your hands from getting stained.

Step 5: Divide & Conquer

A. Using the comb, divide dry hair into four sections: down the middle, then across the center from side to side. Twist and clip each section.

B. Starting with a front section, unclip hair and apply color along the roots.

C. With your gloved fingers, gently run color from roots to ends. Repeat on each section.

Step 6: Set a Timer

Once you’ve finished applying color to your last section of hair, start the timer for the amount of time indicated on the box. This will ensure that your color has enough time to properly develop. Most solutions are formulated to automatically stop processing after the time indicated, so leaving dye on longer shouldn’t change the results—but leaving it on for less time will.

Step 7: Rinse and Shine

When the timer rings, rinse and shampoo your hair. Always follow up with a deep conditioner; most coloring kits include one. The conditioner will help seal in color and smooth down your hair’s cuticle (the outer layer, which lifts up during the coloring process) to promote healthy, shiny hair.

Get the Results You Want

Remember, hair looks different wet than dry, so always dry your hair after coloring to see the final shade.

If you’re unhappy with the result, don’t panic! Call the toll-free number on the box and talk to a hair color expert, who can help you fix the problem. For example, if some of your gray is still showing, they may recommend you shampoo your hair and do a touchup application 48 hours later.

Be proactive: Call and speak to a hair color expert before coloring to get extra tips on applying that specific kit.

Fall Hair colors' Trends

With many models and celebrities using different hair colors in different movies, ramp shows and performances, practically everyone around is considering changing their hair colour to fall in line with these glorious stars.

Many products are available in the market today with wide ranging colors and prices to suit every taste and purse. Besides choosing a good hair color brand, remember it is also important that you choose a hair color with a shade that best suits your hair color and skin tone. So what hair colors to you expect to see on some of our most celebrated celebrities this fall? Here are some fall hair color trend forecasts from some of the top celebrity hair color specialist. Instead of a complete hair color replacement you will see a toning down of the original color.

Trends for Brunettes - Light Highlights

Brunettes like Selena Gomez with her long soft curls just past her shoulders and medium to long layers cut through her back section has a dark chestnut shade with light highlights for an awesome flawless hairstyle. Body and volume are accomplished with side layers that also ad texture to compliment her face shape. Also her hair tone does a fantastic job of flattering her skin tone.

Trends for Blondes - Almost Platinum

One of my favorite Blondes; Christina Aguilera with her pale skin tone looks great in an almost platinum blonde tone. I am happy to see she moved on from the "ghostly white look". This is a very classy hairstyle styled into large defined curls which sit beautifully on her shoulders. The top of her hair is pulled half back to create height and volume. This is an elegant style that is perfect for any occasion.

Trends for Redheads - toned down red with Blonde Highlights

When you choose red you choose to be noticed! Marcia Cross is an incredibly beautiful and talented actress. You may know her as Bree Van De Kamp on the surprise hit "Desperate Housewives". Marcia's soft and elegant style is a sensational look for her. Her hair length falls just past her shoulders and large waves at the ends of her hair create weight.

Whatever hair color you choose, consult your hairstylist, and before you make a final decision, try out the color in small portions on your hair. If it looks good then take the plunge. And oh by the way a basic tenet is that if you have to wear more make up than before after you color your hair, then you have the wrong hair color. A proper hair color should highlight your skin tone bring it alive and glowing. On the other hand, if you have made the wrong choice you will probably look tired and washed out.

Great Hair Care Tips

If you watch the tabloids, you know that even the stars have bad hair days. It just seems that when the professional stylists are out of the picture, it is inherently human to have a less than glamorous mane. But you can do your part to stay ahead of the battle by following these great tips for hair care.

1. Use a professional conditioner that is formulated for your specific hair type.

While you can skimp a little on the shampoo, a good, professional conditioner is a must have. Look for products in salons that are customized for your hair type. For instance: If you have color or a perm, choose a conditioner that is for chemically processed hair. And stay away from those all-in-one shampoo and conditioner combos.

2. Choose a cut tailored to your face and body shape.

The number one mistake that people make when choosing a new hairstyle is to pick a style based on popularity rather than how it will enhance their features. Always choose a new cut based on how it will enhance or detract from your facial features and build. If you have broad shoulders, choose a full-bodied cut over a close cropped head hugging doo.

3. Don’t forget your UV protectants.

Just as your skin gets damaged by wind and sun, so does your hair. To combat this, look for finishing products such as mousses, gels and sprays that block UV rays.

4. Keep your appointments.

Did you know that your hair will split faster than it will grow? You need to get a trim every 6 to 8 weeks, even if it’s just a micro trim. A good hairdresser makes them good because they know what to leave on the head, not take off.

5. Leave chemicals to the professionals.

There is a reason why beauticians need to go to school to learn how to handle chemicals and hair processes. You can do irreparable damage with these products even if the package says that it’s way easy. And even if you don’t make your hair fall out, you could end up looking like a clown and paying stylist big bucks to fix your mess. (Note: Most stylists charge double the rate for corrective color than they do for normal color processes)

6. Get color for interest and body.

Every cut needs a little bit of color to make it truly breathtaking. No matter whether your taste is subtle or dramatic, you can add interest and volume to your tresses with a color process. Highlights, lowlights, all over color, gray coverage, you name it, it’s all good for your look.

7. Do weekly conditioning treatments.

Even if your hair is extremely healthy, it is constantly on the attack from wind, sun, cold and heat. During the summer months, your hair is battered even more when it absorbs chlorine and other chemicals from your pool.

8. Get an Ionic Ceramic Flat Iron

Instead of frying your hair with a conventional metal plated flat iron. Straighten your tresses, add shine and infuse moisture with one of the a negative ionic flat irons. We personally use T3 irons for all our work.

9. Choose your styling products wisely.

Avoid products that leave build-up on your hair. If you see white gunk, that means that your product is not water-soluble and may be coating your hair shaft. Build-up causes limpness, breakage and inability to curl not to mention the white flakes.

10. Don't rub the towel back and forth on your head.

Did you know that if you use a towel after your shower to dry your hair you are causing split ends and adding static electricity to your hair? Instead of rubbing the towel back and forth over your hair, scrunch the towel around your hair like you would scrunch crackers in your soup. While all of these tips won’t make you look like you’ve hired a personal hairdresser, they will help you look the very best that you can each and every day. When it comes to hair care, remember that you wear your hair everyday. Now isn’t it worth the time, effort and money that it takes to keep it looking spectacular?

Hair Care Mistakes to Avoid

When it comes to essential hair care techniques, it is important to remember that there are some mistakes that many people may be using without knowing it. With all the different styles and products you use on your hair on a daily basis, you can imagine just how much damage your hair experiences. By learning what hair care tips to avoid, you can be sure to have strong and healthy hair, no matter what you do to it!

For those of you who are planning on growing out your short hairstyle, it is important not to avoid the hairdressers for months at a time. It can be easy to not get your hair trimmed because you are trying to grow it out, but this can lead to split ends and frizzy hair over time.

Not conditioning regularly is a very common mistake. It can seem like too much of a hassle at 8am, but conditioning is something that should be done daily. This can make your hair shinier, smoother and less frizzy if you continue conditioning daily for more than a month at a time.

Preparing your hair for heat activated treatment appliances is something everyone should get into the habit of doing. You would be amazed just how much your curling iron or flatiron can damage your hair and by using a heat defense spray, you can help minimize the damage.

Choosing the wrong hairstyle for your face is a common mistake and this can easily be prevented. By researching the most flattering hairstyle for your face shape you are creating a younger and chicer look for yourself.

Avoid trying to make your hair into something that it isn't. There are always new trends and styles in your face, but this does not mean you have to try and recreate them all on yourself. Not everything fits everyone's facial shape and when you try to make your hair into something it isn't, it never works out.

Choosing the right products can be a harder thing than you may think. Avoiding using the wrong products can only be accomplished by trial and error.

Dark roots are one of the biggest mistakes to avoid! No one likes to see dark roots when their hair color of the day is blonde, take the time to touch up your roots at home or with your hairstylist to avoid this common mistake.

If you like to pull you hair back in braids or ponytails, be careful how tight you pull them as the band is literally ripping at your hair the tighter you try and pull it.

Avoid over brushing and use a detangle product if you have a lot of knots after your shower. This can not only rip your hair right out but it really damages your hair's cuticles.

Do what you can to avoid the cheap coloring systems you can use from home, they have the power to not only greatly damage your hair but you are taking a great risk that the color may or may not turn out!

It is important to take the time to make sure how you are treating your hair is correct because you can only continue damaging your hair for so long before the time comes to do something about it. Take the precautions to treat and care for your hair the way it deserves to be cared for.

Picking the Right Hair Color

Here are a few Tips to pick the Right Hair Color:

Coloring newbie?

Start with a semi-permanent color. Semi-permanent colors wash out after a few washes, whereas permanent colors never wash out. If you are new to coloring your hair, you might start with a semi-permanent hue unless you want to cover gray hair or go two or more shades lighter or darker.

Don’t go by the Picture on the Box.

Pictures on hair color boxes can be deceiving. You are better off going by the color swatches on the box and the descriptions.

Is your Skin Color Warm or Cool?

Most hair colors fall into either ‘categories’. You’re likely a ‘warm’ tone if you have golden, olive or dark skin and brown or dark eyes (most Latinas, Asians and African Americans fall into this category). You tan easily and the veins in your inner wrists are green. You’re a ‘cool’ if you have fair skin and blue or green eyes. You burn before you tan and the veins in your wrists run blue.

Choose the Correct Shade

If you have warm skin, opt for golden shades such as caramel and bronze in a darker shade than your skin. Avoid jet-black hair which will give you a washed out look and if you do opt for a golden shade, don’t go too light or your hair could turn orange. If you have cool shade, avoid colors that will highlight the ruddiness of your skin tone: Gold, auburn and copper. Ash blondes and cool browns work best.

How to tell if you’d make a Great Blonde

A basic thumb rule is that people who had blonde hair as children have the right skin tone to be blonde adults.
The right shade of blonde
Brassy blonde color or highlights on someone with a warm skin tone can be harsh. Opt for warmer shades instead. If you have brown hair and want to go blonde, you don’t want to go too light. Opt for contrast.

When to Go Red

Almost everyone can go red, what’s most important is finding the right shade to complement your skin color. Women with a cool or pink skin tone pull off red best, according to Jennifer J, a stylist quoted in the February 2006 issue of Marie Claire.

How to hide that Gray

Gray hair can be hard to color because of its coarse texture. If your hair is less than one-thirds gray, opt for a semi-permanent color that’s a shade lighter than your natural color (or matches your color). The gray will blend right in. Semi-permanent color is less damaging than permanent color.

Uh-oh, the Color’s all Wrong

It is strongly suggested you seek out professional help if your dye job went wrong. Coloring over color can be tricky and you don’t want to over-process your hair. Don’t go extreme

At home Hair Coloring is best for people looking to go a couple shades lighter or darker or to cover gray. If you have light brown hair, a dark blonde will look beautiful on you. For extreme changes, it’s best to seek out professional help.