In partnership with Schwarzkopf Color Expert
Regardless of your usual preferences, at the moment none of us are able to get to the hair salon for fresh colour. Thankfully, it's possible to get salon-worthy results in the comfort of your own home.
But if you're looking to colour your hair at home, you want to be sure you take the steps to get it right and avoid a distaster. Thankfully, if you follow these simple steps from Marie Claire's health and beauty editors, it's super easy.
These are the dos and don'ts you need to know to get that salon-worthy, fresh hair feeling in the comfort of your own home...
Choose a salon-level product
Your hair deserves the best, so choose a salon-level product to ensure great results. Schwarzkopf Color Expert Permanent Hair Colour is salon-inspired and contains two hero ingredients. OMEGAPLEX Anti-Breakage Technology that strengthens your hair from the inside and helps to prevent damage, and hyaluronic acid that moisturises your hair to make it feel very soft and look super glossy.
This formula covers greys seamlessly and, despite caring for your hair, doesn't compromise on colour quality. Think strong-feeling hair and strong colour to boot. Top tip: If your hair is particularly long or thick, buy two boxes to ensure you have plenty of product.
Do an allergy test
Even if you are a seasoned at-home colourer, the most important rule is to do a patch test 48 hours before colouring your hair. This is especially important if you're using a new product. Apply a small amount of the colour cream to the inside of your elbow or behind your ear with a cotton bud. If you have no reaction within that time, you're good to go.
Do a strand test
To ensure the colour is to your liking, apply a little colour to a strand of hair, putting the rest of your hair up to keep it separate. Let it develop, then rinse and dry. This way you'll know how your hair reacts to the formula, and have some idea of the end result before colouring your whole head.
Apply a barrier cream
To prevent stains on your skin, apply a barrier cream around your hairline before you apply any colour. If none is supplied in the box of your chosen colour, Vaseline works well.
Section your hair
Before you begin, brush your hair to ensure that it's completely knot-free. Then divide the hair into sections to apply the colour – start at the front when you apply colour, as these sections are the most visible.
Use a brush to apply
When you apply the colour, mix in a bowl and apply to your hair using a brush – squeezing directly from the bottle will not yield the salon finish you're after.
Use a product that contains hyaluronic acid
Using a formula that contains hyaluronic acid after colouring your hair, like Schwarzkopf Color Expert Permanent Hair Colours*, will really help to keep it feeling soft and shiny. This hydrating ingredient is a big player in the skincare world, but your hair can also reap its moisturising benefits.
Schwarzkopf Color Expert Permanent Hair Colour*
For best results, always follow the instructions included in the colour box.
* RRP is at retailer's discretion and may vary
Ready to get that fresh-out-the-salon, confident feeling?