It can get pretty pricey if you have your hair colored at the salon, so we’re giving you the lowdown on how you can freshen up your hair hue like a pro.
1. Invest in the right product.
You’re already saving thousands by dyeing your hair at home, so splurge a little more when it comes to the at-home color you’re buying. If you want vibrant, long-lasting color that has spectacular shine, try L’Oréal Excellence Fashion. It’s known for its triple care protection, so your strands will stay soft and damage-free post-color. Tip: Consider buying more than one box if your hair is extremely thick or long. After all, you don’t want to run out of dye half-way through.
2. Manage your expectations.
The shades you see on the models are great guides, but you have to remember that you may not get the exact same color shown on the box. Factors like your current hair shade, chemical treatments like rebonding, and how damaged your strands are can affect how your final hair hue turns out. Read the shade descriptions and go for the names that say neutral or warm to be on the safe side. Still iffy? Try reaching for a lighter shade than what you want since that’ll be easier to correct if you mess up.
3. Follow the directions exactly.
Whether it’s your first or 10th time to color your hair, don’t forget to read the directions twice to make sure you’re following the right steps before you start mixing and coloring. It also helps if you do a test run without actually opening the bottles (just pretend you’re a little kid playing make-believe) to prevent any slip-ups along the way.
4. Have a DIY pal.
It’s always fun to do at-home treatments with a friend, isn’t it? The best part is, he or she can also help you apply dye in those hard-to-reach places and point out if you missed a spot by your nape. P.S. It’s also a great opportunity to post fab selfies and hilarious videos on Snapchat!
5. Don’t be in a rush.
If you’re coloring your hair for a party or special occasion, you’ll want to do this at least a few days before the big event. This way, you have time to adjust to your new hue and will feel more confident when you rock it later on.
6. Skip washing for 48 hours.
Try not to get too sweaty, because it helps if you ditch washing your hair for the next two days. This gives your strand’s pH level enough time to go back to normal and allows the color to really settle into your hair (read: less bleeding in the shower). Bonus tip: Wash with cold water, too—it helps boost shine and closes the cuticle to prevent your hue from fading prematurely.
7. Go sulfate-free.
When it comes to your shampoo and conditioner, you’ll need to make sure that it’s specifically formulated for color-treated hair. The reason? Regular sudsers can strip the dye from your hair and make it fade a lot faster. Beauty extra: Add a weekly treatment if you can. Deep conditioning can help replenish any moisture you lost during the coloring process and can amp up your hair’s shine.
8. Tweak your makeup.
When you change your ’do’s hue, this means you need to adjust the colors of your makeup, too. Rule of thumb: Your brows should be one to two shades lighter than your hair color if you have dark tresses. Going blonde? Pick an eyebrow product that's one to two shades darker than your hair.
9. Adjust your wardrobe.
It’s time to experiment! A new hair hue can make you feel like a new person, so scroll through Pinterest and look for fashion inspo that matches the vibe you want to send out. Feeling cool and edgy? Look for tailored pieces that Kendall Jenner or Victoria Beckham would wear. Feminine and flirty? Then flowy dresses and light fabrics (think: Lauren Conrad or Taylor Swift) are the way to go.
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Check out L'Oreal's Facebook page for more information about the Excellence collection.