How to Color Your Hair Like a Pro at Home in 2023

how to color your hair like a professional at home

1. The Necessary Steps to Prepare Your Hair for Coloring at Home

Why is it important to prepare your hair before coloring?

Preparing your hair before coloring is crucial for achieving the best results and minimizing damage. It helps to ensure that the color adheres evenly and lasts longer. Additionally, preparing your hair can help prevent potential issues such as uneven color distribution or unwanted color variations.

Read More: In this article, we explore the desires of a mature man when it comes to choosing a partner, offering insights into what he looks for in a woman in 2023.

Steps to prepare your hair for coloring:

1. Cleanse your hair: Start by washing your hair with a clarifying shampoo to remove any product buildup, oils, or impurities. This allows the color to penetrate the hair shaft more effectively.
2. Avoid conditioning: Skip using conditioner before coloring as it can create a barrier that hinders color absorption. However, if you have very dry or damaged hair, apply a small amount of conditioner only on the ends to protect them from excessive drying.
3. Perform a strand test: Before applying color all over, do a strand test on a small section of hair. This will help you determine how the color will turn out and how long you need to leave it on for desired results.
4. Protect your skin and clothing: Apply petroleum jelly along your hairline and wear an old shirt or cape to avoid staining your skin or clothes during the application process.

By following these steps, you’ll be well-prepared for successful at-home hair coloring without any unexpected surprises.

2. Choosing the Right Hair Color Shade That Suits Your Skin Tone

Determining your skin tone:

The first step in choosing the right hair color shade is to determine your skin tone. There are generally three categories: warm, cool, and neutral.

• Warm: If you have a warm skin tone, you will typically have golden or peach undertones. Your veins may appear greenish, and gold jewelry tends to suit you better than silver.
• Cool: Cool skin tones usually have pink or bluish undertones. Veins may appear blue, and silver jewelry complements your complexion more than gold.
• Neutral: Neutral skin tones have a mix of warm and cool undertones. You may find that both gold and silver jewelry look good on you, and your veins may appear bluish-green.

Choosing the right hair color shade:

Once you’ve determined your skin tone, use it as a guide to select the most flattering hair color shade for you:

• Warm skin tones: Opt for hair colors with warm undertones such as golden blondes, caramel browns, or copper reds.
• Cool skin tones: Choose hair colors with cool undertones like ash blondes, cool browns, or burgundy reds.
• Neutral skin tones: You have the flexibility to experiment with both warm and cool shades. Consider trying honey blondes, chocolate browns, or auburn hues.

Taking into account your skin tone when selecting a hair color shade will help enhance your natural features and create a harmonious overall look.

3. Professional Techniques for Applying Hair Color Evenly at Home

The importance of applying hair color evenly:

Applying hair color evenly is essential for achieving a professional-looking result. Uneven application can lead to patchy or streaky color, which is not desired.

Professional techniques for applying hair color evenly at home:

1. Section your hair: Divide your hair into manageable sections using clips or hair ties. This ensures that you cover all areas and prevents overlapping or missing spots.
2. Start from the roots: Begin applying the color to your roots first, as they require more processing time. Use a brush or applicator bottle to distribute the color evenly along the roots.
3. Work through the lengths: Once you’ve covered the roots, move on to applying color to the lengths of your hair. Comb through each section with a wide-toothed comb to ensure even distribution.
4. Paying attention to timing: Different parts of your hair may process at different rates due to variations in thickness or porosity. Keep track of how long each section has been processing and make adjustments if necessary.
5. Rinse thoroughly: After the recommended processing time, rinse out the color thoroughly using lukewarm water until the water runs clear. This helps remove any excess product and prevents further processing.

By following these professional techniques, you can achieve an even and seamless application of hair color, giving you salon-worthy results in the comfort of your own home.

4. Tools and Products Professionals Use for Coloring Hair at Home

Essential tools for coloring hair at home:

To achieve salon-like results when coloring your hair at home, it’s important to have the right tools on hand:

• Applicator brush or bottle: These tools help you distribute the color evenly and precisely onto your hair.
• Mixing bowl and brush: If you’re using a hair color that requires mixing, a bowl and brush are necessary to ensure proper blending of the color components.
• Gloves: Protect your hands from staining by wearing gloves while applying the hair color.
• Clips or hair ties: These are useful for sectioning your hair during application to ensure even coverage.
• Cape or old shirt: Wear a cape or an old shirt to protect your clothing from potential color stains.

Recommended products for coloring hair at home:

To achieve professional-looking results, it’s important to choose high-quality products specifically designed for at-home hair coloring. Look for brands that offer a wide range of shades, provide clear instructions, and use ingredients that nourish and protect your hair during the coloring process. Some popular options include:

• L’Oréal Paris Excellence Creme: This permanent hair color line offers a variety of shades and provides long-lasting, vibrant results.
• Garnier Nutrisse Nourishing Color Creme: Known for its nourishing formula, this brand offers a range of shades with rich, radiant colors.
• Schwarzkopf Keratin Color Permanent Hair Color Cream: This brand combines intense pigments with keratin care complex for improved strength and shine.

By using the right tools and high-quality products, you can achieve professional-looking results when coloring your hair at home.

5. Optimal Duration for Leaving Hair Color In Before Rinsing

Factors to Consider

When coloring your hair at home, it is important to determine the optimal duration for leaving the hair color in before rinsing. Several factors should be taken into account to achieve the desired results. Firstly, consider the type of hair color being used. Different brands and formulations may have varying recommended processing times. Additionally, the starting color of your hair plays a role in determining how long the color needs to develop. Darker hair may require a longer processing time compared to lighter hair.

Guidelines for Different Hair Colors

To provide some general guidelines, if you have light or medium blonde hair and are aiming for a subtle change, leaving the color in for 20-30 minutes may be sufficient. For those with darker blonde or light brown hair, extending the processing time to 30-45 minutes can help achieve more noticeable results. If you have medium brown or dark brown hair, it is recommended to leave the color in for 45-60 minutes.

Tips for Checking Color Development

During the processing time, it is essential to periodically check on the color development. To do this, take a small section of hair and gently wipe off a small amount of color using a tissue or paper towel. Observe how much color has been absorbed by the hair and compare it to your desired shade. If you are satisfied with the level of color achieved, it is time to rinse out the product.

• Consider using a timer or setting an alarm to ensure accurate timing.
• If you are unsure about leaving the color in for too long, start with a shorter duration and gradually increase it until you reach your desired shade.
• Always follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer of your chosen hair color product.

6. Common Mistakes to Avoid When Coloring Your Hair Like a Professional at Home

1. Skipping the Patch Test

One common mistake people make when coloring their hair at home is skipping the patch test. This test involves applying a small amount of the hair color product to a discreet area of your skin, usually behind the ear or on the inner arm, and waiting for any adverse reactions. It is crucial to perform this test to check for allergies or sensitivities before applying the color all over your hair.

2. Not Protecting Clothing and Surfaces

Another mistake is failing to protect clothing and surfaces from potential stains. Hair color can easily drip or splatter during application, leading to unwanted stains on clothes, towels, or bathroom surfaces. To avoid this, wear an old shirt or use a protective cape while applying the color. Cover surfaces with plastic sheets or old towels to prevent staining.

3. Applying Color on Dirty Hair

Coloring dirty hair is a common mistake that can affect the final result. It is important to wash your hair thoroughly before applying color to remove any dirt, oils, or styling products that may interfere with the absorption of the color. Clean hair allows for better color penetration and more even results.

• Always perform a patch test before using any new hair color product.
• Protect your clothing and surfaces by wearing appropriate attire and covering nearby areas.
• Start with clean, dry hair for optimal color absorption.
• If you are unsure about any step of the coloring process, seek guidance from a professional hairstylist.

7. Tips to Prevent Damage or Breakage While Coloring Your Hair at Home

Preparation Is Key

Before coloring your hair at home, it is essential to prepare and take precautions to minimize the risk of damage or breakage. Start by ensuring that your hair is in good condition, as healthy hair is more resilient to chemical treatments. Deep conditioning treatments in the weeks leading up to coloring can help strengthen and moisturize your hair.

Choose Quality Products

Investing in high-quality hair color products can make a significant difference in preventing damage. Look for products that are specifically formulated for at-home use and contain nourishing ingredients such as argan oil or keratin. These ingredients can help protect the hair shaft and minimize damage during the coloring process.

Additional Tips:

• Avoid overlapping previously colored sections when applying new color to prevent excessive damage.
• Follow the recommended processing times provided by the manufacturer to avoid leaving the color on for too long.
• Rinse out the color thoroughly after processing to remove any residue that could potentially cause damage.
• Limit heat styling and use heat protectant products when styling colored hair to prevent further damage.

8. Precautions and Safety Measures When Using Bleach or Lightening Products on Your Hair at Home

Patch Test for Sensitivity

Before using bleach or lightening products on your hair, it is crucial to perform a patch test to check for any adverse reactions or sensitivities. Apply a small amount of the product behind your ear or on your inner arm, following the instructions provided by the manufacturer. Wait 24-48 hours and monitor for any signs of irritation, redness, or discomfort.

Protective Measures

When working with bleach or lightening products, it is important to take extra precautions to protect yourself and minimize potential damage. Wear gloves to protect your hands from the harsh chemicals and use a barrier cream or petroleum jelly along the hairline and ears to prevent skin irritation. Additionally, ensure proper ventilation in the area where you are applying the products.

Additional Safety Tips:

• Follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer carefully, including recommended mixing ratios and processing times.
• Avoid overlapping previously lightened sections to prevent excessive damage or breakage.
• Rinse out the bleach or lightening product thoroughly after processing to remove any residue.
• Consider seeking professional help if you are unsure about using bleach or lightening products at home.

9. Achieving Salon-Like Results with Highlights or Balayage Techniques at Home

Choosing the Right Technique

When attempting highlights or balayage techniques at home, it is important to choose a method that suits your skill level and desired outcome. Foil highlighting involves sectioning off small strands of hair and applying color with foils for precise placement. On the other hand, balayage involves freehand painting of color onto select sections of hair for a more natural, sun-kissed look.

Sectioning and Application

Proper sectioning and application techniques are crucial for achieving salon-like results. Divide your hair into manageable sections using clips or hair ties. Apply the color or lightener starting from mid-lengths to ends for a more natural gradient effect. For highlights, focus on areas where the sun naturally hits, such as around the face or on top layers.

Tips for Professional-Looking Highlights/Balayage:

• Practice on small sections first before tackling larger areas to gain confidence in your technique.
• Use a tint brush or applicator bottle for precise application.
• Blend the color or lightener well to avoid harsh lines and achieve a seamless transition.
• Follow the recommended processing times provided by the manufacturer for optimal results.

10. Recommended Aftercare Routines and Products for Vibrant, Healthy-Colored Hair

Gentle Cleansing and Conditioning

After coloring your hair, it is important to switch to gentle, sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners specifically formulated for colored hair. These products help maintain the vibrancy of your color while providing essential moisture and nourishment.

Regular Deep Conditioning Treatments

To keep your colored hair healthy and vibrant, incorporate regular deep conditioning treatments into your hair care routine. Look for products that are designed to repair and hydrate colored hair, as they often contain ingredients like keratin or argan oil that can restore moisture and strengthen the hair shaft.

Tips for Maintaining Color:

• Avoid excessive heat styling, as high temperatures can fade color more quickly.
• Protect your hair from UV rays by wearing hats or using UV-protective sprays when exposed to sunlight.
• Avoid chlorine or saltwater exposure, as these can cause color fading or discoloration.
• Schedule regular touch-ups or refreshes to maintain the vibrancy of your color.

In conclusion, by following professional techniques and using high-quality products, it is possible to achieve salon-like results when coloring your hair at home.