Home hair dye 101: The best way to dye hair at home

Dyeing your hair at home can be hard. From missed patches of hair to a messy bathroom and stained forehead, it’s tough work. But, it is a whole lot quicker (and cheaper) than heading to the salon. So we chatted with Bronwyn Fraser, National Education and Training Manager for the Consumer Products Division at L’Oreal, to find out how we can to make the at-home hair dye process a smoother one.
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Here’s everything you need to know about dyeing your hair at home – so you can avoid any major hair colour mistakes...
PREPARING TO DYE YOUR HAIR AT HOME
Preparation is key when dyeing your hair at home. Once the gloves are on and the dye is in hand, things can start to get hectic, so it's vital that you gather up everything you need beforehand and keep it all within arms reach. “Keep a couple of old towels on hand to use each time you colour as it can stain/bleach towels,” Fraser suggests. “Wear an old/pre-loved T-Shirt or button-up shirt just in case and ensure you have all the components necessary such as gloves, instruction leaflet, comb, clips, water spray etc on hand before you start applying.”
Every home hair dye box will explain it, but it is important that you carve out some time to undertake a sensitivity test before using the dye. Check the leaflet for specifics on the sensitivity test.
PICKING THE RIGHT SHADE AND TYPE OF DYE
This is the part of the dyeing process that’s make or break. Fraser says, “a good guide is to select a shade that is within two shades lighter or two shades darker than your natural shade, as this will harmonise with your natural skin and eye colour.”
If you’re dyeing your hair to cover greys, Fraser suggests you pick a permanent colour as it will give you the most long-lasting grey coverage. However, she does say that colour will need to be reapplied after about four to six weeks when the new growth is visible.
Permanent colour is also the way to go if you’re wanting a much lighter or brighter shade. In fact, Fraser explains that it’s the only option to achieve it.
If you’re looking for permanent colour, beautyheaven loves Garnier Color Sensation hair colour, THE SHADE Colour Kit, Garnier Olia and Schwarzkopf Brilliance Intense Permanent Hair Colour.
You should use a long-lasting semi-permanent or semi-permanent dye if you are looking to blend first greys or to add some colour and shine. This type of dye will achieve these looks and gradually fade with each wash.
For a semi-permanent hair colour, beautyheaven loves L'Oréal Paris Casting Crème Gloss and Clairol Colour Crave Semi-Permanent Hair Colour.
And, probably the most important rule of all, if you have long or thick hair please, “ensure you have enough product...longer hair may need two packs to ensure you have plenty of product to cover the hair and achieve an even all-over colour result.”
APPLYING THE HAIR DYE
Is there a surefire way to apply your hair dye so you nail it each and every time? Not exactly. “The technique varies from product to product so always be guided by the manufacturers' Instructions,” says Fraser. “The method also differs depending on whether you are a first time user, or reapplying the same colour to new growth, and this is explained in each Instruction Leaflet.” So in other words, don’t go rogue, beauties!
AVOIDING (AND FIXING) DYE DISASTER
A stained forehead... It happens, er, to the best of us. But it is possible to avoid. “A little barrier cream or Vaseline applied around the hairline, particularly with very dark or bright shades is a good idea to prevent staining, just be careful not to get any on the hair as it will prevent the colour from taking,” Fraser says.
And if you find yourself in a real disaster-style situation, take solace in the fact that hair colour remover can help, able to strip stubborn permanent, semi-permanent and temporary hair colours without bleach.
beautyheaven loves: Vaseline Petroleum Jelly, QV Cream and Colourless Max Effect
If you’ve tried your hand at dyeing your hair at home and it hasn’t exactly gone to plan (as in, your locks are looking either way too light or way too dark), “there are many ways you can fix this” Fraser says. “Too light may need the application of another deeper shade. If it’s too dark, we recommend a few repeated shampoos with a deep cleansing or medicated-type shampoo to help speed the colour fade.” Some companies even have numbers you can call to offer advice on this exact problem, so always check the back of the box if you’re in strife!
Do you dye your hair at home? What are some of your best at-home hair dyeing tips?
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67 Member Comments
There are a million reasons to get your hair colour done at home. 1. You save money 2. You do it your way 3. You could share and swap matching colours with friends and family and get the best blended hair dye 4. You get the hang of dying your own hair 5. You don't depend on anyone else to do your hair any more 6. You could potentially help family and friends do their hair dye at home too 7. Save a trip to the hairdresser, waiting time and hassle and bustle of making an appointment 8. Do everything from the comfort of your own bedroom 9. Teach your friends how it is done effectively at home 10.You get to buy many more colours with the savings you have made. This is just the tip of the iceberg, the list goes on. For some hair colour ideas visit https://megagrocery.com.au/index.php?route=product/category&path=20_26 or https://megagrocery.com.au for many more makeup and skincare ideas. Good luck to you all.
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Still colouring and still enjoying it
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I recently just got a brush like they have in salons and it helps so much especially because I am a blond and my regrowth is just a little darker. I love doing my hair at home and if there is a slip up patience is the key ! you don't want to kill your hair.
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I invested in an application brush like they have at the salon, it cost about $5 and makes the job so much easier and stoos me from missing any hair and even coverage. Being methodical is a must!
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The trick for me over the years has been finding the right colour.
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I actually find it extremely easy to dye my hair at home and I love the results. It only takes me about 10 minutes to apply the solution, then I leave it on for 25 minutes, wash out, and condition, so easily under an hour. I used to use Nice & Easy's foam but it's no longer available, but the corresponding new solution is just as good. ☺️
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I used to use loreal casting one for couple of years, but then decided for more bold lift on my highlights. I remember liking that one a lot too!
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Just find the formula that works for your hair and do it. Not all formulas work well for me. So far love the most Scw. colour specialist and Garnier Nutrisse with purple conditioning toner inside. Unsure if they still have this version in Australia though.
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I go the hairdresser every few months and then home hair dye job in between. It seems to be working ok now. The 4 weekly trips to the hairdresser for colour just got way too expensive.
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My mum colours my hair at home for me. We purchase the colour and peroxide from the hair supply store and it works out so much cheaper! I only colour my locks 1 colour though so it's easy for her to paint away. Always remember to only colour dirty hair (not freshly washed) and apply petroleum jelly around your hair line.
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Fabulous tips especially the petroleum jelly tip...
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It's been a long time since I last did my hair at home but given how expensive colour at a salon is and also the recent improvements in at home kits I think it might be time to give DIY a go again...wish me luck!
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I did my own until I was 30 and never, ever again! It costs me $300 every 3 months but my hairdresser is an absolute wizard with the latest techniques to keep my blonde hair looking amazing. I’m always happy with my colour even though we change it up each season. She invests so much time in studying and is off all over the country each month ipskilling with the best salons in the country. I’ve never had a hairdresser that has continuously invested in her knowledge.
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When I go grey I might but right now I don't colour my hair.
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I am lucky that one of my daughters is a hairdresser so she very kindly colours my hair for me.
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In the past I have tried hair salons to colour or highlight my very light blonde hair and on so many occasions it has been a complete disaster. I would have thought that these 'professionals' would know what they were doing but alas I have ended up looking like a scare crow with a YELLOW head of hair. It was horrible. I also ended up with gutter water greeny grey streaks, when I went to a TAFE hair class and the teacher was supervising the student on how to mix the 'correct' colour. If this is the standard of teaching, no wonder I now avoid hair salons, aside for the very expensive prices charged.
There are some good hairdressers out there too, and I did find one successful one who advised me the colours that suited my hair and I have continued using this formula, 913, to keep my hair looking natural for several years. I now have varying shades of blonde, darker underneath and varying blonde streaks. I do my hair at home, using L'Oreal colourings, but really found the Mousse product the easiest to use doing it myself, and of course, they discontinued that one. Now I rely on my daughter doing my hair when she visits so that the top and back are done evenly and well to cover the grey coming through. And I am pleased to say that my hair does still look very naturally coloured.
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It really cheers me up when I do my hair
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A change is as good as a holiday! ☺️
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Yes and I don't have many good hair days lol
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I hope you are finding time to rest Shop A.
Thoughts are with you!
❤️☺️ xx
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Hello Lucy Trying too, we had specialist appointments yesterday for my son, so at least now we have diagnosis, and medication for him.. Doesn't stop me worrying and fretting constantly though. I hope you have a lovely day xx
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Hopefully the diagnosis offers you a little relief.
Take moments out of the day for yourself.
Have a good weekend! xx
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Thankyou Lucy, knowledge is relief in a way but doesn't stop the worrying.
I am a true worrywart!!!
Have a lovely day xxxx
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I always go to the hairdressers because I'm not confident enough to do it at home.
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