By Jennifer Velez, InStyle
There’s nothing quite as transformative as a shiny new hair
color. But taking matters into your own hands can be tricky territory.
That’s why we’ve enlisted the help of top colorists, who’ve worked on
the locks of everyone from Beyoncé to Emma Stone, for some insider secrets. Turn your bathroom into your own personal salon with these pro tips.
Consider Your Skin Tone
When choosing a color, always try to stay within two shades of your natural hair color, colorist Marie Robinson
advises. To find your best shade, determine your skin tone first. “A
great way to figure out what colors look best is whether gold jewelry,
silver jewelry or both look good on you,” she says. “If you wear a lot
of gold, warm colors such as golden blondes and reds will probably work
best. If you wear mostly silver, you'll want to lean towards cool colors
such as ash.”
Find the Right Formula
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Liquid or crème formulas are great for full coverage, says Robinson.
But if you’re a beginner, mousse and foam consistencies are easier to
apply.
Stock Up on Your Shade
Because who wants to run out mid-dye? “Don’t be afraid to use a lot of color," colorist Rita Hazan says. “Saturate the hair. Buy two boxes just in case you need more.”
Think Outside the Box
In addition to your at-home coloring kit, you’ll want to keep a few
supplies within arm’s reach. Before applying any color, protect your
hairline with lotion or Vaseline, Hazan says. Also have “an extra pair
of gloves, a dark towel that you don't mind getting stained, and clips
to keep hair sectioned out of the way,” Robinson adds. Don’t forget to
set a timer to avoid leaving the product on for too long.
Lock in Moisture
Unfortunately, any chemical treatment can lead to some damage. Invest in a weekly hair mask like Hazan’s Weekly Remedy, ($42; ulta.com)
to replenish fragile strands with moisture and shine. “You should use
it the first time you wash your hair after coloring,” Hazan suggests.
“Then I would wait two to three days until washing again.”
Swap Shampoos
To extend the life of your new hair color, switch to a shampoo and
conditioner that are made specifically for color-treated hair. We
recommend Oribe Shampoo and Conditioner for Beautiful Color ($39-$42; oribe.com), which are free of sulfates and defend against UV fading.
Revive Color with a Gloss
Continue to maintain color with an at-home gloss, Hazan adds. Treat your
strands to a product like Gloss Moderne High-Gloss Masque ($65; sephora.com) as often as once a week for healthy-looking shine.
