Stylist-Approved Tips for Coloring Your Hair at Home

Bouncing out of the salon with a new hair color is a feeling that is almost unmatched. Whether you simply refreshed your signature hue or opted for a complete change, there’s nothing quite like it. Sounds divine, right? But in a time when pricy salon visits are becoming harder to maintain, you may be hunting for a more economical option. That’s where at-home hair coloring kits come in. The box dye options that line drugstore and beauty supply shelves have lots to offer when used correctly. Vibrancy? Check. Longevity? Fun and trusty shades? Check and check. If you’re in the market for a new look, coloring your hair at home can be the next best thing to the salon. Ahead, three celebrity hairstylists share their top tips for even color and the kits that make the process painless.

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How to color your hair at home, according to the pros

Coloring your hair at home is all about the technique and the pros note that spot testing first is always best. “Even if you’re ready to dive in, test the color on a small hidden section first. This shows you how your hair will react, how fast it processes, and helps you avoid surprises,” says celebrity hairstylist Millie Morales. When you’re ready to begin, divide your hair into small sections and work through them to thoroughly apply the product to your strands. For the best results, Morales suggests moving from the root outward. “Your roots process faster because of the heat from your scalp,” she says. Unless you possess a serious talent for being double-jointed, the middle and back of the head can get tricky. Fortunately, master colorist Tiffanie Richards has a neat trick: A three-way mirror. “Hang one on the back of a door in a way where you’re able to see the back of your hair and a view of every inch of your head,” she says. Once your hair is covered in product, process per the instructions before rinsing clean. Leaving the color on your strands too long can result in too dark a color or, worse, damage to your hair. If you’re worried about the color bleeding, celebrity hairstylist Mia Santiago recommends using vaseline or coconut oil as a barrier to protect your forehead under the hairline and around your ears and nape.

Expert-recommended products to try

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“Demi-permanent dyes, like dpHUE’s Color Dream, are good for refreshing your color or trying something new because they offer a milder approach,” says Santiago. The shades range from strawberry blonde to jet black and have a multidimensional finish that keeps your color from looking flat. Plus, they last for up to 16 shampoos.