As someone who's been bleaching, dyeing, lowlighting, and highlighting my hair since elementary school, I have a keen interest in the topic of hair color, which, honestly, probably started from ogling my mom's own hair-coloring rituals throughout my childhood. I fondly remember trips to the drugstore where I'd help her choose a glossy box of dark-brown hair dye, and perhaps even more vividly, I remember her covering every last inch of the bathroom with a clear plastic tarp of sorts to protect the floor, countertop, and her collection of beauty products from the chocolaty dye we'd chosen.
Eventually, my mom traded her at-home process for salon jobs, and I quickly followed suit (after lots of begging and pleading), beginning my own foray into the world of unnatural hair color. Though I never attempted dyeing or bleaching my own hair at home, my friends would recruit me to administer their at-home color adventures, and I became well acquainted with the process. The results (if I do say so myself) were always surprisingly professional-looking.
Of course, being in the beauty industry and having talked to plenty of different colorists (both for my personal and professional needs), I'd always recommend seeing a reputable colorist for color jobs instead of doing the job at home if your budget and circumstances allow. That said, salon color is expensive and isn't always feasible, which makes at-home color kits a great alternative. Plus, given the current COVID-19 outbreak, we don't have the option to head into the salon even if we could. Therefore, at-home color has become a hot topic of conversation for anyone who is A) experiencing some major root regrowth or color fade or B) bored and itching to try a new look altogether.
As I mentioned earlier, at-home color kits won't necessarily reap professional-grade results, but they can be a great option for those who can't commit to regular salon visits or are trying to bridge the gap between said appointments. Before you take on the challenge yourself, however, there are some important tips and rules of thumb you should definitely beware of, so I consulted celebrity colorist Cassondra Kaeding to get all of her thoughts, feelings, and recommendations in terms of at-home color. Keep scrolling for a quick course on the topic, plus some of our top color kit recommendations if you do decide to take the plunge!
To remove buildup (which can alter the tone of your hair), invest in a clarifying shampoo or treatment, and use it every few weeks. Plus, make sure you're using a color-safe or color-enhancing shampoo and conditioner that will help lock in and extend the integrity of your color. We have a helpful shampoo guide here, and oVertone makes tons of great formulas all designed to preserve or enhance your color.
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