There’s no longer a need to see a pro to get gorgeous hair color. “You can definitely get salon-like results at home,” says Kari Hill, a celebrity colorist forL’Oreal Paris who is based out of Méche Salon in Beverly Hills. “And since ombre became a trend in 2008, color hasn’t required as much frequent touching up, as a soft regrowth allows for more time between coloring. In the years following, so many user-friendly kits started coming out.” What makes these kits foolproof? New and innovative applicators that make even special color effects a cinch. Hill shares her best tips for getting perfect hair color at home.
Choose the right dye for your coloring. “Adjectives to describe skin are similar to the adjectives to describe hair color,” Hill says. “If you have warm, golden or olive skin undertones, opt for color tones that have similar hues in them—it’s an easy way to find the right shade. If you are cool in skin tone, typically the color you need for your hair will be described that same way on the box: cool or iridescent.”
Save the intense makeovers for your colorist. Going from black locks to platinum blonde isn’t something that can be easily achieved at home. “The most common mistakes happen when the desired outcome is unrealistic because women aren’t staying within the two shades lighter or darker parameters,” Hill cautions. “Unrealistic expectations will lead to unrealistic results.”
Prevent stains on your skin along the hairline. “Vaseline is good; so is Chapstick for a controlled application. A great way to remove stains is by dabbing eye makeup remover with a cotton ball on skin; the oily base does the trick.”
Prepare your strands. “Hair does not need to be dirty to apply color, contrary to popular misconception,” says Hill. “I wouldn’t necessarily wash it only a few hours before, but cleanliness won’t impede the color process. Do a deep treatment a day or two before you color—like L’Oreal Paris Oleo Therapy Deep Recovery Mask—so hair is prepped and ready. Make sure hair is 99.9% dry before color application.”
Apply the color the right way. “Follow the manufacturer’s directions first and foremost. They spent a lot of time, research and energy putting those directions together. I always say to start coloring at your grayest point—typically the roots—so that the formula stays on this part of the hair longest.”
of trends. Highlights and ombre aren’t going away anytime soon. “Ombre is actually morphing into a softer, more natural look called ‘sombre’—using an at-home kit can help achieve this style and maintain it,” says Hill. “Babylights (super-fine, woven highlights—like a baby’s natural hair color) are a trend right now, too.
Avoid color from fading. “Make sure you have products to care for your hair after coloring. L’Oreal Paris Advanced Haircare Color Vibrancy Shampoo and Conditioner offer great color retention benefits and UV protection. A T3 shower filter works wonders as well.”
