Colour your world with these tips for a perfect at-home hue.
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Shade choice: When choosing a shade at the drugstore, bring a compact mirror with you. Check to see if the hair swatch compliments your skin tone, don't just go by the shade on the box.
Cool vs. warm colours: Ash tones create cool colours, red and gold create warm colours, while neutral shades maintain the natural hair tone.
Grey be gone! Choose a permanent colour if you want to cover grey. A neutral shade close to your natural colour will blend greys, while one shade lighter will turn your greys into natural highlights, according to Clairol.
Patch and strand tests: Do the patch and strand tests. Obey the time limits and don't mix the colour until you're ready to apply. "The step-by-step directions are really meant to be followed," says Nicole Dupuis, L'Oréal technical manager.
Regrowth strategy: If you want to touch up regrowth, try Clairol's Nice 'n Easy Root Touch-up Kit. It can be matched with just about any shade, including ones from competing brands.
The light and dark side of things: You'll get the best results at home if you choose a shade or two lighter or darker than your natural shade, advises Selby. If you're not sure, ask the cosmetician to help.
DIY highlights: Highlights can now be foolproof at home, thanks to the latest brush-on techniques. Try L'Oréal's new Hi-Light Styliste, which allows for precise placement of colour.
Must-have products: To get the most mileage out of your colour, don't use deep cleansing or clarifying shampoos. Opt for colour-enhancing products instead-especially if you go red.
Longevity: Hair dyes usually have a shelf life of about three years, if unopened. Anything older than that, you should toss.
Stay away from the brows! Don't dye your eyebrows at home! This should be left to an experienced professional. For home, opt for an eyebrow pencil or powdered eyeshadow instead.
Photo courtesy imaxtree.com
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