Coloring Your Hair at Home Is a Cinch With These Stylist-Approved Tips

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.

Featured Experts

• Millie Morales is a celebrity hairstylist
• Mia Santiago is a celebrity hairstylist
• Tiffanie Richards is a master colorist at Louise O’Conner Salon in New York

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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dpHUE Color Dream ($33)

“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.

• BUY ON DP HUE – $33
• BUY ON ULTA – $33

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Garnier Olia Oil Powered Permanent Hair Color ($11)

This formula is powered by 60 percent oils, including natural flower oils, which help maintain the health of your hair and the vibrancy of your new color. The kit also comes with detailed instructions, making the process simple and safe to do at home, says Morales.

• BUY NOW – $11

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Kristin Ess Hair Dye Gloss ($19)

This hair gloss delivers professional-results without the hassle. Each of the salon-inspired shades can be used in the shower for a quick boost of vibrancy and shine. “The formulas are simple to use, but just be sure to always comb the color through for even distribution,” adds Richards.

• BUY ON NOW – $19

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Age Beautiful Anti-Aging Permanent Liqui-Creme Hair Color ($12)

“Whether you’re doing full color or root touch-ups, this product will become a go-to,” says Santiago. It’s formulated with top hair-care ingredients, including biotin, peptides, keratin and other proteins to fortify as it colors. The creamy consistency also leaves your hair feeling buttery soft.

• BUY ON SALLY BEAUTY – $12
• BUY ON AMAZON – $12

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Overtone Color Depositing Treatment Mask ($32)

Overtone’s conditioners are a great way to change your color at home without using permanent color, says Richards. The daily conditioners can be used with each wash, but if you’re looking for something more nurturing, reach for their color-depositing treatment mask, which is enriched with natural oils like jojoba and coconut.

• BUY ON OVERTONE – $32
• BUY ON AMAZON – $26

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L’Oréal Paris Superior Preference Permanent Hair Color ($13)

If you want to cover grays or slide into a new natural hair color, this is the kit for you. The pros say the classic coloring system is gentle on the hair and provides a subtly soft hue, perfect for enhancing your own natural color.

• BUY ON AMAZON – $13
• BUY ON WALMART – $13