Everyone has been cutting back during these tough economical times. Salon prices are outrageous and women are finding ways to save money even it is means less visits to the salon and coloring their hair at home.
The average price of a salon color is $60 dollars and you can spend up to $150 dollars if you add highlights and toners. The average cost of a home hair color is about $10 dollars. You do the math, over a year’s time that is a lot of money saved.
But are you worried about using a home coloring kit on your precious hair? Studies have shown that after much testing and reviews, three brands stood out from the rest: Clairol Natural Instincts ($9), Clairol Texture and Tones ($7), and L’Oreal Paris Superior Preference ($9). These products were most consistent in maintaining a true color through 16 washings and stylings.
Coloring your hair at home is best if you want to color unwanted gray and not if you are trying to combine complicated highlighting and double processing. Start with a semi-permanent color for a glossy, full-coverage look without the permanent commitment. Always be sure to read and reread the directions on the box. Although that sounds simple, you would be surprised at how many colors turn out bad over one small step that is missed.
To ensure the prefect color, test a strand of your hair under your hair near the scalp, so it will not be visible if you are not pleased. This will also let and know if you are going to have an allergic reaction to any of the ingredients in the formula. Don’t assume you know how to apply the color because you have colored your hair before.
If you are trying a home hair color for the first time, here are a few simple but important rules to follow.
1. Stay within two shades of your natural or current hair color. Do not try to dramatically change colors from dark to light. At home hair colors are not chemically designed for this type of transformation. Leave the drastic changes to the professionals.
2. You cannot lighten your hair with a semi-permanent color; they can only make your hair darker.
3. Always test a strand first before applying the color to your whole head. This may save you some heartache in the future.
4. To avoid color stains from getting one your forehead and behind your ears apply some petroleum jelly along your hairline.
5. Last but not least, always follow the directions and use the recommended times. You don’t want to end up with orange or green hair.
