How To Keep Your Hair Color Poppin' At Home, According To A Master Cosmetologist

How to Color Your Home at Home:

Coloring your entire head can be a tricky task, so Kelly provided some suggested tips to help get you through:

• "You want to start by selecting the color of your liking and reading the instructions thoroughly. I do suggest that if you are not using box color, to not use a developer greater than 30, to mitigate the possibility of overprocessing your hair.
• "Then, you will begin by mixing all of the coloring agents into a nozzle squeeze bottle and sectioning your hair into four quadrants for effortless application. If you have virgin hair (unprocessed or natural) you will apply the color to the shaft (ends) of the hair with the roots being last.
• "Please keep in mind that if you have previously colored your hair black or brown, but would like to achieve a lighter tone, you will need to extract the previous color first or wait to see a professional. We don't want to damage the hair. But if you are achieving to just touch up your roots, place the desired color only on the new growth throughout your hair without overlapping the previous color.
• "If you're attempting to obtain a darker tone, place the color on the roots first and then proceed to the shaft. Once colored, read instructions carefully to identify the recommended processing time.
• "After processing, use a neutralizing shampoo followed by a moisture shampoo and deep conditioner. Within two weeks of coloring your hair, it is suggested to apply a protein treatment to restrengthen your hair."

Products to Try:

1. Get Your Custom Haircolor by L'Oréal
2. Clairol Natural Instincts
3. L'OREAL Superior Preference Glam Lights
4. Madison Reed Radiant Hair Color Kit

How to Cover Your Grays at Home:

When covering your grays, it can be very challenging. However, giving yourself a root touch-up is definitely something you can accomplish within your own home. Below, Kelly offers tips and tricks on how to cover your grays like an expert:

• "To begin covering your grays, you want to start with a gray coverage color, whether it's a semi-permanent or permanent. If you're coloring your gray strands with a darker tone, black or brown, please be sure to check the base colors of that product. The base color will determine what color your hair will turn. You always want to avoid utilizing any products that have a green base, preferably one with a red or purple.
• "Now keep in mind if your hair has previously been colored, you should only touch up your roots to ensure not to over-process if you're using a permanent color. With virgin hair, the color can be placed all over; the roots and the shaft. You want to start by reading the directions carefully before beginning to color.
• "You then want to begin mixing all coloring contents in the provided nozzle squeeze bottle. If one is not provided, an applicator brush and bowl will do the trick as well. For ease, part your hair in four sections and apply the color section by section.
• "To achieve the best results, I would recommend sitting under the dryer unless indicated otherwise within the instructions for the proposed duration. Once the suggested time has elapsed, shampoo twice following with a deep condition for 15 minutes, then style as desired."

Product to Try:

1. dpHUERoot Touch-Up Kit

How to Maintain Blonde Hair at Home:

"For starters, please know that you want to take the proper precautions when you are maintaining blonde hair, as it can be very fragile and easy to damage," Kelly began. "The trick to keeping your blonde vibrant is using a purple-tinted shampoo such as 'Shimmering Lights' or 'Blonde Brilliance'. These shampoos will eliminate the effect of a copper or brass-like tone being added to the blonde."

1. "After you have completed utilizing your initial neutralizing shampoo, immediately follow-up with a moisturizing shampoo, followed by a deep conditioner to aid in rejuvenating the hair.
2. "Upon completion, make sure to seal your hair with an oil of your choice, then style as desired.
3. "Always make sure to tie your hair up at night or while sleeping by using a silk or satin scarf and or pillowcase."

Products to Try:

1. Blond Brilliance Temporary Color Care Lathering Cool Blond Hair Toner
2. Clairol Shimmer Lights 31.5oz Shampoo (Blonde & Silver) (2 Pack)
   

Advice on What to Avoid When Caring for Color-Treated Hair:

"Please keep in mind that we always want to refrain from putting constant tension on the hair which can typically be caused by certain hairstyles, ponytails, sulfate products, and even as simple as cotton pillows," Kelly explained. "Remember less is best, just allow your hair to breathe."

Product Recommendations for Maintaining Color-Treated Hair at Home:

"Below, I have included a few of my favorite products and recommendations for the ultimate results that can be found at your local beauty supply store or online."

• Sulfate-Free Shampoos:Keracare Hydrating Detangling Shampoo and Conditioner or Design Essentials Almond and Avocado Moisturizing Shampoo and Conditioner.
• Deep Conditioner: TGIN Honey Miracle Mask
• Oil:Design Essentials Botanical Oil or Virgin Olive Oil
• Leave-In Conditioner & Heat Protectant:It's a 10 Leave-In
• Curly Products:Talia Waajid Green Apple & Aloe Curl Elixir, Design Essentials Curl Forming Custard, and Eco-Style Gold Styling Gel.