We caught up with Anita Cox-McMillan, twice British colourist of the year and celebrity hairdresser, to ask her all about how to colour our hair at home. As the new ambassador for Schwarzkopf Professionals and having worked with them on their new Palette launch of home colorants, Anita definitely knows a thing or two about colour! Read on to discover her top tips and advice.
How many shades darker or lighter can I go at home?
One to two shades depending on the natural colour. Blondes can always lift their hair by maybe three or four shades though.
What alternative shades suit a blonde?
Caramels, rich golds and soft chestnut.
What alternative shades suit a brunette?
Berry reds and violet tones.
What alternative shades suit a red head?
Gold and copper shades.
What alternative shades suit someone with dark hair?
Violet shades and, to get ultimate shine, try blue black shades.
How do I choose between shades?
If you are choosing between two shades then always pick the lighter one.
Is it best to do a tester on my hair before colouring?
Yes, it is so important to conduct a skin sensitivity test 48 hours before you colour your hair, even if you have used colouring products before. If you experience any sort of reaction, do not use the product. If you have decided to go for a new colour shade then you should always do a strand test so there are no surprises when the colour is washed off! This is particularly important if another colour has previously been used. And of course always follow the instructions.
Should I just do my roots or colour all of my hair?
When using the same colour regularly try to apply to the re-growth area only. Then apply through the mid-lengths and ends every other time if required. This will enable your hair to hold the colour longer.
Anita's top tip: If you dye your hair blonde then only take the colour through to the ends when absolutely required. This won't lighten the hair but it will apply tone very quickly so only leave on the ends of your hair for a maximum of ten minutes.
How should I prepare my hair for a home colour?
To obtain optimum results wash your hair the day before you plan on colouring. Wash with a deep cleansing shampoo which removes excess styling products and oils, which can sometimes create a barrier for the dye. Hair should be dry when applying colour, otherwise the colour will be diluted. Before applying the colour, brush your hair thoroughly. This will allow the separation of sections to flow easily during application.
Where should I start?
Before applying the colour, brush your hair thoroughly. This will allow the separation of sections to flow easily during application. When applying colour start at the back of the neck to avoid colour running forward onto your face. To apply, take a straight line from the front to the back of your head and another line from ear to ear through the crown, separating your hair into four sections. Begin at the back with the left section of hair and take small slices from the section. When you take the next section ensure that it is fine enough for some of the applied colour to be seen, this enables complete and even coverage.
How should I ensure that my grey hairs are covered?
If you have specific grey areas then apply the colour to these places first as grey hair is much more resistant than natural hair colour and can take longer to penetrate.
How can I stop dye getting onto my skin?
Apply moisturiser or Vaseline around your hairline before application to prevent staining on your skin.
Any aftercare tips?
When applying the conditioner - often included in your colour kit - apply it to mid-lengths and ends, the roots will not need it unless you have a naturally dry scalp. Leave it on for as long as you can - from five to 30 minutes - as this allows the conditioner to penetrate the hair better, leaving it looking shiny and sleek.
After the initial colour application you can shampoo your hair if you wish but only if using a shampoo designed for coloured hair.
For more information on how to colour your hair at home visit haircolourtips.co.uk. The Schwarzkopf Palette, is a collection of 12 permanent high quality home hair colours. They are £3.49 each, nationwide. Call Schwarzkopf on 0800 328 9214.
