Are you a DIY hair colorist? Whether it’s your first attempt at home hair coloring or whether you’ve done it for years, you’ll want to read the following tips for DIY hair color from Barbara Abbasi, professional hair stylist and founder of the Ferrum Professional Styler for how to avoid hair color mistakes. I’ve made a few – and the following advice is invaluable …
Whether dying your own hair or getting it done by a professional, there are essential tips to note before dabbing on color. Achieving the perfect shade requires the right tools and knowledge.
Avoid DIY Disasters
DIY kits, though convenient and fairly easy to use, can be tricky when it comes to color selection. If you’re going for a drastic change—light to dark or vice versa—go to a professional! If you plan to dye your hair at home, go no more than one or two shades lighter or darker. What you see on the box may not necessarily appear on your locks. To be safe, test the color. Collect hair from your hairbrush and test it, prior to dying your whole head. (I love this DIY hair color tip. Would have never thought of collecting hair from a hair brush for a color test.- ML)
Maintain Your Shade
Before choosing your color, there is an important factor that should be considered—maintenance. Going more than a few shades lighter/darker? If so, plan to spend time and money maintaining your locks. Coloring may need to be touched up every three to eight weeks, depending on hair growth. Since it is hard to hide those roots, if you can’t afford the time and costs, try highlighting your hair a shade lighter giving it a natural look even when your roots begin to grow out.
Color Control
Correcting a bad dye job should be left to professionals. If you have not achieved the results expected with a DIY hair color kit, drop that box and don’t try to correct the problem yourself. Dabbing another color on top can lead to an even bigger mistake or worse—lead to damaged hair. When in doubt, seek professional help. A professional has the experience and knowledge to quickly fix your hair. Trying to save money could actually end up costing you more.
Safe Products
You have the perfect summer blonde locks. To keep them that way, avoid using spray-on/leave-in products that further lighten your hair. They may cause damage and discoloration. Do not use products containing bleach. Also, be sure to cover your hair in the sun to protect your locks. Opt for a cute hat or scarf to keep your color lasting longer.
Consider Skin Tone
Take recommendations from experts when it comes to getting your hair professionally dyed. A professional colorist will assist you in choosing the best shade for your coloring. How can you determine your tone? If you have fair skin, with pink or blue skin undertones, you most likely have a cool shade. If you are olive or dark, with yellow or golden skin undertones, you most likely have a warm shade.
ABOUT BARBARA ABBASI: Hairstylist and Ferrum Inventor
American Beauty Hair Salon (http://www.abhairla.com), owned and operated by expert colorist Barbara Abbasi, is celebrating 23 years in Santa Monica, California. Renowned for her exclusive coloring techniques, Barbara has earned a loyal clientele who trust their hair to her time-tested artistry. Barbara learned the craft at a young age among renowned stylists in Paris. She has since expanded her technique by developing her own innovative system for coloring hair. Though her precise method is a closely guarded secret, Barbara’s meticulous attention to perfecting the base is what sets her apart from other stylists.
Barbara has been working to develop the concept of the Ferrum flatiron (http://www.ferrumiron.com) for the past decade. The idea arose from her dissatisfaction with traditional flat irons which left hair damaged and flat. Her concept was to develop a product that was healthier for the hair and resulted in a look that more closely resembled a professional salon blow dry. Barbara went through several prototypes until she found the perfect combination of technology that would produce salon perfect results. “Styling hair is an art, not just a job,” she says. “The truth is that I love what I do.”
