Have you ever wondered why you should consider going to a professional hairstylist/colorist to get your hair color done? Years of training, experience, higher quality, less damaging hair products and convenience, that’s why!
Wandering the isles of the cosmetic department at the store the other day, I found myself picking up a box of hair color and thought to myself, how convenient it would be to just buy it right now and touch up my roots. I stopped myself, for many reasons, mostly because I have done this before (I was curious!) and I know how harsh the chemicals can be compared to professional color, and how it can dry out my hair, thus causing the color to fall out fast.
Also, I am a licensed cosmetologist who has access to high quality, professional color. So, you’d think this wouldn’t even be an option in my mind, but I like the idea of convenience, and living in the fantasy that my hair might turn out just like the picture on the box. Mostly, what I am trying to say is that I understand the reason why doing your hair color at home seems so easy!
Not to mention that it seems to be a whole lot less expensive, to do your own hair at home, right? Well, let me tell you, in my years of being a hair colorist, I have seen and fixed many home dye jobs (one lady came in with her hair dyed a lovely hue of green, caused from her trying to dye her blond hair brown) …I have many tales to tell if you have a few hours?
Anyways, it often leads to spending a whole lot more money when you end up having to get it professionally corrected.
Big reason #1
Professional stylists, especially ones that are color specialists, have extensive training in color theory, techniques, applications, and are knowledgeable about how chemicals can be used for hair. The salon pro can customize a color to go with your skin tone, or a specific desired hair color, despite any challenges (such as dark hair going blonde, or resilient grey roots).
Big reason #2
Hair salons and skilled, trained hairstylists have access to and use high-quality, professional grade products that, in the right hands, work better and are less damaging then most over the counter products. Store bought dyes often contain stronger chemicals with less predictable results.
Big reason #3
There are many stylists trained in special color techniques such as hair painting or balayage, ombre, color blocking, toning and other various techniques. they can apply a root color so that the coverage is even. Re-touching your own roots in the back of your head is very difficult, often resulting in uneven color, and speaking from personal experience, foiling your own hair is almost impossible, even when you think you know what you’re doing!
Big reason #4
Convenience and time. Yes, the service may take several hours at the hair salon, or you may have to wait to get booked with a skilled colorist. But let’s face it, color at home can be messy (ask my husband!) and time consuming, and there is always the risk of mistakes that may require a frantic call to your hairstylist, or a day spent repainting your bathroom (whoops!).
Some final words of advice. If you’re trying to find a new hairstylist to dye your hair, ask around and check reviews. I also recommend setting up a hair consultation, a 10–15-minute session to talk about your hair aspirations, and see if you and the hairstylist are a good fit.
Some people really like doing there hair color at home, and hey, that’s ok too! There are some hairstylists that don’t mind if you like to do a little retouch on your own on those pesky grays that pop out after a couple weeks.
There are also those creative types who like to experiment with color conditioners and such, just know that it is important to let your hairstylist know because this can affect how hair lifts, deposits. And if you just want to go crazy and see how it turns out and don’t mind any outcomes, I say go for it! Otherwise, I hope this post helps you understand why getting your hair colored at a salon color can be beneficial.
Let me know if you have any comments or questions!