Skipping the salon? How to avoid damaging your hair with box dye

Colouring your hair at home has risen in popularity in recent months, as people follow strict social distancing guidelines and avoid visiting the salon amid the Covid-19 outbreak.

Just like toilet paper, boxes of hair-dye flew off supermarket shelves in the first few weeks of the pandemic as people prepared to spend weeks in self-isolation. But if you’re yet to jump on the bandwagon and are feeling a little uneasy about doing it yourself, Priceline’s Category Assistant Ashleigh McGregor has some helpful tips.

Avoid nasty chemicals

One of the main reasons people avoid dyeing their hair at home is because of the nasty chemicals some include. But, according to McGregor there are plenty of great options available that won’t damage your luscious locks.

Ammonia should be avoided where possible, she says, with the chemical known to cause damage to the cuticle which makes up the hair structure.

“If you’re looking for bright/fashion colours, I would recommend Kiss Tintations, it’s free from any ammonia, peroxide or sulfate,” McDonald tells Starts at 60. “It also has moisturising benefits of argan oil and olive oil and as if that wasn’t enough, it also has collagen and keratin.”

“If you’re looking for a semi-permanent hair dye, Garnier Olia is also ammonia free and blended with natural flower oils. [Meanwhile] With permanent colours it’s often hard to avoid ammonia but Solfine Crema Colour has a very low percentage of ammonia causing the cuticle not to over open so you can avoid damage. This range has benefits of coconut oil in it so it’s very hydrating for the hair.”

Follow the instructions

It may seem like simple advice, but McDonald says you should always follow the instructions on the packet and wear gloves and old clothes to avoid staining your skin or favourite outfits. For added protection from staining you should also place Vaseline around your hairline, ears and base of the neck.

“Start by applying product to the roots first and then work your way down,” McDonald says. “Pull the colour down through the mid-length and ends – your roots need more time to develop so give them about a 20 minute head start to allow new growth to absorb the colour.”

After-care is essential

After dyeing you should avoid washing your hair for two days to allow the natural oils in your hair to protect your scalp, McDonald advises. And when you do wash your hair it should be done with a colour care shampoo and conditioner that is sulfate free.

After this you should give your hair a break of two to three days between washes. This will keep the hair’s natural oils in and help to preserve the colour.