Have you seen that meme on Instagram that says, "Feels like we are all four weeks away from seeing everyone's real hair colour." We are all in this together when it comes to regrowth, so until you're in that salon chair again, editor Trudi Brewer shares some advice on how to touch up or disguise that regrowth at home.
Editor Trudi Brewer shares tips on how to disguise that regrowth while you are in lockdown at home on TV3’s The Cafe with host Mike Puru.
How to choose your colour?
Leave the complicated jobs such as balayage and blonding to the experts, attempting DIY colour should be when you want a semi-permanent natural-looking result or to touch up your regrowth. Choose the colour by the shade guide not the image on the box. Go one or two shade lighter or darker than your natural hair colour only. If your hair is fine and straight, choose cooler shades such as beige, if it’s thick and curly you can go for warm tones such as an auburn. If your hair is past your shoulders in length you will need to use two packs of colour.
Colour your hair when it’s dirty
Unwashed hair has a protective barrier of your natural oils that sits on the scalp, which means there’s less chance of any irritation. So, don’t wash your hair and then colour it, choose a low-irritation formula, if you're prone to redness or reaction, and always do a patch test at least 48 hours before colouring your hair, to ensure the solution won’t irritate your scalp.
Always do a strand and or patch test
Before you do anything, test the colour – especially if it’s your first-time going it alone. Follow the instructions inside the box, and colour a small piece of hair at the nape of your head; where it won’t be visible to check the finished result. And if you suffer from sensitive skin, make sure you do a patch test. Mix up the colour and apply a little to the scalp and then wait for the development time to ensure you don’t have an allergic reaction.
The best method of application
First, brush your hair with a Tangle Teezer so there are no knots in your hair. Next, before applying the colour make a middle part that runs from your forehead, to the back of your head and split the hair into four sections — like a cross. Begin by swiping a little lip balm or Vaseline around the hairline to protect the skin from staining. Then, make two sections in front of the ears and two in back. Always start at the back and work to the front. That way, the colour is sitting on the back of your hair the longest, which is naturally darker and thicker hair than at the front. Wait as long as the instructions before rinsing off the colour and always use conditioner. So many people skip this step, but the after-effects not only leave your locks glossy, good conditioner closes the hair follicle and prevent the colour fading fast.
My Hairdresser Permanent Hair Colour, $23 and Developer, $9 & My Hairdresser Permanent Hair Colour Remover, $36.
My Hairdresser Permanent Hair Colour, $23 and Developer, $9, & My Hairdresser Permanent Hair Colour Remover, $36.
My Hairdresser range consists of 37 shades each made to flatter your natural hair colour and your skin tone. The most significant difference in this colour range is the quality of the formula, which are made in Italy and contain non-irritating ammonia and conditioners, such as olive oil, to keep hair feeling silky and looking shiny. For online support MYHD.com where you’ll find an abundance of information at your fingertips 24/7, including a team of colour consultants who can chat and answer any questions if you need advice.
Here is a step-by-step guide to touching up your roots at home.
Touch up your roots
If you’re too nervous to colour your hair there are semi-permanent options that will mask the look of regrowth, including a toning shampoo for blonde hair. The selection below is semi-permanent and washes away when you shampoo your hair.
Clairol Root Touch Up Spray Hair Colour Blonde, $13. L'Orèal Magic Retouch Hair Colour, $15. Schwarzkopf Extra Care Blonde Purple Shampoo, $12. Goldwell Colour Revive Root Retouch Powder, $35.
Coloured hair can start to look dull, boost the shine with a hair mask, to help nourish and protect your hair between salon visits. Here are some great buys.
Moroccanoil Intense Hydrating Mask, $65. Garnier Fructis Hair Mask Banana Hair Food, $13. Essano Argan Oil Hair Mask Recovery, $16. Giovanni 2Chic Ultra Revive Hair Mask, $25.