How-to: colour your hair at home

Colouring technology has improved dramatically over the years so now is a great time to do your own colour, just follow our experts' tips.

Choosing colour

Don't go for a dramatic colour change. "You should only ever go a few shades lighter than your natural colour. Hair that is too light can be unflattering as you get older," says Susan Baldwin, Creative Colour Director at John Frieda.

The best colour will be one that suits your look, skin and eyes - try to enhance your natural colour, not overhaul it. For example, if you have mousy brown hair, try turning it into a velvety toffee for more depth.

Christophe Robin, Colourist Expert for L'Oréal Paris give us his tips: "Red hair adds warmth to fair and even dull complexions, and I would recommend against lightening your hair completely if your eyes and skin are very dark."

Preparation

One week or a few days before colouring, treat hair with a deep conditioning mask to strengthen, seal and moisturize it, which will also allow the colour to penetrate more evenly. Try: Paul Labrecque Colour Protection Mud Mask, £19.55, available at beautyexpert.co.uk.

"It is imperative to always do a skin allergy test, as people can become allergic to different products at any time of their lives, even if they regularly colour," says Trevor Halls, Garnier Expert Colourist. "Also be aware that different companies use different ingredients." To test, simply apply a little of the product behind the ear and wait for 48 hours.

Application

Splatter-proof your bathroom, take off your jewellery, and secure bands or sticky tape around the tops of the plastic gloves to avoid colour dripping down your hands. Oh yes, and read the instructions!

Grey roots are one of our biggest beauty frustrations. Sean Tetlow, Creative Director at Clairol, gives his advice for covering roots and greys: "Concentrate on your most visible areas. Think about how you wear your hair. Is your parting on the left or right? Do you tie your hair back in a ponytail? Focus on these areas to achieve the best results."

Smearing Vaseline or balm around your hairline will avoid dye sticking to skin.

Touching up roots

Touching up roots can be tricky. Try coating the roots and then five minutes before the end, combing the dye through to the ends for an even and more natural transition.

If you're not brave enough to go the whole hog and colour your hair at home, you may be interested to know about a new product just launced at Space NK. Root Rehab, £33, is an innovative at-home hair colour system designed to extend the time between salon visits. The brainchild of internationally renowned hair colourist Kelly Van Gogh, it's an easy-to-use kit that comes with everything you need to touch up roots or grays using professional salon-quality colour. Order online at www.spacenk.com.

After-care

It's essential to deep condition with a mask once a week after colouring to preserve colour intensity and to prevent drying and maintain shine. Remember, smooth hair equals shiny, happy hair.

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