If you must dye your own hair at home, you must be careful. Over-the-counter products can be stronger than salon ones, and not only can they be harsher on your hair, but the color on the box may not match the final result you’re left with. Follow this advice….

1. Use only semi-permanent color, if you make a mistake you can always wash it again.

2. Always choose a shade lighter than your target shade, manufacturers indications are always darker than they say.

3. Choose carefully, consider skin tone, never go more than 2 shades darker or lighter.

4. Carefully read the manufacturer’s instructions twice and strictly follow them to the letter.

5. Always do a strand test, you could be 1 in 100 allergic to para-dyes, which are used in many hair color products.

6. Make sure you time it right, timing is important with these products.

7. Ask a friend or someone to help you, that way you get even coverage.

8. Rub Vaseline around your hairline to protect your skin from staining.

9. Don’t wash your hair the day you dye your hair, the natural oils in your scalp protect it from the products. If your hair has product buildup, simply rinse with water, don’t have freshly washed hair.

10. Wash with a mild shampoo and condition after applying color and wait for processing time.

If your color doesn’t turn out the way you expected, don’t try to fix it, visit your stylist for help.