If you’re thinking about changing your hair color, you’re probably wondering, “What is the best way to go about this?” When it comes to hair coloring, there are many options to consider: should you go lighter or darker? Should you seek out organic hair dyes or just use traditional brands? Should you use a temporary dye or a permanent one?
While all these questions are important to consider before dyeing your hair, perhaps the most pertinent question is: should you dye your hair yourself using a store-bought kit, or shell out more money to have your hair dyed by professionals at a hair salon?
Of course the obvious difference here is price. You will undoubtedly pay a lot more for a hair salon dye job than a drugstore-purchased one. And of course, there is the convenience of not having to schedule in a hair-color salon appointment and, instead, just dyeing your hair at your own convenience. But the real question is: is the quality of the dye job you will get at the salon superior enough to what you could do yourself to warrant putting out the extra money?
Which Should You Choose?
Technically speaking, there is no difference between store-bought hair dye brands and those used at the salon. Many people assume there is, because the salon services are so much more expensive, but the truth is you are paying for the skill of the hairdresser, not a superior dye. All hair dyes (besides a few organic brands) are the same in regard to the way that they work and the ingredients that they contain. So don’t let the idea of a better-quality hair dye pull you towards salons.
What you do get at a salon is professionalism and skill. When it comes to dyeing hair, the average person knows little more than the basics. Hairdressers have been trained in this area and thus can offer better advice and how-to when it comes to hair dyeing – a skill that can make a big difference in the outcome of your dye job in some cases.
Not having to clean up after hair dyeing is also a big benefit. Anyone who has dyed their hair at home knows how very messy it can be, sometimes spilling all over your bathroom and even staining the sink. At a salon, you don’t have to worry about any of this. All you have to do is show up and tell them what you want.
When to Hit the Salon
While many women who have dyed their hair regularly for a long period of time have become adept at it and can very successfully do their own dye jobs and touch-ups at home, there are some instances when it is usually a much better idea to go to a salon.
The biggest hair dye issue that needs salon attention is corrective hair coloring. If you tried dyeing your hair yourself and it turned out awful, the best thing to do is head to a hair color salon. Professional hair colorists will know how to fix the problem much better than you could.
Often trying to do corrective hair coloring yourself just creates a bigger problem. So does embarking on a drastic hair color change, like going from very light to very dark. It is important to consider what you specifically need done before deciding on whether to dye your hair yourself or head to a salon.
Julie Holli
