Hair Colour: Dyeing Your Hair at Home vs the Salon

There’s a lot of talk about whether at-home dye ruins your hair, or if it’s the same as going to a salon. 

When DIY kits are so much cheaper – and YouTube is full of helpful tutorials – is it really worth paying extra to visit a professional? Or is it possible to get the same results dyeing your own hair? 

The hair experts at Milk & Blush are here to answer these questions and more – looking at the differences between at home and salon hair colour to help you make the right decision.

Are Home Hair Dyes the Same as Salon Products?

There are many manufacturers who make dye for both at home kits and salon professionals – and use the same basic ingredients in both products. 

If you’re willing to pay for a higher quality kit on the high street, it’ll often produce the same results as visiting a more expensive salon. 

The only difference is that cheaper at-home kits can skip on the protective ingredients that nourish your skin and hair during the process. The harsher chemicals in box dyes can be more concentrated, too.

So, the answer is yes and no. It is possible to buy salon-grade hair dyes in stores to use at home, but that doesn’t mean all DIY dyes are the same quality.

Box Dyes Aren’t Bespoke – They’re One Size Fits All

The main difference between salon and DIY dyes – and the reason you might not get the result you want at home – is that home dyes are one size fits all. 

The amount of developer and pigment in the mixture won’t be specific to your hair, so it’s not necessarily going to work for you or give you the exact result that’s on the box. 

Box dyes often come out a little darker than advertised, so it’s worth picking up a shade lighter to get the best results. 

You also want to do as much research as possible on application techniques first and, if you don’t feel confident, then hit the salon. It’s always better to spend a little extra in the beginning than spend a fortune fixing it later.

Salons Are Superior for Colour Correction

If you’ve got a lot of colour build up or want a drastic change, then seeking the help of a professional is recommended. 

They have years of experience and training, so they’ll know how to lift your colour or even-out patches. 

As a general rule if you’re looking to go more than two shades lighter or darker than your natural colour, you should go to a salon.

Both Types of Dye Can Be Damaging

There’s no such thing as damage- or risk-free colour, so either way there’s no guarantee that your hair will come out unscathed. 

Whether you’re dyeing your own hair or splashing out at the salon, it still needs to be in the best condition possible. 

Going to a salon won’t make your hair look any healthier over dyeing at home, so it’s best to hold off on colouring altogether until your locks are in better condition.

Prepare With a Patch Test

Whether you’re doing it yourself or going to a salon, you always need to do a patch test at least 48 hours before the application. 

Both at-home and salon hair dyes can contain para-phenylenediamine (PPD), which is the main cause of allergic reactions in hair chemicals. It’s an organic compound normally found in darker hair dyes and helps the pigment stick to your hair. 

It’s possible to develop an allergy to PPD at any time, so even if you’ve dyed your hair before, you still need to do a patch test. It’s believed that, as at home kits tend to be more concentrated and a harsher formula, there is a slightly higher risk of reaction. But you should still do a patch test even if you’re going to the salon.

You Can Still Get Professional Help at Home

Box dye brands, such as L’Oreal Paris, have online chats and helplines that you can call to get the best advice about dyeing your hair at home. 

It may not be the same as a face-to-face salon appointment, but it could save you money – and potential disaster – in the long run. 

Some brands provide detailed instructions for their products, and it’s important to follow these to the letter. It’s also worth watching YouTube tutorials, too, to avoid potential mistakes when applying.

Salons Can Be Way More Expensive

If you’re looking to save money, using an at home kit is the most affordable option. 

Getting your hair dyed at the salon will always be more expensive because you’re paying for the experience and the stylist’s expertise. 

If your budget can’t stretch – but you’re determined for a salon experience – look out for trainee days, which are often cheaper. Then use a colour-preserving shampoo to make the colour last longer.

Milk & Blush Shade Match

Looking to add a glamorous boost in length and volume to your freshly-coloured hair?

Milk & Blush Shade Match is an effortless way to make sure you match your hair extensions perfectly to your existing hair colour – and it’s free.

Simply send us a photo of your current hair and our experts will recommend the perfect extensions for a seamless match.