IN THESE testing times of uncertainty and self-isolation, there is one irrefutable constant for us all – our hair. Inner beauty is no myth, and when you look good, you feel good – it’s as plain and simple as that.
Having spoken to the colour experts at Mayfair based hair salon FOUR London and our very own fashion and grooming editor Thomas Marrington, Glass can affirm the ubiquitous concerns shared by many hair specialists everywhere. In light of the COVID-19 crisis and therefore necessary closures of all salons, many will inevitably turn to box DIY products to keep their roots at bay and hair colour fresh.
While none of the experts would ever recommend box colours as a long term solution – there is no better colour for your hair than a colour specialist making up your own colour personal prescription in a salon – they do hope that by giving the following advice, and outlining the common mistakes that people make, it will help to prevent the possibility of any DIY hair disasters.
FOUR London, Mayfair
TIPS FOR COLOUR SELECTION AND APPLICATION
The colour experts at FOUR London have given Glass the following advice: always do a strand test before applying colour, particularly if you already have colour on your hair. If you are going to do this at home, you need to do the 48-hour patch test to check for an allergic reaction. This is essential to ensure colour compatibility and to make sure there is no allergic reaction to the colour.
Do not skip the skin test under any circumstances – each brand has its own individual formulations, so it is irrelevant as to whether or not you have previously had your hair coloured.
When re-doing your hair colour, apply to the roots only for the first 15 minutes. You should then massage the product through the rest of the hair to blend the rest of the colour in. This avoids colour overload while ensuring even distribution throughout for a perfect finish.
Four London Reception
Colour can sometimes become runny when your head is warm, so pop a shower cap on to prevent
the colour from dripping. Apply Vaseline or Coconut Oil around your hairline and on the tips of your ears to block staining, making sure you avoid contact with your hair. If colour does stain your skin, gently massage the area with a facial toner.
Before you make your purchase, consider what you need. Do you want subtlety? How long do you want it to last? How good are you at applying colour yourself? Then check what you’re buying meets the criteria.
Choose a product that is right for your needs. If you’re not brilliant at applying hair colour at home, opt for a simple shampoo-in product and avoid anything where the consistency is too thick, as an even coverage may prove difficult, particularly on longer hair.
Look at the application instructions on the box before you buy. Some can be very messy so an
extra pair of hands would be advisable. Most products provide gloves and a cap. Do not ”speed read” instructions as it is imperative you read them thoroughly – even if you have used home colour before, you mustn’t presume they are all the same.
Do not be misled by the picture on the box. It won’t be a “true” shade. There should be a colour
chart so be guided by that.
Do consult your hairdresser. If you need to apply hair colour at home don’t be afraid to ask your
hairdresser for advice – a good colourist will be only too pleased to help.
Consider the strength of the colour you are buying. For example, any home colour where you must mix two bottles together will have peroxide in, therefore making it more permanent. Although the colour might fade, you will have the re-growth to deal with. Ideally, you should only go two shades darker or two shades lighter than your natural base with a home hair colour kit.
If the prospect of colouring your hair at home sounds a little scary, a temporary colour product may be the answer. For an interim solution, Glass suggests favourites such as Color Wow Root Touch Up and L’Oréal Paris Magic Retouch Instant Root Concealer Spray.
Color Wow Root Touch Up, Dark Brown
L’Oréal Paris Magic Retouch Instant Root Concealer Spray, Golden Brown
COLOUR CARE
Always use a shampoo and conditioner that has been formulated specifically for colour-treated and highlighted hair, preferably one that has been recommended by your hairdresser, to maintain maximum vibrancy and shine. Glass recommends the Colour WOW range.
Keep the colour in optimum condition by using an intensive conditioner at least once a week.
Apply a heavy conditioning product through the hair to act as a barrier prior to swimming and always shampoo the hair when you leave the pool.
Always use heat-protective products prior to using heated styling appliances such as a hairdryer, straighteners and tongs.
LUXURY
To help maintain colour, Glass grooming editor Thomas Marrington offers the following advice on how to prevent your locks from turning brassy. Just like blondes, brunette tones have the ability to turn brassy too. If more time spent in the sun has had the unintended effect of bringing out the brass in your hair, opt for Christophe Robin’s Shade Variation range. These nourishing and very chic tub’s will intensely condition your hair whilst restoring natural-looking coolness and shine. Blondes and those with highlights should opt for Baby Blonde, whilst brunettes should use Ash Brown. Continued use will help keep warmth at bay.
Christophe Robin Shade Variation Mask Baby Blonde £39
Christophe Robin Shade Variation Mask Ash Brown £39
MID-RANGE
Extend the life of your coloured hair with a shampoo tailored to your specific hair type. With the Kérastase Reflection range you can choose from either the Reflection Bain Chromatique Shampoo for normal to oily hair types or the Reflection Bain Chromatique Riche Shampoo for those with drier, highlighted or more sensitised hair.
Kérastase Reflection Bain Chromatique Shampoo £20.90
Kérastase Reflection Bain Chromatique Riche Shampoo £20.90
HIGH STREET
Consider switching to a cleansing conditioner during lockdown to reduce the need for harsher detergents on your hair. Particularly great for anyone with especially dry hair prone to breakage, drugstore favourite product L’Oreal Elvive Colour Protect Coloured Hair Low Shampoo acts as a gentle but effective shampoo whilst intensively smoothing your hair in a one-step process that feels just like a conditioner.
L’Oreal Elvive Colour Protect Coloured Hair Low Shampoo £6.99
by Cara Jenkins
Four London, 62 Conduit Street, Mayfair, London W1S 2GB