6 Hair Color Mistakes You Could Be Making

Do you hop on the bandwagon each and every season when a new trendy must-have hair color debuts? With that kind of dyeing background, you probably have everything down pat, right? Well, what if we told you that there’s a lot more to achieving the perfect color than meets the eye? And believe it or not, there are a few coloring mistakes—six, to be exact—that you might be committing without even realizing it. Whether you’re a DIY dyer or you have a professional colorist on speed dial, learn about the most common hair color mistakes and what you can do instead to help make getting the hue of your dreams a reality. 

Hair Color Mistake #1: You Skip the Consultation with Your Colorist

Think consultations are a waste of time? Think again! When you’re going to a salon for the first time or you’re interested in trying a new trendy ultra-pigmented shade, it’s a good idea to make an initial appointment to talk it out ahead of time. Oftentimes, consultations are complimentary—and they allow colorists to really hone in on the perfectly tailored dye job for you. What’s more, when you have a consultation, you’ll be able to get a better sense of how long the process will take. If you have dark brown hair to start with, for instance, it could take you multiple sessions to achieve a lighter color. 

Hair Color Mistake #2: You Don’t Bring in Pics of What You Want

When you describe a color without a picture to reference, your colorist and you might be on the same page—and that means the end result might not be something you’re totally in love with. Which is why visuals are always helpful to have on hand. Plus, a particular shade of red could look stunning on a celebrity or model—but you don’t know what it’ll look like on you. If you’re seeing a professional colorist, make sure to print out a few photos of the shade you want. He or she will be able to tell you if that color will look flattering against your skin tone.

Hair Color Mistake #3: You Think Your Transformation Can Happen Overnight

Like we told you earlier, achieving your desired color could require multiple trips to the salon. If you’ve got a super-dark brunette starting color and you want to go blonde, you may need to book a few sessions with your colorist. Also, if you’re looking to make a drastic color change—let’s say you want to go platinum—think about seeing a professional, as this can take quite a bit of work. The same goes for something like balayage highlights, which require a specific skill to paint on.

Hair Color Mistake #4: You Don’t Switch Up Your Hair Care Routine

Once you’ve either gotten your hair colored by a professional or you’ve dyed your hair at home, you may need to switch up your regular hair care routine. Consider using a system of shampoo and conditioner formulated for color-treated hair, like the L’Oréal Paris Hair Expert Color Vibrancy Intensive Shampoo and the L’Oréal Paris Hair Expert Color Vibrancy Intensive Conditioner. Once or twice a week, swap out the conditioner for the L’Oréal Paris Hair Expert Color Vibrancy Intensive Ultra Recovery Mask.

Hair Color Mistake #5: You Don’t Follow the Directions on the Box

Sure, sometimes it pays to be a rule-breaker, but not when it comes to at-home hair color. Always, always follow the instructions that come with the box for best results. Looking for a new at-home hair color kit? Try the L’Oréal Paris Superior Preference, L’Oréal Paris Féria, or L’Oréal Paris Excellence Crème.

Hair Color Mistake #6: You Haven’t Invested in a Root Touch Up

So, your gray roots are growing in. What happens when you just don’t have time to head back to the salon for a touch up? You can temporarily hide them with the L’Oréal Paris Root Touch Up. This lightweight, quick dry spray lasts one shampoo and is available in a variety of blonde, brown, red, and black shades. Just spray color directly onto new growth from four to six inches away from your head and partly through the lengths of your hair to blend in the color.