DIY Hair Colouring Vs Professional Salon Services

 

Hair colouring has become an increasingly popular beauty trend in recent years. Many prefer to dye their hair at home using DIY kits instead of visiting a professional salon. This may be due to convenience, cost-effectiveness, or the desire for experimentation. 

However, the question remains - is it better to colour your hair at home or trust a professional stylist? This article will discuss the pros and cons of DIY hair colouring versus professional salon services. We will also provide tips for achieving the best results with both methods.

Pros & Cons of Professional Salon Services

While visiting a salon may come at a higher cost, there are also some significant advantages to entrusting your hair colouring needs to a professional stylist.

Pros:

  • Expertise and experience: Professional stylists have undergone extensive training and years of hair colouring experience. They are well-equipped to achieve the desired results, even for complex techniques.

  • Use of high-quality products: Salons use professional-grade dyes less damaging to your hair than DIY kits. They can also access various colours and toners to achieve the perfect shade.

  • Personalized advice: A professional stylist can assess your hair type, texture, and previous colour history to recommend the best dye and technique. They can also provide tips on maintaining your new colour at home.

  •  Efficiency: With a professional stylist, you can achieve your desired hair colour in one sitting without needing multiple touch-ups or corrections.

Cons:

  • Cost: Visiting a salon can be expensive, especially for complex colouring techniques. This may be challenging for those on a tight budget.

  • Time constraints: Making an appointment and visiting a salon can take significant time. This may be inconvenient for those with busy schedules.

Pros & Cons of DIY Hair Colouring

There are some clear advantages and disadvantages when it comes to dyeing your hair at home.

Pros:

  • Cost: DIY hair colouring can be significantly cheaper than visiting a salon. With the rise of budget-friendly hair dye kits, you can achieve a new look without breaking the bank.

  • Convenience: You can dye your hair in the comfort of your home whenever that suits you. This saves both time and money on travel to and from a salon.

  • Personalization: DIY hair colouring gives you complete control over the colour and technique. You can experiment with different shades and application methods for a unique look.

Cons:

  • Difficulties in achieving desired results: This can be challenging, especially for complex techniques such as balayage or ombre.

  • Potential hair damage: DIY hair dye kits often contain harsh chemicals that can cause damage and breakage to your hair if not used correctly. This is especially true for bleaching or lightening products.

  • Limited knowledge and resources: Professional stylists can access high-quality dyes, tools, and techniques that may not be available for home use. This can result in a less professional-looking finish.

  • Time-consuming: DIY hair colouring can be time-consuming, especially for those with long or thick hair. It can also be messy and require multiple touch-ups to achieve the desired colour.

Why You Should Consider Professional Salon Services

While DIY hair colouring may seem more cost-effective and convenient, there are some compelling reasons to consider visiting a professional stylist.

  • Expertise and experience: As mentioned earlier, a professional stylist has the necessary expertise and experience to achieve your desired results with minimal damage to your hair. They also stay updated with the latest trends and techniques in hair colouring.

  • Use of high-quality products: Professional salons use top-of-the-line products less damaging to your hair than DIY kits. This can prevent potential damage and breakage, resulting in healthier-looking hair.

  • Personalized advice and aftercare: A professional stylist will consider your hair's unique qualities and provide personalized advice on maintaining your new colour. They can also recommend products and techniques to keep your hair looking vibrant and healthy.

  • Guaranteed results: With a professional stylist, you have the assurance that you will achieve your desired hair colour with minimal effort and time.

  • Peace of mind: By entrusting your hair to a professional, you can relax and enjoy the process without worrying about potential mishaps.

Can You Combine DIY Hair Coloring and Professional Salon Services?

Sometimes, combining DIY hair colouring and professional salon services is possible. For example, you can use a DIY kit for root touch-ups between salon visits or to maintain your colour at home after a salon treatment. This can save time and money while still achieving professional-looking results.

However, it is essential to communicate with your stylist beforehand and discuss any previous at-home colouring or potential allergies. This will ensure that your professional service is tailored to your unique hair needs and avoids unwanted results.

Plus, your stylist can provide personalized advice on the best products and techniques to use at home to prolong your salon colour. Ultimately, it is up to personal preference and budget whether you choose DIY hair colouring or professional salon services, but combining both can offer the best of both worlds.

Things to Consider Before Choosing Between DIY Hair Coloring and Professional Salon Services

Before deciding between DIY hair colouring or professional salon services, there are a few key factors to consider.

  • Budget: If you are tight, DIY hair colouring may be the more cost-effective option. However, if you can invest in professional salon services, it may be worth the extra cost for a professional finish.

  • Time and convenience: DIY hair colouring can be time-consuming, messy, and require multiple touch-ups. If you have a busy schedule, visiting a salon may be more convenient as they can achieve your desired colour in one session.

  • Hair type and previous colour history: Consider the current state of your hair and whether it has been previously coloured. If you have damaged or over-processed hair, a professional stylist may be better equipped to achieve your desired colour while minimizing further damage.

  •  Desired colour and technique: If you are looking for a complex or dramatic hair colour change, it may be best to visit a professional stylist with the necessary expertise and products to achieve your desired results.

Ultimately, deciding between DIY hair colouring and professional salon services will depend on your preferences, budget, and desired outcome. It is essential to weigh these factors carefully and consult a professional stylist for personalized advice.

Tips for Maintaining Your Hair Color at Home

Whether you opt for DIY hair colouring or professional salon services, there are some essential tips to keep your newly coloured locks vibrant and healthy.

  • Use colour-safe products: Invest in shampoos, conditioners, and styling products specifically for coloured hair. These can help maintain your colour and prevent it from fading.

  • Limit washing and heat styling: Overwashing and using heat styling tools can strip your hair of its colour and moisture. Try to limit these practices to preserve your new colour.

  • Touch up roots regularly: If you maintain your hair colour at home, touch up your roots regularly to prevent any noticeable regrowth.

  • Schedule regular salon appointments: If you opt for professional salon services, schedule regular touch-up appointments to maintain your desired colour and keep your hair healthy.

  • Protect your hair from the sun: Just like how the sun can bleach and fade dyed fabrics, it can also affect your hair colour. Protect your locks with a hat or UV protection spray when spending time outdoors.

Following these tips and regularly consulting with your stylist, you can keep your hair looking vibrant and healthy between salon visits or DIY touch-ups. 

FAQs

What are the risks of using box dye for coloring your own hair compared to salon professional services?

Using box dyes to color your own hair can pose several risks, including uneven color distribution, potential damage to the hair shaft, and results that may not match your natural hair color or skin tone. Professional hair services, on the other hand, involve a professional colorist who assesses your hair health, natural color, and desired outcome to ensure even application and minimize damage during the coloring process.

How do professional colorists at salons ensure hair health is maintained during the coloring process?

Professional colorists utilize their expertise and high-quality salon hair color products that are often less harsh than box dyes. They apply techniques that protect the hair shaft during the coloring process, such as carefully sectioning the hair, using protective treatments, and customizing the color formula to suit the individual's hair type and condition, ensuring hair health is preserved.

Can doing your own hair coloring with box dyes lead to long-term hair damage?

Yes, frequent use of box dyes can lead to long-term hair damage. These products may contain harsh chemicals that can weaken the hair shaft over time, leading to brittleness, breakage, and dryness. In contrast, salon professionals can provide advice on maintaining hair health and suggest intervals between color treatments to prevent damage.

Why might salon hair color services be more suitable?

Salon professional services offer a personalized approach, where a professional colorist can precisely match the hair color to complement your skin tone. They have access to a wider range of colors and can mix custom shades that are difficult to achieve with standard box dyes. This expertise ensures the final result enhances your natural features and meets your expectations, something challenging to accomplish with DIY hair coloring.

Conclusion

In conclusion, whether you colour your hair at home or visit a professional salon, each option has pros and cons. Ultimately, it is essential to consider your budget, time constraints, and desired outcome before deciding.

If you can invest in professional salon services, it can provide expertise, high-quality products, and guaranteed results. However, DIY hair colouring can be a cost-effective and convenient option for maintaining your colour at home.

Regardless of your choice, it is crucial to take care of your coloured hair with the right products and techniques to keep it looking vibrant and healthy. And when in doubt, consult a professional stylist for personalized advice tailored to your unique hair needs.


Salon Haze is an award-winning hair salon in Vancouver, Kitsilano area. We are specialists in colour and style. If you are considering a new colour or style for your hair, contact us, and we’ll talk you through all the options to ensure your choice of colour reflects your personality and complexion.

Call today for a free consultation with one of our stylists. We have the best hairdressers and the best hair colourists in Vancouver. Call now at 604-620-9986 or email us at service@salonhaze.com.

 
David McAlinden