When it comes to coloring your hair, you have two main options: using an at-home hair color from the drugstore or getting it done professionally at a salon. But is store-bought hair dye really as effective as the salon treatment? There are pros and cons to both options.
The Pros and Cons of At-Home Hair Color
Doing your hair color at home has some definite advantages:
- It’s more affordable. Box dyes from the drugstore are a fraction of the cost of professional color services, which can run $100 or more.
- It’s convenient. You can do it whenever you want, in the comfort of your own home.
- There are lots of color options to choose from.
- The formulas offer decent gray coverage.
However, there are also some downsides to at-home hair color:
- The results may not look as natural. While salon coloring techniques can mimic natural hair tones, box dyes tend to produce a flat, uniform color.
- It can damage hair. Most drugstore dyes contain harsh chemicals like ammonia and peroxide.
- The color fades faster. Typically the color starts to fade after 4-6 weeks.
- Hair can be left brassy. Without proper toning, hair can take on reddish or orange undertones as the color fades.
- Harder to get an even application. It’s tricky to fully saturate all your hair evenly at home.
- Can’t do major color changes. Drugstore dyes work best for minor touch-ups to your existing shade.
Benefits of Salon Hair Coloring
Getting your color done professionally at a salon offers some key advantages:
- Customized color. Salon colorists create a personalized shade to complement your skin tone and hair.
- Professional techniques. Colorists are skilled in application techniques to get optimal, even coverage.
- Less damage. Many salons use milder formulas with lower levels of peroxide.
- Expert toning. Colorists will tone hair after coloring to perfect the shade and vibrancy.
- Special effects options. Things like ombre, balayage, highlights or vivid fashion shades.
- Longer lasting results. Salon hair color can last 5-8 weeks before needing a touch-up.
The main drawbacks of salon coloring include:
- It’s more expensive. Salon color services typically start at $65+ and increase depending on your hair length and coloring technique.
- Inconvenient timing. You need to book appointments based on the salon’s schedule.
- Potential for human error. There’s always a small chance even professionals may occasionally miss spots or overlaps.
Key Differences Between Store Bought vs. Salon Hair Color
When examining the differences between at-home vs. professional hair coloring, here are some of the major points of distinction:
| Store Bought Dye | Salon Color Service |
|---|---|
| Boxed formulas contain higher levels of chemicals like peroxide and ammonia | Many salons offer options with lower chemical levels to reduce damage |
| Very affordable, costs $5-$15 per application | Expensive, ranges from $65 for roots only to $150+ for full highlights |
| Provides decent gray coverage | Expert gray blending and toning for seamless results |
| Limited to easy, temporary colors only | Can do more advanced techniques like ombre, balyage, vivid shades |
| Challenging to fully saturate every strand evenly | Colorists are skilled at applying dyes thoroughly and evenly |
| Requires self-application skills | Done by trained licensed professionals |
| Color begins fading after 4-6 weeks | Longer lasting results, 5-8 weeks between touch-ups |
How to Get Salon-Quality Results at Home
If you decide to color your hair on your own, there are some tips to get the best possible results:
- Pick an ammonia-free formula with lower peroxide to minimize damage. Look for dyes marked “gentle”, “nourishing” or “conditioning.”
- Do an allergy skin test 48 hrs before coloring to check for sensitivities.
- Carefully apply vaseline around hairline to avoid skin staining.
- Use the included tools to section hair neatly and methodically.
- Wear gloves and saturate each strand thoroughly from roots to ends.
- Leave on the full recommended processing time to allow the color to fully develop.
- Rinse with cool water and use a sulfate-free shampoo for the first few washes.
- Apply weekly conditioning treatments to boost shine and softness.
- Get professional toning or glazing done to reduce brassiness as the color fades.
It also helps to choose your at-home shade very carefully by looking at examples of real people with your target hair color and consulting your colorist. Go a little lighter than your natural level to compensate for the fact box dye won’t lift your hair. Stay close to your natural base shade to avoid obvious root regrowth lines as it grows out.
Should You Use Store Bought or Salon Hair Color?
When deciding between drugstore and professionally applied hair color, consider your budget, lifestyle, hair condition, and coloring expectations. Here are some general guidelines on which option may be better for your needs:
- Salon coloring is worth the investment if you:
- Have a special event coming up
- Want a major color change outside your natural shade range
- Need to cover more than 50% gray hair
- Have a complicated color pattern like highlights, ombre, or balayage
- Have a sensitive scalp or frequently damaged hair
- At-home hair color may be a better choice if you:
- Are on a tight budget
- Only need to touch up your roots in between salon visits
- Prefer quick, simple, low-maintenance color
- Don’t mind having to re-color every 4-6 weeks
Conclusion
Store-bought box dyes will never quite compare to the results achieved by professional colorists. However, at-home hair color has improved vastly, providing decent short-term results if you take the time to carefully apply it. While salon hair coloring is more expensive, it offers superior service, expertise, customization options and longer lasting color that can be well worth the investment. The best choice comes down to your individual hair needs, lifestyle and budget.
With the right prep work, technique and aftercare, it is possible to get relatively good color results at home for a fraction of the cost. But for maximum color quality, vibrancy and longevity, visiting an experienced hair colorist is highly recommended, especially if you want to make any major changes to your hair hue. Ultimately, only you can decide if the added cost and effort of salon coloring is worth it over the convenience and affordability of drugstore hair dye. Pick the option that fits your hair goals, coloring preferences and budget the best.