While at the end of the day, most of us know that seeing a professional hair stylist is always going to be the better option when it comes to colouring your hair, box dye and other forms of DIY hair colouring are never going to go anywhere. However, many of us might not be aware of the nitty-gritty behind why it’s so important to see a professional when it comes to changing your colour. Today, we’re diving into professional colour vs box dye and why it’s always essential to engage with your hairdresser.
First and foremost: Hair colour is not as simple as you may think. There are so many things that need to be considered before choosing a colour. Porosity, density, and elasticity of the hair all play a factor in the end result. As does, of course, the correct application to be able to achieve the desired outcome.
So, how is box dye different?
Simply put, box dyes are pre-made formulas that are created for all hair types, while salon hair colour is custom-made for each client. What does this mean? The set amount of chemicals in box dyes may be too harsh for certain hair types, which can lead to damaged or over-processed hair. Many of the chemicals in box dyes can cause your strands to become dry and brittle, meaning your hair is more likely to become weak and damaged (no matter how many hair masks you do!). On the other hand, professional formulas have been created to prevent damage and your hair stylist will have the knowledge to apply it correctly, maintaining those healthy locks.
Why should I see a professional?
When it comes to colour, a salon formula will always be better for your hair, as well as having a professional apply it. A hair stylist will work to carefully formulate the shade and apply it, ensuring the least amount of damage possible. Not only this, they have the knowledge required to achieve your desired shade or best transition you from one shade to another. They will also take into consideration hair colour history, current hair health, and hair texture, as well as the right hair care routine to best look after your strands. The process is much more involved than simply choosing a box off a shelf!
Another important factor to consider is the cost of fixing a hair colour mistake. Unfortunately, when it comes to DIY jobs, the likelihood of having to see a professional to correct the colour afterwards is pretty high. While it may seem like a box dye is a more cost-effective option, more often than not it ends up costing more to fix your colour than if you had seen a professional in the first place!
While we understand that engaging with a professional is not always possible for everyone when it comes to colouring your hair, we hope we’ve helped you understand some of the important differences between salon colour and box dye.