At Home Hair Color Tips: Coloring Salt And Pepper Hair Light Or Medium Blonde

Happy Hump Day

Whoop, whoop! It’s Hump Day gorgeous! Happy Wednesday! As we are mid-nor’easter, I hope this finds you safe, healthy and warm. This week’s question for Ask the Pro Stylist focuses on at home hair color tips.

Wendy’s Question to Color Her 75% Gray Hair

I want to color my salt and pepper hair light or medium blonde. It is close to 75% gray. A colorist told me it may not turn out beautiful because my hair is dark brown, my natural color since childhood.

My Immediate Answer for At Home Hair Color Tips

Your colorist is correct! A single process will keep it warm/brassy. If you want to be that light, she can either do a double process or a single process with highlights. Unfortunately, there is a downside: it is high maintenance and needs constant conditioning.

Follow-up Question

What is less maintenance? Also, sorry I’m not clear, if it would be brass what’s done to avoid brassy? I think I heard the process to avoid brassy is somewhat simple for a great colorist? I’d consider dark or medium blonde, it could lighten up anyway.

It’s All in the Details

The answer is too deep to detail in an email. As Wendy said, a great colorist, even a good one will know what to do. My fear, and perhaps erroneously so, is that these were questions for hair coloring at home. And, this is something I never recommend.

The Answers are in the Color Wheel

As my former students and employees can attest, I am a firm believer in knowing the basics. Coincidentally, during a recent job interview I was asked the three main primary colors. If I didn’t know the answer, I should turn in my license. This my friends are why I never give at home hair color tips unless you are a professional. And even then, some are clueless to the color wheel, primary, secondary and tertiary colors.

Color Rules

These are the color rules. While rules are meant to be broken, hence, fashion color, that would be a mistake here. The colorist should know how to eliminate brassy tones, which depends on her target color, her desired level of lift, her gray percentage and her starting color. In addition, he/she should recommend the proper shampoo, conditioners and/or masks and follow-up appointments for the best maintenance. And honestly, without actually seeing and feeling her hair, my best guess is just that; a guess.

What is Less Maintenance? 

Truthfully, less maintenance would be a single process. However, all hair color services should only be performed by a licensed, knowledgeable professional. A single process would still require touch-ups. Additionally, to maintain the integrity of the hair, it must be done in a salon. The pandemic saw a surge in box dye and a decline in the salon industry. Let’s support our salon professionals and head on back. More damage is being done than you might be aware. And that is my professional opinion for at home hair color tips.

Happy Styling!

If you have a question like today’s query for at home hair color tips, please email me at asktheprostylist@gmail.com.  Remember, stay home and stay safe. Until then, Happy Holidays and happy styling!

©Deirdre Haggerty, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. It is unlawful to reproduce this article or any part therein without prior written permission and consent from the author.

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