Salon trips can be super fun – who doesn’t like coming in as a plain Jane and coming out with a brand spanking new look? But the downside is that they’re also incredibly expensive! So why not try something a bit cheaper to get that killer new look? Introducing: At-home hair colour!
Home hair dye formulas have come a long way, and while they can’t quite replicate the work of a professional colourist, it’s now possible to get a decent colour job done by yourself! If you want to save yourself the trouble of going all the way to the salon, then you’re in luck – we’ve put together a list of the best home hair dyes on the market.
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The Lowdown On Home Hair Colouring
To be totally honest, nothing can really replace a professional dye job. Getting a professional to colour your hair means getting a proper assessment, prep work, and everything else needed to get your ideal hair colour. They know all the tricks to give it depth and make it look natural.
If you want to get as close to professional as possible, here are some tips and tricks on how to colour your hair at home:
Choosing Colours
Don’t try to get a major colour change at home! If you’re a brunette who wants to go blonde, for example, it’s better to let a professional take over. A drastic colour change will involve more steps, such as bleaching, which should be left to the professionals (don’t take risks with harsh chemicals!).

A general good rule of thumb is to simply go for shades that are only one to two shades from your current hair colour — such as going from light brown to dark brown.
Don’t Skimp On Dye
The last thing you want is to run out of dye when you’ve only coloured half your head! Once you’ve chosen your colour, make sure to get at least two boxes — and more if you’ve got longer hair! It’s better to have a bit more than what you actually needed than to have too little.

If you’re going lighter, don’t forget the toner! Toners, like Wella T18, will neutralise those brassy yellow and orange tones that can come with dying your hair. Toning can be done in different ways, but we recommend a purple shampoo as it’s much gentler compared to others.
Cover Up
One unflattering tell-tale sign of a DIY hair dye job is accidentally staining your forehead and ears. Avoid this faux pas by simply slathering on some petroleum jelly on the parts you don’t want dye to get into. Dying hair can get a little messy, so keep some wet wipes on hand as well to immediately wipe off any accidental dye splatter.
Step Away From The Shower
You might think that it’s better to start on a clean slate, but the natural oils that accumulate on your scalp will actually protect you when you dye your hair! Your head’s natural oils will act as a barrier against irritants in the hair dye.

Read, Read, Read
This might seem obvious, but it’s one worth repeating again and again: read the instructions! There are plenty of different dyes out there, and there are different ways of applying them. Read everything carefully before starting!
One thing to especially take note of is whether the hair dye you got is semi-permanent or permanent hair colour. If this is the first time you’re dying your hair, it’s much better to go with semi-permanent as it’s much more forgiving and easier to use! Permanent hair colours will last longer, but they tend to be harsher and harder to use — there’s more preparation involved before the actual colouring!
The Best Hair Colours And Dyes For A DIY Dye Job
Clairol Natural Instincts
Colours Available: Blondes, Browns, Auburn, Red, Burgundy, Black
Price: $AUD10.99
Where to buy: Chemist Warehouse
If you’ve never tried colouring your hair before (whether professionally or on your own), Clairol Natural Instincts is a great option. It’s made with 80% naturally-derived ingredients, and it’s a semi-permanent colour that will last 28 washes. It has coconut oil and aloe vera that will condition your hair as its being dyed, so you won’t have to deal with tough, tangled hair after.
Schwarzkopf Live Colour
Colours Available: Shocking Pink, Red Embers, Blueberry, Magnetic Purple, Watermelon Burst, Denim Steel, etc.
Price: $AUD5.49
Where to buy: Priceline
Looking for a bold, unique colour? Take your pick from the Live Colour range, a semi-permanent hair dye which that carries a selection of vibrant and intense shades for that unique look you’re craving. With its gentle formula that lasts for up to eight washes, you can switch it up as often as you want!
John Frieda Precision Foam Colour
Colours Available: Blondes, Browns, Reds, Blacks
Price: $AUD19.95
Where to buy: eBay
One of the perils of dying your own hair is the potential mess it can bring to your bathroom or wherever you choose to do the dye job. John Frieda’s foamy, non-drip formula can help you avoid this, while giving you amazing colour coverage without any patchiness. Tons of customers rave about the gorgeous natural tones that this dye has given them. And best of all, it works on grey hair too!
Garnier Nutrisse Nourishing Color Creme
Colours Available: Blondes (Camomile, Honey Dip, etc), Browns (Acorn, Cappucino, etc), Reds (Sangria, Pomegranate, etc), Blacks (Natural Blue Black, Licorice, etc)
Price: $AUD9.00
Where to buy: Amazon
For longer-lasting colour, go with this permanent colour creme from Garnier. It comes with very clear instructions on how to properly dye your hair, and they’ve also provided easy-to-follow tutorials online! There are plenty of shades to choose from, and if you’re a darker-haired gal looking to go lighter, this dye can lighten your hair up to five tones!
Honourable Mentions
Fudge Professional Paint Box. Semi-permanent hair colour with intense pigments.
Keune Tinta Color. Permanent hair colour with triple colour protection technology.
L’oreal Couleur Experte. For DIY base colour and highlights!
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