Best At-Home Hair Color, According to Experts

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We spend a lot of time chatting with hair-care professionals, and if we're being honest, something we've learned about at-home hair color is that it isn't always easy to get right. If you're doing it on your own, it can be difficult to cover hard-to-reach areas like the back of your head, and even if you have help, making sure you get the tone just right and don't wind up with color all over your face at the same time is also always a challenge.

If you already have color-treated hair, most experts' first recommendation is to try to maintain what you have as best you can before opting to try things at home. Special color-transfer shampoos, temporary sprays, and masks can all help you do that. But if you absolutely must opt for at-home hair dye, at least take a few suggestions from colorist Karissa Schaudt of Chicago's Scarlet O.

Ahead, she's sharing six helpful tips that will ensure the health of your hair remains a top priority until you can book your next appointment.

Experts Featured in This Article

Karissa Schaudt is the owner and colorist at Chicago's Scarlet O Salon.

Tip #1: Ensure Your Developer Is Ammonia-Free

If you've just gotta pick up that brush and bowl, at least make safety a priority. The first (and arguably most important) tip? “In my professional opinion, I would avoid any color that contains ammonia in the developer,” Schaudt tells PS. Although this is an extremely common ingredient in the hair-dye industry — it's effective, no doubt — using it is ultimately a tradeoff; the powerful chemical damages your hair in the process. Try using the Garnier Olia Oil Permanent Hair Color ($12).

Tip #2: Opt For Semi- or Demi-Permanent Dyes

On the subject of ammonia, Schaudt provides another helpful tip: “Look for a semi- or demi-permanent coverage,” Schaudt says. “These are typically ammonia-free, meaning the color penetrates under the outer cuticle of your hair.” And should things not go according to plan — whether you change your mind about the shade or miss a tiny spot — these formulas also give you a little more wiggle room, as they're not permanent. We'd recommend the Clairol Natural Instincts Semi-Permanent Hair Color ($10).

Tip #3: Pick a Shade Similar to Your Natural Color

If you're unable to fit a trip to the salon into your upcoming schedule, consider erring on the conservative side when choosing a shade. “To avoid going too dark, pick a shade that matches your natural tone,” Schaudt says. “Going too dark can be difficult to fix, while too light reveals unwanted warmth.”

Tip #4: Only Apply Hair Color on the Regrowth

If you're dealing with previously colored hair and concerned about your roots, now might be the right time to experiment with at-home touch-ups — but cap things there. “I suggest applying [coloring products] only on the new regrowth that you can see (part and hairline) and waiting for a professional to color the interior.” While a full-blown hair transformation may not be your best option, you can at least maintain what you already have. We'd recommend trying the dpHUE Root Touch-Up Kit ($35).

Tip #5: Don't Overlap or Pull Color Through the Mids and Ends of Your Hair

In a similar vein to root touch-ups, Schaudt suggests that anyone with preexisting highlights or dyes keep their DIY color concentrated in one area. “Don't overlap or pull any color through the mids or ends,” she said. “This will create unwanted banding or cover any highlights you wish to keep.” Although these issues are both fixable in the salon, they'll add time and money to your visit.

Tip #6: When in Doubt, Try Men's Color

Yes, you read that right, but hear Schaudt out. “For the time being, I highly recommend men's hair color,” she says. “They're usually demi-permanent and help stain hair, meaning it covers the regrowth but can quickly be removed.”

Still, she emphasizes picking the right color. “Whatever you do, don't pick shades that are too dark. Aim to pick a shade that matches your hairline's natural tone or slightly lighter.” We'd suggest trying the Just For Men Men's Hair Color ($11).

Carrie Carrollo is a PS contributor and was formerly the brand's associate branded content beauty editor.

Renee Rodriguez is a staff writer and social producer for PS. She writes across all verticals, but her main areas of expertise focus on fashion and beauty content with an emphasis on reviews and editor experiments. She also produces social content for the PS TikTok and Instagram accounts.