If you want to go from dark brown to a lightest light blonde get thee to a hair salon. Don’t try this at home.  That said, many friends and beauty editors I know turn to the box when coloring their hair. These days boxed color can be gorgeous. But you have to do it right, go to a salon. Here are the biggest mistakes women make when doing their color themselves.

They Bet Their Hair Color on the Picture on the Box

Pictures on hair color boxes can be deceiving. Go by the color swatches and the descriptions instead. Most boxes will call out the color (blonde, brown, black and red) and the shade of that color (light, medium and dark). There might also be mention of the tone (golden or ashy).  Go to the salon please.

They Try to Do It Themselves

Try as you might, it’s virtually impossible for you to see the back of your head. This is why I recommend enlisting a friend, family member or even your boyfriend or husband to help you color your hair. The process will go so much more smoothly.  You get what you pay for my friends.

They Leave the Color on Too Long

Always set a timer for your hair. Many women end up leaving the color on their hair too long and end up with over-processed hair.  Over-processed hair is very unattractive.

They Rinse Their Hair Out in a Sink

Kitchen and bathroom sinks don’t have enough water pressure to rinse out the hair chemicals completely, which can damage hair. Instead, step into the shower and rinse your hair thoroughly.

They Don’t Read the Instructions

Box color has been around forever, so they’ve gotten the directions down. If they didn’t, women wouldn’t buy again. Just because you’ve dyed your hair before at home with one brand doesn’t mean another brand of hair color stays on the same amount of time.

Always read the directions before proceeding. Let the hair colorist do it.

They Run Out of Product

If you have thick, curly or long hair, you run the risk of running out of product as you apply it. Always buy two boxes of hair color.  A salon atmosphere has everything for your hair coloring service, including wine.

They’re Commitment-Phobic

Some women have what I call “Hair Color ADHD.” Like singles who are commitment-phobic, the minute they find a hair color they like they’re ready to try something new. Finding a color you love is like winning the lottery. You could be making a huge mistake trying a different color or different brand.

They Choose the Wrong Color Tone for Their Complexion

Most of us would like to think we are both warm and cool. But when it comes to hair color, it’s important to know which one you really are (and it has nothing to do with your fantastic personality).

They’re Unhappy With All-Over Color

If you look closely at the hair of a child or a woman whose hair you absolutely love, you’ll notice there are many shades of color. All-over color from a box is basically a wash of one color. If one-dimensional hair is not what you’re after, you might be better off getting highlights at a salon.

They’re Brunettes Trying to Go Blonde or Red

Again, anything more than 2 shades darker or lighter than your natural hair color, should be done in a salon. Taking black or brown hair to blonde or red is absolutely possible, but is usually a complicated process that could involve more than one visit to the salon.

To determine if blonde or red is right for you, try on wigs first to see if the color washes you out or enhances your look. And then head to the salon to get the job done. Don’t pick up a box. Women who have red in their skin and burn easily should stick to cool shades described on the box as “ash,” “beige” or “cool brown.” Warmer colors will only bring out the redness in your skin. Some women fall somewhere in the middle and can look good in a wide range of warm and cool shades.

Joseph Kellner Salon Orlando, Florida 32819