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tangled as it is pulled through the cap itself. Hair painting kits are a good alternative, but it is important to mix color thoroughly so that it doesn't clump on the hair. This could cause uneven highlights. Also, whereas the cap is a fairly foolproof way to keep from overdoing it, a good rule of thumb when adding highlights or lowlights is "less is more." It doesn't take much to have a dramatic effect and too much color will have the opposite effect and look amateurish. Clairol Herbal Essence Shade-on-Shade color is a good product with a choice of two different applicators that are unique and can create fantastic results. If they are cleaned well to remove all color residues, these applicators can be saved for use with other products as well.

The biggest warning with any of the applicators is that it is important get as close to the scalp as possible when beginning your strokes and slide the applicator over the hair shaft as evenly and smoothly as possible. This will give you a much more natural look. Remove any clumps carefully but avoid smearing the color into our hair. This will end up pushing the color into deeper layers of hair and can create splotches of color that are unattractive and difficult to fix. The back will be the biggest challenge. Your best bet will be to have a friend or family member help you with the back, although it can be done with two mirrors if necessary. There is also the option, depending on the look you want, of putting highlights and lowlights only in the front sections of hair. The look is more sun-kissed and the potential for error is lessened.

Timing is very important. All home hair color products recommend a strand test. This is a test on few strands of hair that allows you to determine how long to leave the color on your hair before rinsing. It's a step that many people feel is unnecessary but unless you have a lot of experience with how your own hair absorbs color, it really will save you lots of frustration later. Blonde highlight are especially hard to time. Too much processing time and hair can be damaged; too little and the result can be much more orange that anticipated. It is important to remember that patience can make all the difference between success and failure when coloring your own hair.

Most hair colors come with intense after-color conditioners to help your hair repair itself from chemical processing. Follow the directions on these conditioners and allow them enough time to penetrate the hair strand before rinsing. It is a good idea to add a small amount of leave-in conditioner before styling as well, if your hair is dry after coloring. Washing hair too often can fade color quickly, so use gentle shampoos and don't over-wash. After bleaching your hair, it is recommended that every other day you condition your hair without shampooing if you haven't used a lot of styling products. There are also good conditioners on the market that will protect hair color from fading too soon.

While a trip to the salon is well worth it for those who can afford the time and money to pamper themselves, do-it-yourself color can be done well and can produce comparable results. Plan well, have all the right supplies on hand and allow yourself plenty of time to work. Understand what effect you are trying to achieve ahead of time and don't be afraid to ask for help and advice from friends, family or manufacturer hotlines. Following this advice will help ensure that your color turns out beautiful and professional-looking at home.

Learn more about this author, Heidi Attir.
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