Hair dye can completely transform your look, but getting that perfect shade requires a bit of skill. Loreal HiColor dye allows you to easily achieve bold, vibrant color results at home. With the right techniques and preparation, you can use this permanent hair color to get salon-quality results. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to properly use Loreal HiColor dye.
Choosing Your HiColor Shade
With dozens of vivid shades available, selecting the right Loreal HiColor hue can be daunting. Keep these tips in mind when picking your color:
- Consider your base hair color and tone. HiColor works best on light to medium blonde hair. Those with dark locks may need to pre-lighten first.
- Pick a shade slightly lighter than what you want as the final result. HiColor comes out a bit darker than what’s shown on the box.
- Go for a color in the same color family as your natural tone. Cool-toned skin looks best with cooler hues like purples or blues. Warm complexions are complemented by warmer reds, oranges and yellows.
- Don’t choose a color more than three shades lighter or darker than your current shade.
Preparing Your Hair
Properly preparing your strands before dyeing is key to achieving vibrant, even results. Here are some tips for getting your hair ready for HiColor:
- Clarify hair: Use a clarifying shampoo a few days before coloring to remove any product buildup.
- Bleach if needed: Pre-lighten dark hair to a pale blonde so HiColor will show up properly.
- Deep condition: Use a hydrating hair mask to ensure strands are moisturized and healthy enough for processing.
- Detangle: Carefully brush through hair to remove knots and tangles before dyeing.
- Work in sections: Separate clean, dry hair into four sections to make coloring easier.
How to Mix and Apply the Dye
Once you’ve prepped your strands, it’s time to mix up your custom dye formula. Follow these steps for foolproof application:
- Put on the included gloves to protect your hands from staining.
- Combine the HiColor cream dye, developer lotion and booster serum in a tint bowl or tray. Mix thoroughly with a tinting brush until creamy and uniform.
- Section off your first piece of hair. Start with the back bottom layer.
- Use the tinting brush to apply dye evenly from roots to ends, saturating every strand.
- Wrap the sectioned hair in foil or plastic wrap to trap in warmth and maximize color development.
- Repeat steps 3-5, working in small sections until all hair is covered in dye. Leave your roots for last.
- Once roots are coated, cover your entire head with a processing cap. Let sit for 25-30 minutes.
- Rinse dye thoroughly with lukewarm water until the water runs clear.
- Shampoo and condition hair as normal. Avoid using sulfate shampoos which can cause color to fade.
- Style as desired and show off your vibrant new locks!
| HiColor Shade | Best Skin Tone | Best Base Hair Color |
|---|---|---|
| Ruby Red | Fair, Cool | Light Blonde |
| Intense Auburn | Fair, Warm | Light to Medium Blonde |
| Radiant Copper | Medium, Warm | Medium Blonde |
| Vibrant Violet | Fair, Cool | Pale Blonde |
| Neon Blue | Medium, Cool | Very Light Blonde |
This table provides suggestions on which Loreal HiColor shades work best with different skin tones and base hair colors for optimal results.
Caring for Dyed Hair
Maintenance is crucial for keeping your new HiColor hue looking fresh and preventing fading. Here are some tips for colored hair care:
- Wash less frequently – Limit washing to 2-3 times per week max.
- Use sulfate-free shampoo – Sulfate-free formulas help retain vibrancy.
- Rinse with cold water – Hot water can cause color to bleed.
- Deep condition weekly – Hydration prevents dryness and breakage.
- Limit heat styling – Allow hair to air dry when possible to maintain intensity.
- Gloss treatments – Occasional glossing treatments deposit color and boost shine.
- Protect from sun – Wear a hat outside to prevent fading from UV rays.
Fixing Color Mishaps
HiColor offers bold results, but sometimes color mishaps can occur. Here’s how to fix common dye disasters:
Hair is too dark
If your hair turns out darker than expected, mix up a solution of equal parts clarifying shampoo and anti-dandruff shampoo. Lather it on and let sit for 5-10 minutes before rinsing. Repeat until the desired lightness is achieved. Avoid over-processing which can damage hair.
Hair isn’t vibrant enough
Boost lackluster color by applying a semi-permanent gloss or toning treatment in your HiColor shade. Focus on the mid-lengths and ends to refresh color. For maximum vibrancy, you may need to re-dye your roots after following the original process.
Roots are uneven
Patchy roots are common with home dye jobs. To even out your regrowth, section your hair and precisely apply dye only to the grown out sections. Leave on 10-15 minutes. Rinse thoroughly. The shorter processing time prevents overlap into previously colored hair.
Hair is dry/damaged
Moisture-binding masks with oils like argan, coconut or marula can help nourish parched strands. Avoid heat styling and additional chemical processing until hair is healthy again. Regular trims can also help remove split ends.
Maintaining Your HiColor Hue
Permanent fashion shades aren’t truly permanent. You’ll need to touch up your HiColor approximately every 4-6 weeks as your roots grow in. To make retouching easier, keep records of your exact dye formula and timing. When re-applying color, focus only on regrowth rather than lengths to limit damage from overprocessing. With proper maintenance and care, your bright HiColor hue can last for months of vibrant hair!
Conclusion
With its extensive range of intense shades and conditioning formula, Loreal HiColor allows you to rock bold, head-turning hues at home. By correctly preparing your hair, meticulously applying the dye, and caring for your color, you can achieve striking results that stay vibrant. While dye mishaps can occur, they can be remedied with a few simple techniques. With this comprehensive guide, you now have all the tips and tricks for using Loreal HiColor dye like a pro!