As the coronavirus pandemic continues, salons across the country have been closed for weeks. This has left those of us who visit our stylists religiously for color touch-ups and trims, or even those of us who had stretched out the time between appointments just long enough, up to our own devices. But at-home hair care can be intimidating, and there are definitely some things you shouldn’t try (back away from the box dye!).
The good news is, there are plenty of ways to make your look last until salons are able to open again. Here, we’ve put together some tips and tricks for extending your style without doing anything you’ll regret. Keep reading to see our DIY hair care dos and don’ts!
Do: Use a Root Touch-Up Spray
If your look is going from intentionally lived-in to just grown-out, don’t be tempted to try any drastic measures at home! We know, those roots can be all you see when you look in the mirror (or see yourself on a Zoom call), but there’s a simple and safe fix: root touch-up sprays. Try KEVIN.MUPRHY’s RETOUCH.ME for fast, discreet root touch-ups and gray coverage. Micro-fine pigments in four different shades offer subtle, seamless blending without any residue.
Don’t: Try to Correct Your Color with Box Dye
We’ve all been there: your color isn’t looking so great and you need a DIY fix. You’ve watched your stylist color your hair in the salon—you can figure this out, right? The truth is, there’s a reason that hair pros are so against box dye. The formula in the box is meant for everyone’s hair, but not all hair is the same! That box dye doesn’t take into account your base color, your hair type, if your hair is damaged, what you tone you want, etc. If you try to fix your color at home, you could end up with brassy, orange highlights or jet-black strands instead of a chocolatey brunette. The worst part? With salons closed, there’s no way you can get a professional fix. Your best bet is to put back the box dye and try a less-risky fix instead.
Do: Give Your Hair a Break
Now that we’re all practicing social distancing, it’s the perfect time to give your hair a rest and do a little detox. Take a break from hot tools and pare down your daily product routine to reduce build-up. Take the time to go through your products and toss any that are old, expired, or contain harsh ingredients, like sulfates and artificial waxes. Indulge in some much-needed self-care with an at-home hair mask (we like Keune’s So Pure Moisturizing Treatment for intense hydration, or the So Pure Recover Treatment for seriously damaged strands) to promote better hair and scalp health.
Don’t: Try to Cut Your Hair at Home
Quarantine cuts. Pandemic bangs. It’s a phenomenon so real, it’s trending on social media. And we get it! But here’s why trying to cut your own hair at home is not such a great idea: professional stylists spend years learning how to properly cut hair, taking into account natural growth patterns, texture, and shape. Chances are, you don’t have this same education and expertise at your fingertips. Not only that, but you probably don’t have the right tools either. Kitchen scissors, manicure scissors, and office scissors are not substitutes for professional shears. Our advice? Embrace styles that help disguise grown-out cuts, like crown braids, half-back twists, and topknots. And, if you absolutely HAVE to trim your bangs, do it while your hair is dry, not wet, to avoid accidentally going too short.
Do: Go with the Flow
Currently, it’s unclear when it will be safe for salons to open again and the truth is, we’re all in this together. Embrace what’s happening with your hair, whether that’s a somewhat shaggy pixie, bob-turned-lob, or rooty lived-in color. It’s the perfect time to focus on your hair’s health and go with the flow!
