An expert shares how to nail the DIY hair colour at home

Each week, Stephanie Darling roadtests a different makeup or skincare trend to find out whether it’s worth your time. Ahead, trialling a bespoke hair colour kit from home.

The strictest instruction: no rushing!Credit:iStock

My hair is looking a little lifeless but my clever colourist comes to the rescue with a bespoke kit.

The lowdown As if being in lockdown isn’t bad enough, my hair is in dire need of colouring. Cue my colourist Damien Rayner (damienrayner.com) dispatching a surprise customised kit (including colour, activator cream, a bowl, section clips, section comb, colour brush, gloves and toner) with
a set of instructions even I am capable of following. Strictest instruction: no rushing! I begin by brushing dry hair; next I take a section of hair from the crown of my head to my ear on each side of my head and clip it. I activate the colour and use the section comb to create slim, half-centimetre sections along my part line all the way to the front of my head and down to my ear level, brushing the colour back and forth on the exposed grey hair. I leave it on for 30 minutes, then jump into the shower to emulsify the colour and shampoo the tint off. Finally, I towel-dry my hair with a dark-coloured towel, apply the toner all over and leave for 10 minutes. I finish by emulsifying that and shampooing it out, then adding conditioner and rinsing.

Pain factor I was nervous at first but then I really got into it.

Downtime An hour.

Results I feel a million bucks thanks to my freshly coloured, plump hair.

At home Try Edwards and Co Home Hair Colour Kit (edwardsandco.com.au, $130).