The online searches for at-home hair color are up as many salons are closed and people stay at home to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. And depending on the effectiveness of their at-home solutions, consumers may change their long-term hair coloring habits, opting for the home version instead of the salon even after they reopen.

The Lubrizol Life Science beauty team has put together a few tips and tricks for at-home hair coloring:

Start simply - For an all-over color boost look for color-enhancing shampoos and conditioners. According to a recently published Mintel Report, purple shampoos that remove brassiness in blonde and gray hair have seen increased interest among consumers over the last year. Other options add deposits of color for a basic boost in blonde, brown, black and red color.
Focus on the roots – Whether in powder or spray form, temporary root concealers offer an easy way to hide grown-out roots. And for those more comfortable with box hair color, many brands offer solutions that last for a couple of weeks.
Don’t stray too far – While it might be tempting to try a bold new color, until getting the basics of at-home hair color down, it’s best to stick to a shade closer to the current color. Look for colors 1-2 shades from the existing color if buying a drugstore brand or try an online brand that will personalize color if provided with a picture of the existing color.
Take care of the basics – Whether coloring only the roots or opting for all-over color, don’t forget to invest in color-safe shampoos, conditioners and hair masks to keep hair shiny and healthy.

At-Home Hair Color, Simplified