Do It Yourself (DIY) or Salon? What Every Woman Should Know Before Colouring Her Hair

There’s a certain thrill in deciding to change your hair colour. It could be the aftermath of a breakup, a celebration of a promotion, or simply an itch for something new. But before you grab that box of dye or book a salon appointment, there’s a question every woman finds herself asking: Should I do it myself, or trust the pros?

In 2024, Google Trends showed a 42% increase in searches for “DIY hair colour at home,” while salon visits slowly bounced back post-pandemic. The debate is still hot, but the answer isn’t one-size-fits-all, it really depends on your budget, hair health, lifestyle, and most importantly, your expectations.

DIY Hair Colouring – Freedom in a Box?

There’s something empowering about taking your beauty routine into your own hands. DIY kits are easily available, often under ₹500–₹1,000 ($10–$20), and the variety is endless – from rich brunettes to icy blondes.

Why Some Women Swear By It:

Affordability: Great for budget-conscious women or students.
Convenience: No need to take salon appointments or travel.
Control: You choose the brand, formula, timing, it’s your show.

But Let’s Be Honest…

Risk of uneven colour: Especially if your hair is previously treated or textured.
Limited results: Box dyes often lack the depth or precision of salon formulas.
Staining & mess: Your bathroom may turn into a mini war zone.

A 2023 Allure survey revealed that 65% of women who coloured at home for the first time were “somewhat satisfied,” but nearly half of them said they wouldn’t do it again without guidance.

The Salon Route – Worth the Splurge?

Let’s face it: salon colouring is a luxury, but also a craft. Professional colourists are trained to understand undertones, chemical balances, and what works for your specific hair type.

Why Salons Still Reign Supreme:

Precision & blending: Especially for highlights, balayage, or complex tones.
Hair health focus: Good salons use bond-building products (like Olaplex).
Expert eyes: Colour correction and custom mixes are possible only with a pro.

The Trade-Off?

Cost: Starting at ₹3,000 to ₹10,000+ ($40–$150), especially for global hair colours or multi-step processes.
Time: Multiple sessions may be required, especially for drastic changes.
Maintenance: You’ll be booked in for root touch-ups every 4–8 weeks, depending on your colour.

A 2024 survey by Vogue India found that 72% of career women between 28–40 preferred salon treatments due to long-term colour retention and confidence in results.

Who Should Avoid Hair Colouring and Why It Matters Long-Term

As liberating and fun as colouring your hair can be, it’s not for everyone, at least not without precautions. Certain hair types and health conditions can make the process more damaging than rewarding. And let’s not ignore what science says about long-term impact.

You Might Want to Skip (or Rethink) Colouring If:

Your hair is already severely damaged or chemically treated

If you’ve recently had treatments like rebonding, keratin, or multiple bleach sessions, adding colour might push your strands to the edge, leading to breakage, frizz, and elasticity loss.

You suffer from scalp sensitivity or allergies

Ammonia and certain pigments in hair dyes can trigger reactions. Always do a patch test, especially if you’re using a product for the first time or have sensitive skin.

You’re pregnant or breastfeeding

Though there’s limited evidence of harm, many doctors recommend avoiding hair colour during the first trimester or opting for ammonia-free formulas to reduce exposure to strong chemicals.

You have chronic hair fall or thinning issues

Frequent colouring can exacerbate shedding, especially if it involves bleaching or high-lift colour. Women with PCOS or postpartum hair changes should proceed cautiously.

Long-Term Effects of Frequent Hair Colouring:

A 2023 Dermatology Journal study found that repeated exposure to oxidative dyes can weaken the cuticle, increase porosity, and disrupt the scalp’s natural pH over time. This doesn’t mean you have to swear off hair colour forever — it just means you need to space out sessions, use aftercare religiously, and be realistic about the toll colouring can take.

Even professional colourists agree: it’s best to recolour every 8–10 weeks and do a deep-conditioning treatment once a week to balance things out.

Product Suggestion

Don’t forget your weekly shampoo & mask! The L’Oréal Professionnel Paris Vitamino Color Shampoo & Hair Mask has a cult following for a reason — it actually rebuilds broken hair bonds after chemical treatments.

Aftercare: No Matter What, It Matters

Whether you’re team DIY or salon, aftercare is non-negotiable. Coloured hair is more porous and needs extra love to retain vibrancy and strength.

Essentials:

Sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners – to prevent colour stripping
Weekly hair masks – especially ones with keratin or bond-repairing agents
UV protection sprays – colour fades faster with sun exposure
Cold water rinses – helps seal the hair cuticle and lock in colour

Pro Tip: Invest in colour-specific ranges like L’Oréal Professionnel, Schwarzkopf Colour Freeze, or BBlunt Colour-Protect.

Final Reflection: It’s Your Hair, Your Choice

Colouring your hair can be as therapeutic as it is transformational. It’s not just about covering greys or following a trend — it’s about expression. If you’re confident in your hands and looking for a quick change, DIY might give you that thrill. But if it’s a big change, or your hair’s been through a lot, maybe it’s time to let a professional take the reins.

Whatever you choose, let it feel authentic to you. Because hair colour should never feel like pressure — it should feel like power.