How to colour hair at home

Developer volume controls lift, not tone. 10 vol (3%) deposits colour with almost no lift. 20 vol (6%) lifts about one level and is the default for grey coverage. 30 vol (9%) lifts two levels. 40 vol (12%) is for bleach work in trained hands only.

Permanent colour creme mixes 1:1 with developer for standard coverage, and 1:2 for high-lift shades. Mix in a non-metallic bowl and use it within 30 minutes.

Patch test 48 hours ahead. Take a strand test to confirm timing. Apply to unwashed hair, roots last if you are lifting, and set a timer — guessing the processing time is what causes uneven colour.

Wait 72 hours before the next wash, then move to a colour-safe shampoo and a weekly mask. A bond builder added to the mix protects the hair during the service itself.