Here's how you can keep your hair colour looking fresh even if you're stuck at home

1. Do The Roots First

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This is especially so when your roots are growing out and it’s causing an obvious halo effect.



If you’ve got dark coloured hair:



To cover greys or darken your hair, go ahead and apply the colour as close to the scalp as you can, covering your whole head and let it process it as per the instructions on the box.



If you’ve got light or bright coloured hair:



To touch up your dark roots and refresh your colour, start by applying the colour about ½ inch away from the scalp first, let the dye process for a few minutes then apply the colour to the rest of your hair.



For instance, if you have a 2 ½ inch re-growth, apply the dye to the regrowth, leaving about ½ inch from the roots. Let the colour sit for 15 minutes, then apply the colour to the rest of your hair without overlapping the previous section. Let the colour process as per the instructions on the box.



Finish by applying the rest of the dye onto the untouched ½ inch section, going in as close to the scalp as possible. Wait for 10 minutes before shampooing.



The reason for doing so, especially when you’re using a lighter coloured dye is that our scalp is naturally hotter — about 10 per cent of our body heat is lost from the head, that heat will speed up the colouring process, which means the longer the dye sits close to your scalp, the brighter the final colour will be.

2. Unwashed Hair Is Best

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Never apply dye on freshly washed hair. This is because your natural hair oils act as barrier to protect your hair.

3. Keep It Safe

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Opt for hair dyes that contain little or no ammonia as it’s safer for DIY use and won’t irritate the scalp, which is important when you’re touching up your roots at home.

4. Do A Colour Test First

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If you’re only using those temporary powders or sprays to touch up your roots before an important video call, do test the colour intensity prior. Especially if it’s in a spray form as you might not know its intensity and finish.

5. Use A Hairspray To Help Temporary Colour Last

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When using temporary touch-up powders on your roots, help it last by lightly spraying a holding hairspray over. This creates a slight barrier that prevents the powders from being messed up by wind and humidity.



Here are 5 products to help keep your hair colour looking fresh:

1. L’Oréal Paris Magic Retouch, $16.90.

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Need to look posh and poised in a jiffy? All it takes is just three seconds to cover your greys and roots with this instant root concealer spray. And as it contains no ammonia or peroxides, it won’t irritate the scalp too.

Plus, the pinpoint micro-diffuser nozzle makes it easy to target areas that need coverage. A temporary colour solution when you need to look your best. Comes in seven shades.

Available at www.watsons.com.sg and www.guardian.com.sg and when shops re-open, at Watsons stores and Guardian Pharmacy.

2. Ryo Mild Formula Hairdye Cream, $18.90.

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A gentle — ammonia-, silicone oil-, mineral oil- and fragrance-free — DIY hair colour, it is infused with ginseng, red ginseng and sophora root extracts to protect the scalp and nourish the hair. Best bit? The Hairdye Cream comes in handy sachets, ideal for root touch-ups as it ensures minimal waste. Comes in four shades.

Available at www.guardian.com.sg and www.lazada.sg/shop/ryo and when stores re-open, at Guardian Pharmacy.

3. Natur Vital Colour Hair Mask, $23.

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The easiest and most fuss-free option, this henna-infused colour hair mask is great if you’re looking to give your hair a colour refresh.

Just apply in the shower after shampoo and let it sit for five to 15 minutes — the longer the more intense the colour, and wash off. It also contains pro-vitamin B4, plant keratin, aloe vera, sunflower, wheat and soya extracts to repair hair damage and nourish locks. Comes in three shades.

Available at www.guardian.com.sg and when stores re-open, at Guardian Pharmacy.

4. Phytocolor, $29.90.

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With its high concentration of colour pigments thanks to a unique blend of botanical pigments from five dye plants, this at-home hair colour gives locks intense colour to cover 100 per cent of your greys with just one application. Its ammonia-free formula also ensures that it’s gentle on sensitive scalps too. Comes in 15 shades.

Available at www.robinsons.com.sg and www.guardian.com.sg and when stores re-open, at Robinsons and Guardian Pharmacy.

5. Rita Hazan Root Concealer Touch Up Stick, US$25.

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An on-the-go, tote-able touch-up tool, it works just like a crayon for your greys and regrowth.

It contains custom-blended colour pigments in a water-resistant formula that glides on effortlessly across the hairline.

To use, pull the hair downwards, keeping it slightly taut against the hairline, then sweep the crayon across the greys in long strokes. With the wand provided, lightly brush and blend the colour into the hair. Plus, it can even be used to define the brows too.

Available from www.net-a-porter.com