Salon vs. At-Home Colour: Why Professional Colouring Makes All the Difference

Colouring your hair is a big decision. Whether you want to cover greys, go lighter, or try something completely new, you might wonder—should you colour your hair at home or book a professional appointment?

I’ve had many clients tell me they tried a box dye at home and regretted it. It seemed like a quick and cheap option, but the results weren’t what they expected. Here’s why professional salon colour is always the better choice and why investing in your hair pays off in the long run.

1. Salon Colour is Custom-Made for You

When you buy a box dye, it’s a one-size-fits-all formula. But hair colour isn’t that simple! At Nicolas Ablitt Hair Studio, we:
✔ Analyse your natural hair colour and skin tone to choose the most flattering shade
✔ Mix a bespoke colour formula just for you
✔ Adjust the tone and strength of the colour to keep your hair healthy

This means your colour looks natural, vibrant, and perfectly suited to you—not just whatever the box says!

2. Professional Colour is Kinder to Your Hair

Many box dyes contain harsh chemicals that can damage your hair over time. I’ve seen many cases where home colouring has caused:
🚨 Dryness & breakage
🚨 Uneven or patchy colour
🚨 Hair turning orange or brassy

In the salon, we use high-quality professional brands like Shed, L’Oréal Professional, and Quint:essential Vegan Colour. These products are designed to nourish and protect your hair while delivering rich, long-lasting colour.

3. Salon Colour Lasts Longer

Ever noticed how box dye fades quickly or goes dull after a few washes? That’s because home colours often lack depth and don’t penetrate the hair properly.

With professional colour:
✨ The pigments last longer and fade more naturally
✨ We use techniques like balayage, highlights, and glossing to create dimension
✨ Your hair stays shiny and vibrant for weeks

4. No More Colour Disasters!

One of the biggest risks with DIY hair colour is that it can go wrong—fast. If the colour doesn’t develop properly, you could end up with:
❌ Orange or brassy tones
❌ Green or purple tints in blonde hair
❌ Patchy or uneven colour

Fixing a bad box dye job can take multiple salon visits and be much more expensive than just getting it done professionally in the first place.

5. Professional Colouring Looks More Natural

Hair colour isn’t just about changing shade—it’s about creating a look that enhances your features. In the salon, we use expert techniques like:
✔ Balayage and foiling for soft, blended highlights
✔ Root smudging to create a natural, lived-in look
✔ Toning and glossing to refine the colour and add shine

The result? Colour that grows out beautifully and looks effortlessly natural.

6. Salon Colour Comes with Expert Advice

When you colour your hair in the salon, you don’t just get a service—you get expert advice tailored to you. We’ll help you:
💡 Choose the right colour for your skin tone and lifestyle
💡 Understand how to maintain your colour at home
💡 Use the best shampoos and treatments to keep your hair in top condition

7. Your Hair is Worth the Investment

I always tell my clients—your hair is one of the first things people notice about you. It’s an investment in yourself. Professional colour may cost more than a box dye, but the difference in quality, health, and confidence is priceless.

If you’re thinking about a colour refresh, let’s chat. At Nicolas Ablitt Hair Studio, we’ll help you get the perfect shade without the risk, stress, or damage of at-home colouring.

Ready for a colour you’ll love? Book your appointment today—we can’t wait to see you!