Joybuy Insights

Hair colouring at home: how to choose the right shade for your needs

A hair colour isn’t something you should pick just by looking at the picture on the box. When you’re colouring at home, the final result depends on your starting colour, whether you have grey hair, the condition of your hair fibre, and the type of formula you use. A chestnut shade, for example, can look very different on blonde, brunette or previously coloured hair.

Two mistakes crop up time and again. The first is confusing a temporary touch-up with permanent colour: a spray or powder can conceal regrowth until your next shampoo, but it won’t change your colour long-term. The second is relying on the words “ammonia-free” while forgetting that other colouring or oxidising agents can still cause a skin reaction. Finally, a shade that’s too light isn’t always enough to cover stubborn grey hair evenly.

Common pitfalls before you buy

1. Confusing coverage with colour change

A root concealer spray or root camouflage powder only works on the surface. It’s a handy solution before an appointment, a night out or between two colour sessions, but it usually washes out with shampoo.

A permanent hair colour, on the other hand, combines a colour cream with a developer. It takes a bit more preparation, but it’s better suited to changing your shade permanently or maintaining grey coverage.

2. Believing an ammonia-free formula is risk-free

An ammonia-free hair dye may reduce the characteristic smell of some formulas, but it isn’t necessarily free of sensitising ingredients. Colour products can contain oxidation dyes, hydrogen peroxide or other agents that require caution.

Always read the instructions and carry out the allergy alert test 48 hours before each use when this is stated on the packaging. Do not apply the product to irritated, damaged skin or to a scalp that has recently undergone chemical treatment.

3. Underestimating how much you need

For long, thick or very abundant hair, a single box may not be enough. Some products specify that you should buy two boxes for long or thick hair. Using too little increases the risk of an uneven result, especially on the lengths.

The criteria to check for at-home hair colouring

Your starting colour and the shade you want

Labels like blonde hair colour, chestnut hair colour and brunette hair colour give you a rough idea, but they don’t replace a shade chart. Compare the colour to your natural base or your current colour, and don’t forget to take any previous colour treatments into account.

If you want to go significantly lighter, a standard colour won’t always achieve the lift you’re after. Already-coloured hair needs extra care: a new shade isn’t always enough to “erase” the previous pigments.

The result you’re after

  • Quick touch-up: mineral powder or temporary spray, with no noticeable development time.
  • Grey coverage: permanent colour designed to be applied to roots and lengths, following the instructions.
  • Maintaining an existing colour: tone-on-tone formula, colour-depositing treatment or targeted touch-up.
  • Easy application: mousse, ready-to-use pump bottle or a kit that includes developer, gloves and a conditioner.

Also check the claimed longevity. A product that washes out with shampoo can’t be compared directly to a permanent colour.

Ingredients and precautions

Look at the ingredient list and check for the presence of ammonia, ethanolamine, resorcinol, phenylenediamines or hydrogen peroxide. This information won’t predict your personal tolerance, but it will help you follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Protect your clothes, wear the gloves provided and avoid contact with your eyes. Aerosol products should be used in a well-ventilated room, away from flames, heat sources or a car left in direct sunlight.

Our recommended options for your profile

Recommended for: Beginners on a budget
GARNIER OLIA Ammonia-Free Permanent Hair Color 4.0 Pure Chestnut 120 g

GARNIER OLIA Ammonia-Free Permanent Hair Color 4.0 Pure Chestnut 120 g

Why this suits this profile: The kit contains the colour cream, developer, gloves, applicator and conditioner. Its chestnut shade is ideal for anyone wanting to try at-home colouring without having to buy each accessory separately.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The formula is claimed to be ammonia-free, but the allergy alert test 48 hours before application is still required according to the instructions.

Main advantage and key features

A complete 120 g kit, a pure chestnut shade and a permanent formula claimed to be suitable for covering grey hair.

Recommended for: Premium enthusiasts
Color Wow Root Cover Up Root Touch Up Powder Shade Dark Blonde 2.1 g

Color Wow Root Cover Up, root touch-up powder, dark blonde 2.1 g

Why this suits this profile: Its compact case, complete with a mirror and brush, is designed for people who want a precise, discreet touch-up at home or on the go.

How this product avoids the pitfall

This is a temporary powder, not a permanent colour. It washes out with shampoo, so there’s no confusion about how long it lasts.

Main advantage and key features

Apply to dry hair, water-resistant finish according to the product sheet, and a 2.1 g format with mirror.

Recommended for: Specific and frequent use
L'Oréal Paris Magic Retouch Instant Root Concealer Spray Chestnut 2Pack 75 ml

L’Oréal Paris Magic Retouch, root concealer spray, chestnut, pack of 2 × 75 ml

Why this suits this profile: This pack of two aerosols is ideal for frequent touch-ups of regrowth between colour sessions, especially on chestnut hair.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product sheet states it lasts until your next shampoo. This format is therefore intended for a quick fix, not a long-lasting colour.

Main advantage and key features

Two 75 ml bottles, apply around 15 cm from the roots, and claimed to dry in one minute.

Recommended for: Professional colour enthusiasts
KEMON Cramer Color Hair Color Cream 6.36 Golden Dark Blonde 100ml

KEMON Cramer Color, colour cream 6.36 golden dark blonde 100 ml

Why this suits this profile: This cream is aimed at users who are comfortable with measuring and already have a compatible developer. It lets you work with a golden dark blonde shade using a more technical approach.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The developer is not included. This detail prevents you from buying an incomplete kit or mixing incompatible components.

Main advantage and key features

A 100 ml tube to mix with a suitable developer, plus a technology claimed to limit premature oxidation during preparation.

Looking for other options?

We’ve put together a comprehensive, real-time selection of products that meet these demanding criteria and European safety regulations.

Application tips to avoid mistakes

  1. Read the instructions before opening the product, especially the development time and mixing ratio.
  2. Carry out the required skin test, even if you’ve used this brand before.
  3. Work on dry hair when the instructions recommend it, and section your hair into several parts.
  4. Start with the areas where grey hair or regrowth is most visible.
  5. Stick to the stated development time – don’t extend it in an attempt to intensify the colour.
  6. Rinse until the water runs clear, then apply the conditioner provided if the kit includes one.

Frequently asked questions about hair dye

Which hair dye should I choose to cover grey hair?

A permanent colour is generally more suitable than a spray or powder when you need coverage that lasts until regrowth. However, do check the shade, the development time and whether the product is stated as suitable for covering grey hair. The allergy alert test 48 hours before application is still essential when the instructions require it.

How long does a root touch-up last?

A root concealer spray or root camouflage powder is designed for temporary wear. The products featured here wash out with shampoo or last until your next shampoo. How long it lasts can vary depending on how much you apply, humidity and friction.

Is an ammonia-free colour gentler?

“Ammonia-free” simply means the formula doesn’t contain it. It doesn’t guarantee no reaction or no oxidising agents. Check the ingredient list, follow the usage precautions and don’t apply the product if you experience irritation or a reaction during the test.