My answer as a professional stylist is a resounding yes.
Personalized hair coloring service sites mix a custom hair color specifically for you based on your answers to a few questions.
One even offers video consultations with a hair color professional to help ensure you have the right color for you.
They tend to be less expensive if you order the subscription option. Even the non-subscription prices are still pretty reasonable, in my opinion, considering the services that they provide.
I think these sites offer one of the best values for people coloring their hair at home.
They provide lots of resources for the novice DIY home color client to achieve close to “professional” results.
I have been doing color for nearly three decades, and at one time or another I have recommended these sites to clients who have been unable to get their hair done in the salon at that present time.
How personalized hair coloring service sites work
- Fill out a questionnaire on their website;
- Provide a photo (one offers a video conference with a colorist);
- Based on your answers to those questions and your photo, a color recommendation is provided to you to achieve your hair goals.
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All have several video and blog posts with great tips and tricks to help ensure success in coloring your hair at home.
There are many success stories about the results using these products. There are also some negative reviews. When it comes to companies as large as these, that’s to be expected: I would be suspicious if there were not some bad comments. I have included links to the reviews I found so you can make an informed choice for yourself.
It is my goal with Hair Salon Secrets to help you make the choice that is right for you.
Be assured I have no financial interest one way or another in these at-home color services, and make no revenue from them!
PRO TIP
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- Watch the videos repeatedly.
- Application technique is key. Every color professional has refined their application techniques.
- If you genuinely want to achieve a “professional-looking” result, practice yours: use some thick conditioner, your color brush, a bowl, and do a couple of practice sessions
- I promise you will feel more confident when you do the process for real with the color.
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Color&Co by L’Oreal
Src: company press release
Cost at the time of posting
- $19.90 with a subscription (free shipping on first subscription order);
- $26.90 onetime purchase, with free shipping on orders over $30.00.
The reviews are positive for this line of personalized hair color. They are the new kids on the block, appearing around May 2019. But they won the Allure magazine ‘Best of Beauty’ award in 2019, and have made a pretty impressive foray into subscription color at home.
You have the option of doing an online color quiz, or you can consult with a colorist on staff via video conference (at no additional charge.)
What is in the kit
- Color&Co stain block barrier cream gel;
- Color&Co stain eraser color-removing wipe;
- Color&Co infuse replenishing conditioner;
- Color&Co personalized color;
- Color&Co activate cream developer;
- Non-latex gloves (two pair);
- Instruction booklet.
I recommend you read the instructions at least three times to be sure you don’t miss anything. There is also some excellent information on the Color&Co blog to help you get the most out of this service.
Video explaining hair colour and hair types
The video below enables you to understand how one color on different hair types can give many different results.
Video showing Color&Co usage
There are some excellent videos on how to use the product on their website and YouTube. This video walks you through applying the color on short hair.
My take
Color&Co seem to have thought of everything. This service is from L’Oreal, a trusted name in hair coloring for over one hundred years. I can’t see how you could go wrong with this one. Follow the instructions, and I think you will be pleased with the results.
What people are saying
Color&Co website
e Salon color kit
Src: company press kit
Cost at the time of posting
- $22.00 with a subscription;
- $27.50 for single order.
Free shipping on orders with a subtotal of $15.00 or more (see the website for more details).
They offer a one hundred percent color happiness guarantee: if you are not satisfied, they will refund your money. Based on a few reviewers’ comments, the company does live up to this promise.
They have won the Allure magazine ‘Best of Beauty’ award five times and also won the 2019 Allure’s ‘Reader’s Choice’ award for Best Hair Color due to their gray coverage.
What is in the kit
- Individually crafted color and developer;
- Personalized instruction booklet;
- Stain guard;
- Stain remover;
- Non-latex gloves (two pair);
- Classic shampoo;
- Classic conditioner;
- Color applicator brush (gift with first purchase only in order to be less wasteful);
- Access to a personal colorist.
Video showing eSalon usage to cover gray hair
This is an excellent video on how to color your hair and cover your grays
What people are saying
eSalon website
eSalon “Light Set” highlighting kit
The description says the kit contains all you need to create a sunkissed glow using a modern balayage type technique.
Cost at the time of posting
- $35.00
What is in the kit
- Lightener and activator;
- Highlight shampoo;
- Toning mask;
- Application brush;
- Mixing tray;
- Access to a personal colorist.
My take
eSalon seems like a good product for at-home DIY coloring. They take time to be sure you know how to use their systems in a clear, easy-to-follow way. They have been around for several years now and have had time to refine their process.
How-to video about eSalon’s highlights kit
What people are saying
https://www.sitejabber.com/reviews/esalon.com
https://www.esalon.com/custom-hair-color#client_reviews
More about the eSalon Light Set kit
Madison Reed
Madison Reed’s color line is excellent for people who are sensitive to many ingredients in traditional hair color. The products contain no ammonia, phthalates, resorcinol, parabens, or PPD.
Cost at the time of posting
- $22.00 with a subscription;
- $26.50 for single order.
New customers receive free shipping when they also sign up for the mailing list (see the website for more details.)
What is in the kit
- Color and activator;
- Instruction booklet;
- Barrier cream;
- Cleansing wipe;
- Non-latex gloves (two pair);
- Shampoo and conditioner (single-use packets);
- Protective cap;
- Access to a personal colorist.
My take
It seems like a pretty good option for home hair color. I like that you can contact a colorist with your questions. They have been around for a while now and have the system refined to work for most people.
I noticed that you could purchase this at Ulta, but a couple of reviewers stated they had a hard time with customer service. I would buy directly from Madison Reed to be sure you get the best customer service you can.
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