Colouring your hair is one of the most exciting ways to reinvent your style. Whether you’re after a bold transformation or a subtle enhancement, achieving the perfect shade requires more than just picking a box of colour. While colouring at home or in a salon can be empowering, it’s also easy to fall into some common traps. At SSS Hair, we believe that your hair deserves the best care—and the best colour. In this guide, we’ll uncover the most common hair colour mistakes and show you exactly how to avoid them.
1. Choosing the Wrong Shade for Your Skin Tone
One of the biggest hair colour blunders is picking a shade that clashes with your natural skin tone. Many people select colours based on trend rather than what suits their complexion. While that platinum blonde might look great on your favourite celebrity, it might not have the same effect on you.
How to Avoid It:
Start by identifying your skin’s undertone—warm, cool, or neutral. As a general rule:
- Cool undertones suit ashy blondes, mocha browns, and cool blacks.
- Warm undertones glow with caramel, honey, copper, and golden hues.
- Neutral undertones are lucky—they can pull off most shades!
Shopping from international brands available at SSS Hair ensures a diverse palette, with professional formulations designed for all hair and skin tones.
2. Skipping the Strand Test
A strand test might feel like an extra step, but skipping it can result in unwanted surprises—like ending up with orange instead of auburn. The strand test shows how the dye reacts with your current hair colour and helps avoid a full-head disaster.
How to Avoid It:
Always do a strand test 24–48 hours before colouring. This not only shows you the expected result but also rules out any allergic reactions. Professional hair colour accessories such as brushes, bowls, and timers can make the process smoother and more precise.
3. Not Considering Hair History
Your hair has a history—and so should your colouring plan. Past chemical treatments like bleaching, perming, or colouring can affect how your new shade develops. Applying new colour without considering this can lead to uneven or damaged results.
How to Avoid It:
Be honest about your hair history. Use products from trusted international brands that account for hair health, and consider a deep-conditioning treatment before colouring. SSS Hair stocks top-tier after-colour care solutions to restore and protect your strands.
4. Overlapping Colour Applications
Re-applying colour over previously coloured hair can lead to patchiness and damage, especially when lightening dark hair or using permanent dyes frequently. Overlapping applications can fry your ends and create inconsistent shades.
How to Avoid It:
Apply colour only to the roots when touching up, and avoid overlapping the dye onto previously coloured hair. Use sectioning clips and precise hair colour accessories like tint brushes for better control. At SSS Hair, you’ll find salon-grade tools to get the job done with professional finesse.
5. Ignoring the Developer Strength
The developer you use is as important as the colour itself. Using the wrong volume can either fry your hair or leave you with little to no visible change. For instance, using a 40-volume developer on fragile hair can cause significant damage.
How to Avoid It:
Understand your goals:
- 10 volume = subtle colour, darkening, or toning.
- 20 volume = standard for grey coverage and minor lifts.
- 30-40 volume = lightening, but use with caution.
Opt for kits from SSS Hair that provide the right developer strength along with trusted international brands to ensure optimal performance and safety.
6. Not Prepping Hair Properly
Applying colour to dirty, oily, or heavily styled hair can affect how the colour processes. Build-up from products can act as a barrier, preventing even penetration.
How to Avoid It:
Cleanse your hair 24–48 hours before colouring with a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo. Avoid heavy conditioners or styling products before dyeing. At SSS Hair, you’ll find premium shampoos and prepping products that help your colour hold better and last longer.
7. Leaving Colour on for Too Long (or Not Long Enough)
Timing is everything when it comes to hair colour. Leaving dye on too long can damage hair, while rinsing it out too soon can lead to uneven or weak colour. Many people fail to follow the exact instructions, thinking more time equals better colour—when it can actually lead to dryness and breakage.
How to Avoid It:
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for timing. Use a timer to stay on track, and avoid multitasking during your colouring session. Investing in quality hair colour accessories like a processing cap or timer from SSS Hair can help you stay focused and avoid mistakes.
8. Neglecting Post-Colour Care
Your journey doesn’t end once the colour is rinsed out. Failing to use colour-safe products can cause your new shade to fade quickly or become brassy. Heat styling without protection also strips colour and damages your hair.
How to Avoid It:
Use shampoos and conditioners specially formulated for colour-treated hair. Look for sulfate-free and UV-protective products. Deep conditioning masks, serums, and heat protectants from international brands like those available at SSS Hair can make all the difference in preserving your colour’s vibrancy.
9. DIYing Complex Colour Jobs
Bold transformations—like going from jet black to platinum or attempting balayage at home—are best left to professionals. Without proper technique and knowledge, you could end up with serious damage or unwanted shades.
How to Avoid It:
If you’re planning a dramatic change, consult a professional. However, for touch-ups and subtle shifts, SSS Hair offers premium DIY kits and hair colour accessories to guide you through the process. Choose from an impressive selection of international brands that provide salon-quality results at home.
10. Not Shopping from a Trusted Source
Using low-quality dyes or unverified products can be harmful to your hair and overall health. Many people fall into the trap of buying cheap products online, only to suffer from allergic reactions, dull colours, or damaged strands.
How to Avoid It:
Only purchase from trusted retailers like SSS Hair. We offer authentic products from the most reputable international brands along with expert guidance, professional-grade hair colour accessories, and fast shipping across Australia.
Final Thoughts
Achieving salon-worthy hair colour at home is entirely possible—when you avoid common pitfalls. From choosing the right shade to investing in quality hair colour accessories, every step matters. Whether you’re after a bold red, a sleek black, or soft caramel highlights, your best colour starts with the right products and the right knowledge.
At SSS Hair, we’re committed to helping you colour confidently. Browse our wide range of premium hair colour solutions and international brands today to find your perfect match.