10 Commandments of Sinfully Rich Hair Color

4. THOU SHALT SPLURGE ON tools
The application tools supplied by most kits are pretty flimsy. If you want the job done right, says Backe, pick up pro tools at any beauty-supply store.
MC RECOMMENDS: SPONTEX VINYL GLOVES, COLOR TRAK CADDY BOWL AND BRUSH

5. HONOR THY strand test
Save yourself after-color anguish (and a hefty color-correction bill) by doing a strand test on your underlayer before coloring your entire head, says Slattery.

6. THOU SHALT touch up WITH CAUTION
"Mismatched roots and ends are a dead giveaway that you dye your own hair," says Backe. "This happens when dye dribbles down from the roots and oversaturates already-colored ends." Better to get a friend — or a three-way mirror — to help you confine dye to the regrowth area. Need to refresh the rest of your hair too? Wait until the last five minutes of the process, then run color down the shaft.

7. THOU SHALT NOT trash THY TRESSES
"The more you baby your hair, the better it maintains new color," says Slattery. So choose shampoos formulated for color-treated tresses and deep-condition at least once a week.
MC RECOMMENDS: KÉRASTASE REFLECTION BAIN MIROIR SHAMPOO AND CHROMA REFLECT MASQUE