Skip to main content
News

Salon Dyes vs Store-Bought: The Pros and Cons Explained

By May 21, 2025No Comments
Express root touch-up service

When it comes to coloring your hair, one of the biggest decisions you’ll face is whether to visit a professional salon or do it yourself with store-bought dye. Both options have their pros and cons, and it’s important to understand them before making your choice. Whether you’re looking for a root touch up or a complete color change, choosing the right product can make all the difference in how your hair looks and feels. In this article, we’ll explain the pros and cons of salon dyes vs. store-bought hair color, so you can decide which one is best for you.

What Are Salon Dyes?

Salon dyes are professional-grade hair colors that are applied by a trained stylist at a hair salon. These dyes are often customized to your hair’s specific needs, whether you’re looking for a root touch up, highlights for the hair, or a full color makeover. Professionals use higher-quality products and have the expertise to apply them in a way that gets the best results.

Best hair salons near me for a root touch up will usually offer a variety of professional color options that are gentler on your hair and provide long-lasting results.

What Are Store-Bought Dyes?

Store-bought hair color is what you can find at your local grocery or drug store. These products are easy to use at home and come in a variety of shades and types, from permanent to semi-permanent. They’re often marketed as DIY-friendly, with instructions that guide you through the application process. While these products can be convenient, they may not offer the same level of customization or professional results as salon dyes.

Pros of Salon Dyes

  1. Expert Application
    When you visit a haircut salon for a root touch up or other hair color services, you’re getting the expertise of a trained stylist. They know how to apply the dye evenly and precisely, ensuring that your hair color looks natural and professional. They also have the skills to blend colors for a top rated root touch up that gives your hair a fresh, seamless look.

  2. Customized Results
    Salon dyes allow stylists to mix colors and formulas to perfectly match your hair type and desired look. Whether you’re looking for a root touch up hair color to hide grey hair or a complete color overhaul, a professional stylist can tailor the color specifically for you.

  3. High-Quality Ingredients
    Professional dyes used at salons are usually of higher quality than store-bought versions. They often contain better ingredients that are gentler on your hair, making them less likely to cause damage. Additionally, these dyes provide longer-lasting results, so you won’t have to touch up your roots as often.

  4. More Options
    Hair salons in Surrey BC, for example, offer a wide variety of color options that may not be available in store-bought dye kits. If you want unique colors like vibrant reds or rich brunettes, a stylist can help you achieve the exact shade you want with professional-grade products.

  5. Extra Services
    When you get your hair colored at a salon, you often get other services included, such as a trim or blow-dry. This means you can leave the salon not just with perfect hair color but with a fresh haircut too, making it a more comprehensive experience.

Cons of Salon Dyes

  1. Cost
    The biggest downside of salon hair color is the price. Getting your roots touched up professionally can cost much more than buying a store-bought box of dye. A salon service also includes the cost of the stylist’s time and the use of professional-grade products, so it can add up.

  2. Time-Consuming
    Depending on the complexity of the color you’re getting, a salon visit can take anywhere from 1 to 4 hours. If you have a busy schedule, finding the time for a professional root touch up or color treatment may be difficult.

  3. Regular Maintenance
    Even though professional salon colors are designed to last longer, they still require regular touch-ups. If you’re getting a haircut salon service every few months, the cost can add up over time.

Pros of Store-Bought Dyes

  1. Affordable
    One of the main advantages of store-bought hair dye is its cost. If you’re on a budget, buying a box of root touch up hair color from the store is much more affordable than going to a salon. Many drug stores and grocery stores offer budget-friendly options, so you can save money on your color.

  2. Convenient
    You don’t have to leave the house to apply store-bought dye. It’s quick and easy to use, and you can do it at your own pace. If you’re in need of a roots touch up and can’t get to the salon, a store-bought product can be a fast solution.

  3. Variety of Choices
    Stores offer a wide variety of hair highlights and color options, allowing you to choose from different shades and formulas. If you’re looking to touch up your roots or try a new color at home, you’ll find plenty of choices to suit your style.

  4. Immediate Results
    Store-bought dyes are typically quicker to apply and leave in your hair compared to professional treatments. You can color your hair at home, wash it out, and see the results almost immediately.

Cons of Store-Bought Dyes

  1. Risk of Damage
    Many store-bought hair colors contain stronger chemicals that can damage your hair, especially if you use them frequently. This is because these dyes are designed to work on a wide range of hair types, meaning they may not be as gentle as salon-grade products.

  2. Harder to Apply
    While DIY hair coloring is marketed as simple, it can be tricky to get an even application at home, especially when it comes to root touch up. If you miss a spot or over-apply the color, it can leave uneven patches or a noticeable line between your roots and the colored parts of your hair.

  3. Limited Customization
    Unlike professional stylists, store-bought dyes don’t allow for much customization. If you want something specific, like highlights for the hair or a more complex color, you might find store-bought products difficult to achieve your desired look.

  4. Shorter-Lasting Results
    Store-bought dye often fades faster than salon treatments. While you might save money upfront, you’ll need to reapply the color more frequently, which can make it less cost-effective in the long run.

Which Option Is Right for You?

Choosing between salon dyes and store-bought hair color depends on your needs, preferences, and budget. If you want a top rated root touch up and long-lasting results, a professional hair salon Surrey might be your best bet. A salon visit ensures you get expert application, high-quality ingredients, and a customized color that suits your style.

Are you ready to get your perfect root touch up? Book an appointment today at the best hair salon near me and let us take care of the color for you! Whether you need a root touch up, highlights, or a complete color transformation, we’ve got you covered. Visit our hair salon in Surrey BC to experience the best in hair care and coloring. Schedule your appointment now and discover why we’re one of the good hair salons in Surrey!

Skip to content