Scrolling through Instagram, it’s nigh on impossible not to get jealous of serious #hairgoals. 

From beachy balayage to pretty pastels and glossy, dark tones, there’s a rainbow of shades that all seem to scream, ‘Try me!’

The good news (for both your bank balance and comfort levels) is that at-home dyes such as Schwarzkopf LIVE mean it’s easy to switch up your colour in the comfort of your own bathroom.

In fact, 55% of women say that dyeing their hair gives them a confidence boost, so what better way to pep yourself up for summer than with a new style?

If you’re craving something bold and eye-catching for the summer season, here’s what you need to know to give yourself a salon-worthy finish - without leaving the house…

Look, we get it. Once you’ve got your hands on a brand-new colour, all you want to do is get stuck in straight away.

However, reading the instruction leaflet and carrying out an allergy test is kind of a no-brainer, as in the (unlikely) event you turn out to be sensitive to the dye, you’d rather know before it’s all over your head.

Do you want a colour that’s there for a good time, or a long time? 

Are you looking for a permanent shade change that you can keep topping up? Or do you want something to just last the weekend or a few weeks of washes? 

If you fancy committing, Schwarzkopf LIVE permanent colours have got you covered, with a great range of base colours ranging from Mango Twist to Amethyst Chrome. 

For a semi-permanent but vibrant splash of colour, try shades such as Grapefruit Burst and Steel Silver. 

If you’re only keen on dabbling with colour and you want it to wash out in just one wash, Colour Sprays in Candy Pink or Blue Twist are for you. 

Decide how long you want to stick with your style (and how much upkeep you’re willing to do) and choose your dye to match. 

Choosing the perfect shade is about so much more than just your natural colour. Namely: you need to suss out your undertone.

Your undertone is the difference between a colour looking amazing on you, or totally washing you out. You’re either cool or warm – the easiest way to check is the ‘wrist test’.

Simply look at the veins in your wrist. If they appear more green, you’re warm toned. If they’re more blue, you guessed it – you’re cool toned.

If you have a cool skin tone, you might want to avoid super-dark shades that could be too harsh on your complexion and make it look sallow.

The opposite is true for warm tones; you can opt for rich and deep shades, but anything more than two shades lighter than your natural shade might not be as flattering. 

Keeping your colour in pristine condition requires some upkeep, but don’t worry – it’s nothing too taxing. 

Make sure you switch to a colour-protecting shampoo and conditioner duo to maximise the vibrancy, and if possible, go for a sulfate-free shampoo.

Sulfates are innocuous enough foaming agents, but they can cause colour to fade faster, as they aren’t always the gentlest. 

It might sound like an unnecessary add-on, but skipping this step is akin to putting a cashmere jumper on a boil wash. 

Once you’ve got your new shade in place, you may find you want to switch up your make-up. 

For example, if you’ve gone for a dramatically darker tone, a warmer bronzer will add summer-ready warmth to your complexion. 

Likewise, going blonder might call for a bolder blush to keep healthy colour in your cheeks.

And if you’re going for an out-there colour? Then the world (and your make-up bag) is your oyster.

Play around at home and see which shades complement your hair. You might get a makeover in more ways than one. 

Thinking about going bolder? Colour yourself confident with the full range semi-permanent to permanent Schwarzkopf LIVE colours.