Made in partnership with Clairol

If you grew up in the 80s or 90s, you might be well seasoned in at-home hair colour. It usually involved plastic gloves, a prayer and accidentally destroying all the good towels. Fortunately, innovation in the at-home hair colour space has come a long way. When you consider our busy schedules, the current economic climate and the satisfaction of a successful DIY beauty project, it's actually a really enticing option.

Whether you want to completely change your look or just stretch out professional appointments, Clairol ColourStrong is the product for the job. The permanent colour is combined with bonding technology and AHAs, so not only do you get multi-dimensional colour and complete grey coverage, but stronger hair after the fact. Think of it as colour and a treatment – a better final result, and longer-lasting colour. Also, it's ammonia free.

Want proof that it's very much possible to achieve chic, shiny hair at home with ColourStrong? Model Malia Tomas is here to show us exactly how easy it is (no mess, stains or surprises at the end).

Step 1: Find your shade

Choosing the right colour will depend on your goals. If you want to touch up your roots, choose the shade closest to your existing colour. If you want to intensify your natural hair, you might want something slightly deeper or with a different undertone. You might also want something completely new from root to tip, in which case the world is your oyster.

A good rule of thumb if you're tossing up between two colours is to stay within two shades lighter or darker. It's also important to be realistic – if you're naturally dark but have a vision of platinum blonde, it's best to see a professional colourist (even in a salon, this process can take multiple sessions).

Tomas started with a medium toned brown but wants to dial up the contrast and intensity (think a glossy chocolate). She's going for 5.0 Medium Brown Toscana.

The before:

Step 2: Preparation

When it comes to at-home hair colour, small steps and a little preparation can make a world of difference. You prep for makeup – this is no different. ColourStrong comes with a bonding primer that's rich in Alpha Hydroxy Acid, which works like a base coat to prepare and protect hair for a smooth, even colour application.

Apply the primer to dry hair through the mid-lengths and ends only without rinsing. Easy.

Step 3: Application

Put gloves on and empty tube 2a into bottle 2b, before shaking to combine. Apply through your hair according to the instruction leaflet and your goals (this will help you to determine the right development time, too). Try to avoid spilling onto the hair line, as well (but the formula does easily remove if you make any mistakes). And that's it, it's so easy to use. While you wait, do some emails, watch an episode of something. Read a book. No need to move your car or make small talk.

Once done, rinse out in the shower. A tip is to use a dark towel afterwards, just in case there's any excess tint.

Step 4: Aftercare

Now's the time to apply the Clairol ColourStrong Bonding Treatment. This will lock in your new colour, extend its longevity and give you a mirror-like shine. Rich in AHAs, it seals everything in, reinforcing the hair structure.

Tomas' end result? A rich, vibrant brunette with retained hair integrity – and it took her an hour all up without needing to leave the house.

The after: 

Clairol ColourStrong