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Cherin Choi's Guide to Refreshing Hair Color at Home

Color-depositing hair masks are easy to use with the Los Angeles colorist's expert direction.


When discussing the best hair colorists in Los Angeles,
Cherin Choi’s name reverberates through insider circles and across Southern California’s sprawling neighborhoods. Whether babylights or balayage, icy blonde or warm copper, she has a way of pairing the right technique with a flattering tone. While Los Angeles has reopened hair salons, there is no denying that the COVID-19 global pandemic has ushered in a new, more natural aesthetic that benefits from a fresh care protocol.

"Color-depositing shampoos or conditioners used at home is another form of regular maintenance,” Choi says about one of her secret weapons. Whether used to soften the line of demarcation from old blonde highlights, refresh a trendy caramel color, or nix orange or red tones from dark hair, toning products can help extend the life of old tones, boost natural hair color, and add shine. “Faded color at home doesn't need to be neglected anymore,” Choi adds. “There are so many amazing products out there that are available to refresh what's been done at the salon.”

We caught up with Choi—whom you can find at Roil in Beverly Hills—to walk us through a few of her favorite at-home products for brighter color, refreshed highlights, and more, ahead.

By Oway Silk'n Glow Hair Mask

FOR ADDING A COLOR:

“Color depositing at home can be fun!” Choi says. “Depending on how light your hair is, you can really do a lot with some simple washing and conditioning with different shades.” That being said, if you’ve color- or chemical-treated your hair—even before the pandemic—Choi recommends checking in with your colorist for product guidance and follow all labels carefully. “Consult with your colorist,” she says. “Depending on the color of your hair, you won't get the results of what you think you want…”

Having heeded her warning, she plays favorites: “I have heard nothing but great things about the Kristin Ess products,” she says about the brand’s cult Rose Gold Tint. Think of it as the beginner's version of Overtone, a line of masks that deposit colors like pink, blue, and purple. Davines, known for the Red and Copper masks Choi recommends, also just launched a line of Creative Conditioners in rainbow colors and Biolage rolled out a line called Color Balms this spring as well. “Mr Smith is also about to launch a range of pigments which look beautiful!” Choi adds.

Whichever path you go, cutting a color-depositing products with a plain conditioner is always an option, like one would self-tanner or foundation. Then, “apply on washed, damp, towel-dried hair for best results,” Choi says. “And comb through while the color is in for a more even application.”


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