3) Be A Mix Master
Buying two different shades and mixing them together is the best way to get beautiful, believable hair color. Think about it: A colorist at the salon doesn't use just one shade on your strands. They use a mix to create an end result that's full of both highlights and lowlights. So grab a box of color that's one shade darker than your natural shade and one that's one shade lighter, and get mixing! "Apply the darker shade on your roots and to the first inch and a half of your crown," says Petrizzi. "Add a little overlap on the roots with the lighter shade, then marry the two shades by pulling the lighter shade into the lower part of your hair. Voila! Perfect, salon-quality color that looks like you were born with it."

MORE FROM REFINERY29: 10 At-Home Tips to Get Your Hair Back in the Game