Locks Battle: Hair Salon magic vs. home dye kits in Christchurch

Woman with pink hair colour - Corkin + Friends - Hairdressers Christchurch

Picture this: you're scrolling through Instagram, and your feed is flooded with images of stunning hair transformations, from balayage beauties to blonde curly hair masterpieces. Suddenly, you're hit with the urge to glow up your hairstyle. You have two options: a home dye kit or a visit to Friends + Co city hair salon in Christchurch.

It’s a hair-raising debate.


After all, most women above a certain age have a tale to tell about their box dye disasters; it’s a rite of passage. Rarely does a teen reach adulthood without trying their luck at dying their locks from on over the counter box of hair dye, and sometimes this curiosity is repeated (several times) throughout the adult years too. Are box dyes really that bad?

Home dye kits are:


·        Easy to access and available to buy in a variety of stores.

·        Convenient so you can dye your hair at a time to suit your schedule.

·        Diverse in colours so you can experiment.

·        Economical, they offer cheap hair dye


But you know the adage, if it sounds too good to be true, it most likely is. So why should you get your hair dyed at the best hairdressers in Christchurch?


Personalised hair colour to suit you

Home dye kits contain universal ingredients that should give the results indicated on the box. It’s a generic recipe designed to work on the most common hair types. However, as you know, your hair is unique to you. Hair type, condition and colour is variable between people, and so the impact of the box dye varies between users. For example, home dye kits typically include a harsher developer than an experienced hair colourist would use recommend. Your hair may not need such an active ingredient, so the risk is always going to be over processing and permanently damaging your hair.


A block of colour rarely is the best hair dye solution. Friends + Co hair colourists are fully trained and highly experienced to help clients reach their hair goals. This means the colours applied bring out your best features, celebrating your hairstyle, eye colour and skin tone. Our colourist and balayage Christchurch team use specialist techniques to introduce depth and tones to elevate your look in a way that is unachievable at home.


Innovative, high quality hair products developed to promote hair health

Cheap hair dyes do not simply fade with time, they saturate the hair which makes regrowth more noticeable and makes it harder to correct. With repeated use it weakens the hair follicles inhibiting hair growth, and for those of you with curly hair, damaging the curl pattern.


At Friends + Co we exclusively use high quality hair products to protect the integrity of the hair and deliver the best hair colouring results. Adding gloss and shine while actively promoting fabulous hair condition and health, the colours used include protective ingredients to repair damaged bonds. For clients looking for curly hair colouring, the ingredients, products and styling are tailored to restore your curl pattern to maintain healthy and strong curls.


Freinds + Co appreciate convenience is one of the two the main reason why people use box dyes, the other being affordability. We offer late night appointments with our specialist colourist hairdresser, book online by clicking here, and we are Christchurch hairdressers with Afterpay. If you are considering a home dye kit – hold fire. Come and visit us first, getting your hair colour right first time is cheaper than trying to correct it!

Book Appointment
A woman with curly hair is touching her face on a pink background.
30 July 2025
Most (if not all) curlies have a hair horror story and avoid going to a salon as the result. The problem is some stylists don’t fully understand how best to approach curly hair, whether that’s being scissor happy and taking too much from the length causing the curls to spring up even shorter, or giving the client the dreaded pyramid shape. Naturally curly hair - is both a blessing and a challenge. Curls have personality – they’re fun and full of volume, but they are completely unique to you – there is no singular cookie-cutter hair style for curly hair. To keep them looking their best, they need specialist hair care and attention : a cut that works with their natural shape, not against it. Whether you’re rocking soft waves or tighter spirals, finding the right style is key to getting the most from your curls, but also making your daily styling less time consuming and your mane more manageable. At Friends and Co our city hair salon is a curly hairdresser in Christchurch – passionate for curly haircuts, colouring and styling. Our expert team of stylists – including some of the best hairdressers in Christchurch – understand curl patterns, shrinkage, and how to shape curls to enhance their natural bounce. If you’re searching for a curly hairdresser in Christchurch, you’re in the right place. What are the best haircuts for curly hair? Soft, shaped layers Long curls benefit from soft, graduated layers that remove bulk and avoid the dreaded pyramid shape. By carefully layering the hair, we can create shape and definition, movement and volume where it matters – around the crown and face. This kind of cut works beautifully with colour too, especially a lived-in balayage in Christchurch for that sun kissed, effortless vibe. The curly bob A chin-length or shoulder-length bob is perfect for those wanting a shorter style that still makes the most of natural curls. Depending on your curl pattern, the shape is often cut dry (because wet hair lies!) so we can see exactly how the curls sit. It’s an ideal haircut for those who want a manageable, everyday style with a little Parisian flair. Curly bangs Thinking about a fringe? Curly bangs are having a real moment. When cut well, they soften the face and add a cool, modern edge for any style. They’re especially flattering on oval and heart-shaped faces. During your hair appointment and consultation, Friends and Co’s hair stylists in Christchurch will help you decide whether a full, wispy or side-swept fringe is best for your curl type. The shag or wolf cut This modern, choppy style is perfect for looser curls and waves. With its rock’n’roll attitude and tons of volume, the shag is all about movement and texture. If you’re feeling adventurous, ask your stylist about pairing it with a bold new colour or a subtle balayage for extra dimension. Why visit a curl specialist hairdresser? Curly hair isn't a one-size-fits-all situation. That’s why it's so important to visit a curly hair hairdresser in Christchurch who understands the unique needs of your texture. At Friends and Co hair salon in Christchurch, we use cutting techniques tailored to your curls and only recommend products to nourish and define – never flatten. If you are ready to fall in love with your curls again, you can book your haircut online or call us on 03 371 9297 to make your appointment. With late night hair appointments and hairdressers Afterpay available, great hair has never been more accessible.
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