Foam Sweet Foam

The latest at-home hair color goes on easier and shines brighter

Anyone with color-treated hair has relied on the at-home dye job at some point. But no matter how easy the directions look, it's a messy operation: Prep includes a squirt bottle, plastic gloves and a tarp to cover the floor before you slather on a crème tint that winds up everywhere.

Foam, the latest option in hair color, is as easy to apply as mousse and can give easier, more natural-looking results than tricky application tools (especially in hard-to-reach areas like the back of your head, roots and hairline where you typically need an assistant). As the foam puffs up, it spreads easily to effortlessly reach each and every strand, then stays in place to evenly penetrate color from root to tip. Plus, it's instant gratification—simply rub the marshmallowy fluff into your hair for a quick color boost, rather than having to tediously apply dye section by section. No drips or stains, no ruined towels or dyed-to-match ears (though proceed with caution, just in case).

Try these new foam technologies to kick up your color a notch:

Just Like the Pros
Try: John Frieda Precision Foam Colour
To use: The process is simple: Mix the dye and accelerant together in a bottle, top it off with the nozzle and squeeze. Massage the nondrip foam into your hair (any excess that gets on your hands or neck wipes off easily), then seal in color with nourishing conditioner.

The result: As the name says, you'll get precise color with 20 available shades to coat your strands, and the result is a similar look you'd get from the pros.

Natural-Looking Color
Try: L'Oreal Healthy Look Sublime Mousse Hair Color
To use: This permanent, conditioning mousse is as easy to use as shampoo. Rotate the bottle to mix the formula, then pump the airy foam into your hand and massage it into your hair to surround strands with luminous color. Available in 12 shades from light blond to black, it's easy to find the color that suits you.
The result: Natural-looking color means that it covers gray while keeping the quality of your hair's tones.

Great for Touch-Ups
Try: Clairol Nice 'n Easy Color Blend Foam Hair Color
To use: Mix the liquid with three shakes, let it settle, then squeeze the foam into your palm and carefully apply the dollops with your fingertips.
The result: Available in a full shade palette, the foam also works as a spot treatment to touch-up to roots. Since it's easier to apply than old-fashioned liquids, you can achieve great, targeted results in gray areas without having to dye your entire mane.