Whether it’s time for a change or you’re looking to save money on salon fees, coloring your own hair is a big step. These guidelines can help you learn how to dye your own hair.
Know your limits
Unless you are a trained hairdresser, you may be afraid to try a color at home, so recognizing your limits is important. Before you begin, ask yourself if:
If the answer to any of these questions is yes, it is a good idea to speak to a licensed professional stylist before you begin. They can either help you safely color your hair or guide you through the right products for your hair and skin.
Choose your color formula
There are three main types of hair color: semi-permanent, demi-permanent and permanent. Choosing the right formula depends on your hair type, the desired shade, the amount of gray and the pre-coloring.
Fine hair picks up color easily. Coarse hair like gray, curly, and African American hair makes the color harder to penetrate and deposit on the strand.
The choice of your color formula depends on several factors
Semi-permanent color. Semi-permanent color sits on your hair and washes off after 6 to 12 shampoos. It doesn’t contain peroxide so it won’t lift the natural color of your hair. This means that it is best used to color your hair darker than light. This is a great choice if you want a bright, fun color for a short period of time
Semi permanent. This type of paint contains small amounts of peroxide that can easily lighten your hair. When you buy a demi-permanent paint, you get a bottle of paint and a bottle of developer that contains the peroxide. You will mix these together and apply them to your hair.
Demi-permanent does not fully penetrate your hair, but it does last longer, usually between 12 and 26 weeks
Continuous. As the name suggests, this color lasts the longest: until your hair grows back. They use a permanent color developer that will help lift your hair color, open up your cuticles, and deposit the color. This process can be very harmful if not done properly. This is the best choice for covering up a lot of gray hair or if you want to go for a lighter shade.
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Choose your shade
In general, it’s best to dye your hair darker than its natural shade, rather than lighter. If you are trying to get more than three shades lighter, you will need a lot of peroxide or bleach. This can damage your hair, especially if you do it at home without guidance
Pick a color within three shades of your natural color. If you have multiple options but can’t decide, take the easier one. If you make a mistake, it is easier to fix a lighter shade than a dark one.
Prepare your supplies and area
Before dyeing your hair at home, prepare yourself and your area. Wear an old buttoned shirt that you love to ruin with paint and use an old rag to catch any spilled material. If you are messy with your paint, you might want to lay out some trash bags to protect your floors and surfaces
Your paint kit comes with gloves and bottles. If you are more experienced with paint and use professional products, you will need a bowl and brush to apply it.
Prep your hair and start coloring
Before you start, make sure that your hair is dry and unwashed. Then apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly around your hairline. This will help prevent stains on your skin
If you’re coloring all over or making a major color change, start applying the color to your roots and then all of your hair right away. Work through the color, making sure all of your hair is covered. Follow the instructions for the time limit.
When touching up your roots, work in 1/4 inch sections and apply the paint to your new growth. Then apply the remaining color to the rest of your hair to freshen up the color.
Rinse and shampoo and care for them with the products in your kit. Wait 24 to 48 hours before washing again.
Other considerations
Make sure to test the product before starting a patch test and wait 48 hours to rule out allergies. If you have a reaction, do not use the product and speak to your barber for advice on coloring.
sources
SOURCES:
American Academy of Dermatology Association: “Tips on Coloring and Perming for Healthier Looking Hair.”
Consumer Reviews: “How To Color Your Hair At Home.”
Empire Beauty Schools: “8 Frequently Asked Questions About Coloring Your Hair.”
International Journal of Trichology: “Hair Cosmetics: An Overview”.
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