Dyeing your hair is a fun way to change your appearance whether you’re covering up a few grays or just trying something new. Unfortunately, salon trips are costly, and the costs add up when you’re getting monthly root touch-ups. Although do-it-yourself hair color can be scary for first-timers, these seven tips can help you color your hair with confidence.
Wash Your Hair the Day Before
Recently washed hair has been stripped of its oils, so dye will absorb into the hair follicle more rapidly. For a more even, predictable color, wait until the day after you’ve washed your hair. Otherwise, your hair may be several shades darker than what you intended.
Buy an Extra Box of Hair Dye
Having an extra box of the same color dye on hand is extremely important if you have a lot of hair. Many women regardless of hair type need more hair dye than what’s contained in a single box. Even if you have short or thin hair, it’s a good idea to buy extra. It will still be cheaper than a salon visit.
Use Vaseline to Protect Your Hairline
Hair dye can stain skin, so remember to protect your skin with a dab of vaseline. Don’t forget your neck, collarbone and anywhere else hair dye might drip. It’s much easier to prevent dyeing your skin than removing dye from your skin. If you do get color on your skin, beauty stores offer products for removing hair dye if scrubbing fails.
Dye Two Shades at a Time
Whether you’re going darker or lighter, stick to the two shade rule. You don’t know how your hair will react to the dye, so it’s best to gradually lighten or darken your hair rather than get stuck with an orange mane.
Wait 24 Hours to Wash Your Hair
Once you rinse the dye out, apply conditioner. Skip washing your hair until the next day so the dye has time to fully bond with the hair follicles. Although some hair absorbs dye quickly, waiting 24 hours will ensure you don’t wash out any of your color. It also helps color last longer between dye jobs.
Protect Your Hair
Although today’s products are much more advanced than their predecessors, hair dye still damages hair. It’s especially important to use extra conditioner and heat-protecting sprays on dyed hair to prevent breakage and keep your color from fading.
Don’t Overestimate Your Abilities
Even if you’ve dyed your hair before, don’t assume you can go from black to blonde at home. Most shades of blonde require professional products at a professional salon. Intricate highlights and drastic changes are best left to the professionals, so don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Dyeing your own hair can be a great way to change your look while saving money. By following these simple tips, you’ll be able to dye your hair with confidence. I don’t, however, recommend DIY dye jobs very often if you can afford to go out to a salon, to get a professional job done – or, as mentioned, for those complicated dye jobs you just shouldn’t attempt on your own. Professional dye jobs to be more even, the color is of a higher quality, and you certainly won’t have to deal with all of the mess!
