Coloring your own hair is not as simple as picking up a box of color at the grocery store, there’s a lot about your hair, skin, and dye you should know first.
Changing hair color is a simple way to modify your appearance, and it can make a huge difference in your self-esteem.
Going to a salon and paying, on average, over one hundred dollars for a hair color switch isn’t always possible, though.
Whether you want to cover up some grays or try something new, dyeing your hair at home can be a tempting alternative.
It’s cheaper, for sure — if you’re careful. If you’re not, it can end up being a costly mistake.
When you’re ready to dye your hair at home, make sure it’s a step forward instead of a backward investment.
You can have a magical hair change or a subtle improvement by keeping these five tips in mind before starting the hair dyeing process.
1. Start With Semi-Permanent Dye
If you’re totally new to the home dyeing scene, you might want to go slowly into it by using semi-permanent dye.
It’s a lot easier with a temporary dye to come back from the change if your results aren’t what you were hoping for.
The distinction between semi- and permanent is a small one, but it makes a significant difference.
In the permanent color-treating process, there are two levels.
The first part is when the hair shaft opens up, and the second part is when the color adds to the open shaft.
With semi-permanent dye, you skip the first level, and the color applies to the hair without opening the shaft.
This adds color, but the results don’t last as long.
It’s a good starting point when you’re not sure what you’re doing.
If you mess up, the color will be easier to fix (and at a lower cost, if you need to go to a professional after all).
2. Check the Coverage
Did you know that there are different levels of strength with hair dye?
This is a pretty important tidbit of knowledge that can help you avoid majorly embarrassing dyeing mistakes.
For instance, if you have light or gray hair, you need a lower strength. Those with dark locks need a more potent dye to make that same shade.
If you’re looking for a change, that’s fine! But any major color transformation is best done in phases.
Fight the temptation to go more than two to three shades lighter or darker than your natural color when you start out.
As your hair adjusts, you can continue to dye it a little more until you have reached your perfect shade.
3. Know Your Skin
Even if you don’t usually have allergies or skin sensitivities, you might be unpleasantly surprised to end up with them when using at-home hair dye kits.
Most dyes have some level of ammonia in them. It’s a harsh chemical that your scalp and surrounding skin probably aren’t used to.
Even if you can handle ammonia, there are other toxic chemicals to be cautious of.
Maybe you’re the kind of person who can handle any new detergent or skincare product without any adverse reactions.
But do you really want to chance it on something as important and visible as your face, head, neck, and shoulders?
Just to be on the safe side, try not to jump straight into the hair dyeing process.
Get the kit you want to use 48 hours before you color your hair. Test a small section of skin to make sure you aren’t allergic.
4. Prepare Your Space
Preparation, as you know, is the key to getting anything done well, especially when the thing you’re doing has the potential to be really messy.
When your hands are already covered in dye is not the time you want to realize you forgot something.
To prepare for the hour or so that you won’t be able to do much else, have these items ready and in reach:
- An extra box of dye in case you run short
- Disposable gloves
- An old towel or cape to cover your clothes
- Plastic bags to cover the surface around you
- Old clothes that you don’t mind getting stained
Since you’re at home, it might be tempting to chill for a while and watch your favorite TV show while your color processes.
This is fine, as long as you can remember not to lean back against anything — until you wash out the dye!
5. Consider Your Clean-Up, Too
In a salon, the cosmetologist has the perfectly placed sink waiting to wash that dye right out of your hair. No muss, no fuss.
But what about in your home?
Where are you going to wash your hair after it sets?
Whether you choose the shower or the bathroom sink, be prepared that the hair color you chose may stain.
This is especially awkward if you’re using a bright red, for instance, and the dye splatters end up resembling a crime scene.
Hair dye isn’t easy to get out of surfaces.
You can try a few tricks, but you’re going to need some elbow grease for those stubborn stains.
It’s better to plan ahead and minimize the area you’re using to wash the dye out of your hair.
Conclusion
As long as you’re not aiming for anything too complicated and your hair is pretty healthy, an at-home dyeing kit doesn’t have to be scary.
Use these tips to prepare ahead, get the right color, and follow the directions on the box.
When it’s done right, dyeing your hair at home can save you money, time, and the stress of waiting for your next root coverage appointment!
[Author Bio:]
Janey Ha (Business Manager): Janey has over eight years of experience in property management with a strong background in hospitality. She has worked in many different types of communities and is a local to the Koreatown/DTLA market.