At-home hair dye tips

As I told you in a previous post, I colour my hair.  When I used to have highlights, I used to colour my hair professionally, but for the last few years, I’ve been dying my hair with an at-home hair dye kit for a fraction of the cost of professional hair colour.  

If you want to cover gray hair, or do a couple of shades lighter or darker, home hair colouring is for you.  But if you want a drastic change or you have damaged/chemically processed hair, then it's best to go to a salon. 

If you’re still hesitant to give it a try, follow these steps and you’ll achieve great results.

Step 1: Select a colour

Check the colour guide on the box, which is an indicator of the results you can expect based on the colour of your hair.

Step 2: Condition

Two days before colouring, apply a deep-conditioning treatment/hair mask to help strengthen hair.

Step 3: Preparation

 In addition to your home hair colouring kit, you will also need a few supplies.

·         a wide-tooth comb

·         hair clips

·         petroleum jelly (optional - to apply along your hairline to protect your skin from staining)

·         an old shirt

·         a kitchen timer 

Step 4: Read the instructions

Sounds obvious, but this step is the most ignored.  If you haven't used the particular hair dye before, you should do a patch test.

Step 5: Colouring

Optional: Apply petroleum jelly to your skin all around your hairline to protect your skin from the dye.

Put your hair in a bun.  Then put on your gloves, and prepare your dye as directed in the instructions.  Begin applying all around the hair line.  This should be easy if your hair is in a bun. 

Next take your hair down.  Take sections of hair and apply generous amounts of dye.  Continue to apply until all the hair is saturated. 

Start the timer for the amount of time indicated on the box.

NOTE:

After your first time, dye only your roots: You will damage your hair and your colour will become patchy, if you recolour your whole head every four to six weeks.  Again, follow the instructions to touch up your roots!

Step 6: Rinse

When the time is up, rinse your hair according to the instructions. 

Tips:

• If you are new to colouring your hair, select a temporary or semi-permanent hair colour rather than permanent.
• Dry your hair to see the final shade (hair looks different when wet).
• After you colour, wait 24 hours before washing hair; you want the pigment in the dye to fully settle into your hair. 
• Maintain with the right shampoo; select a formula created for coloured hair. 

Have you ever dyed your own hair?  Did you like the result?  Leave a comment and let me know.

XOXO

Euphrasie85

Photo from here.