Many people desire to change their hair color but may not want to spend a lot of money on a professional stylist. Coloring your hair at home can be a cost-effective solution, but there are some important things to keep in mind. Here are the dos and don'ts of coloring your hair at home.
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Do a Patch Test: Hair dye can cause allergic reactions, so it's crucial to avoid any surprises by doing a patch test. Test a small area of skin 24 to 48 hours before applying the dye to your entire head.
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Read the Instructions: Follow the instructions to the letter. Don't take shortcuts, as it can lead to a different or undesirable outcome or may even damage your hair.
Timing is another essential element to be aware of. To achieve the desired shade, keep track of how long the dye stays on and avoid over-processing. Also, wearing an old shirt and gloves when applying the dye will prevent staining of clothes and skin.
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Choose the Right Shade: Choose a hair color that is closest to your natural hair color. If you're aiming for a different shade, it's best to get advice from a professional to avoid disastrous outcomes.
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Avoid Heat Styling: After coloring your hair, give it a rest from styling tools like straighteners and curling irons for the next few days. Also, invest in quality hair products that cater to color-treated hair.
Don't shampoo right after coloring your hair. Wait for at least 24 hours before washing to prevent premature fading. Save complicated treatments like highlights, ombre, and balayage for the professionals to avoid uneven and patchy results. Finally, avoid coloring your hair too frequently, as it may result in breakage. Wait at least 4-6 weeks before the next dye job.
Do a Patch Test
Before coloring your hair at home, it is essential to perform a patch test to avoid any allergic reactions. Allergic reactions to hair dyes can include redness, itching, and even blistering of the skin. To perform a patch test, mix a small amount of the hair dye and developer in a bowl and apply it to a small area of your skin, such as behind your ear or the inside of your elbow.
Leave the mixture on for the recommended time, typically 24-48 hours, and monitor the area for any signs of irritation or allergic reactions. If you experience any discomfort, swelling, or redness, do not use the hair dye as it may cause a severe reaction when applied to your hair.
The patch test is a crucial step that should not be skipped as it can help prevent any adverse reactions and ensure a safe and enjoyable experience when coloring your hair at home.
Read the Instructions
Reading the instructions on the box is crucial to achieving the desired color and avoiding any damage to your hair. Each hair dye brand may have different instructions, so it's essential to carefully read the ones provided with the specific product you're using.
Make sure to follow the mixing instructions and apply the dye evenly to avoid patchy or uneven color. Also, check the processing time provided on the box and keep track of how long the dye stays on your hair. Leaving it on for too long can lead to over-processing and potentially damage your hair.
If the instructions advise rinsing with cold water, make sure to do so. Hot water can cause the color to fade faster. After coloring, avoid using any styling tools that generate heat and avoid shampooing for at least 24 hours to allow the color to set.
It's also important to be aware of any warnings or precautions mentioned on the box. These may include not using dyes on damaged hair, avoiding contact with eyes, or using gloves to protect your skin.
If you're unsure of anything in the instructions or have any questions, it's best to seek professional advice. Following the instructions carefully will ensure that you achieve the color you want and avoid any potential damage to your hair.
Timing is Key
If you want to achieve the perfect hue, timing is key when coloring your hair at home. Every dye has a different processing time, usually ranging from 20 to 45 minutes. Leaving the dye on too long can result in over-processed hair, while removing it too early could leave you with a shade that's not quite what you wanted.
To keep track of how long your dye has been on, use a timer. Avoid using a clock or estimating the time, as it can easily lead to mistakes. The most critical factor in achieving the desired shade is setting a timer for the exact time recommended on the box. Depending on the starting hair color and the desired shade, the timing may vary.
For example, if your hair is naturally dark brown and you want a light blonde shade, you may need to wait a longer time. On the other hand, if your starting color is closer to what you're aiming for, you may require less time to achieve the perfect result.
Over-processing can damage your locks, and you may need a variety of treatments to restore them to their former glory. It's essential to avoid this by following the instructions on the box and timing the process carefully. Keep track of the time, and rinse the dye off with warm water as soon as the timer goes off.
Protect Your Clothes and Skin
One of the most common mistakes people make when coloring their hair at home is failing to protect their skin and clothes. Hair dye can cause stains that are difficult to remove, which is why it's important to take the necessary precautions. The first step is to wear an old shirt that you won't mind getting stained. This is especially important if you plan on coloring your hair near your neck and shoulders.
Gloves are also essential to protect your skin from the hair dye. Most hair dye products come with a pair of gloves, but if they don't, make sure to buy a pair before starting the coloring process. It's not just your hands that need protection – make sure to apply petroleum jelly around your hairline to prevent the dye from staining your skin.
If you do accidentally get hair dye on your skin or clothes, don't panic. The key is to act quickly. Use a damp cloth to gently blot the stain, and then apply a stain remover specifically designed for hair dye stains. Don't rub the stain, as this can cause it to spread. Keep in mind that some stains are more stubborn than others, so it's important to read the instructions on the stain remover carefully before using it.
Choose the Right Shade
Choosing the right hair color can be tricky, especially when doing it at home. One of the most important things to consider when selecting a hair color is to find a shade that complements your natural hair color. If you are unsure of which color to choose, seeking professional advice can be helpful. A hairstylist will be able to assess your hair and skin tone and recommend a color that will suit you best.
If you're confident in your ability to select the right shade yourself, it's still important to choose a color that's only one or two shades lighter or darker than your natural hair color. Going too light or dark can cause an unnatural look, and it can be difficult to correct if you're unhappy with the results. Additionally, choosing a color close to your natural hair color can help minimize the appearance of roots as your hair grows out.
If you want a more drastic change, seeking professional help is highly recommended. A hairstylist can help you achieve a more challenging color, such as balayage or highlights, and ensure that the result is even and blended. Keep in mind that attempting complex techniques yourself can lead to uneven and patchy results.
When in doubt, always err on the side of caution and select a color that is close to your natural hair color. Remember, hair color can always be changed, but overdoing it can cause damage and breakage, leading to significant hair loss.
Avoid Heat Styling
Giving your hair a break from heat styling tools is crucial after coloring your hair to prevent damage. Heat from styling tools can fade hair color quickly and lead to dry and brittle hair. It is recommended to avoid using heat styling tools like hair straighteners, curling irons, or hair dryers for a few days after coloring your hair.
If you must use heat styling tools, use a heat protectant spray to minimize damage. Applying a heat protectant spray will create a barrier between the styling tool and your hair strands.
Aside from avoiding heat styling tools, one way to protect your hair from heat damage is to let it air dry. Air drying is the healthiest option for your hair and is an excellent way to ensure that your fresh color lasts longer. Use a soft, microfiber towel to gently dry your hair.
Additionally, avoid tying your hair tightly after washing it as wet hair is more vulnerable to damage than dry hair. Use a wide-tooth comb to detangle your hair instead of a brush to reduce hair breakage. Brushing wet hair can rip strands and damage the hair cuticle.
Following these tips will help your hair stay healthy and vibrant after coloring, preserving the color for a more extended period. Remember to avoid heat styling tools as much as possible and invest in a heat protectant spray when you need to use them.
Invest in Quality Products
Investing in quality products is crucial for maintaining your newly dyed hair. By using products designed for color-treated hair, you can keep your shade looking vibrant for longer while also protecting your hair from damage.
When selecting hair care products, look for shampoos and conditioners that are specifically labeled for color-treated hair. These products are designed to be gentle and contain ingredients that help to preserve your hair's color. Additionally, hair masks and leave-in treatments can help to condition and protect your hair while also adding shine and moisture.
It's also important to read the labels and avoid any products that contain harsh chemicals like sulfates or parabens, which can strip the color from your hair and cause damage. Instead, look for products that contain natural ingredients like argan oil or coconut oil, which can help to nourish and strengthen your hair.
If you're unsure about which products to choose, don't be afraid to ask your hairstylist for recommendations. They can suggest products based on your hair type and the color you've chosen to help you achieve the best results.
Remember, investing in quality hair care products can help to extend the life of your hair color while also keeping your locks healthy and shiny.
Avoid Shampooing Immediately After Coloring
One of the most essential things to remember after coloring your hair is to avoid shampooing it immediately. It is suggested to wait for at least 24 hours before washing your hair to enable the color to set in correctly and prevent premature fading. Here are some reasons why:
- Color needs time to settle: The color pigments in hair dye need time to adhere to your hair completely. In the 24 hours after coloring, the cuticles in your hair shaft are still open, allowing the color to set correctly. Washing your hair too early may wash off some of the color, resulting in uneven or patchy results.
- Scalp sensitivity: Shampooing can further irritate your scalp, which may already be delicate after the chemical process of coloring. Waiting for 24 hours helps prevent any unnecessary irritation and allows your scalp to settle down.
- Avoid harsh shampoos: If you must wash your hair the day after coloring, make sure to use a gentle shampoo specifically designed for color-treated hair. Harsh shampoos can strip your hair of its natural oils, resulting in dry, brittle hair that is more prone to breakage.
Waiting for 24 hours and using a mild shampoo will help maintain the vibrancy of your hair color and prolong the time between your next coloring session. Remember that patience is key when it comes to coloring your hair at home.
Don't DIY Complex Techniques
While at-home hair coloring is a convenient and affordable option, it's important to know your limits. Complex techniques like highlights and balayage require a certain level of skill and knowledge to achieve professional-looking results. Attempting these techniques at home can result in uneven and patchy color, which can be difficult and expensive to fix.
Instead, leave these complex techniques to the professionals. A trained stylist will have the expertise and specialized tools needed to achieve beautiful highlights or seamless balayage. Plus, they can recommend the best products and techniques to maintain your new color and keep your hair healthy.
If you're set on attempting complex techniques at home, do your research and practice on a mannequin head first. Look for tutorials or instructional videos from reputable sources, and choose a kit designed specifically for the technique you want to try. But keep in mind that even with practice, the results may not be as polished as a professional job.
Ultimately, it's worth investing in a professional color treatment for complex techniques. Not only will you avoid the risk of uneven or patchy color, but you'll also be supporting a local business and treating yourself to a bit of pampering. Don't be afraid to splurge on a salon appointment for your next hair transformation.
Don't Overdo It
While coloring your hair at home can be a fun and cost-effective way to change up your look, it's important not to overdo it. Frequent hair coloring can lead to damage and breakage, so it's essential to give your hair time to recover between dye jobs.
Experts recommend waiting at least 4-6 weeks before coloring your hair again. This gives your hair time to recover from the chemicals and allows for more even results the next time around.
If you're going for a drastic color change or have particularly sensitive hair, it's best to space out your hair coloring sessions even further. Waiting 8-10 weeks between coloring sessions will give your hair ample time to recover and prevent any unnecessary damage.
In addition to waiting between dye jobs, it's important to use quality hair products designed for color-treated hair. Shampoos and conditioners specifically formulated for colored hair will help preserve your new shade and keep your locks healthy and shiny.
Overall, moderation is key when it comes to coloring your hair at home. By waiting between dye jobs and taking care of your tresses with quality hair products, you can achieve a beautiful and healthy head of colored hair that lasts.
