Darkening your hair is the opposite process to highlighting. The darker color is applied to the lower layers of the hair, thereby adding depth to your locks. Follow these simple steps to save some money by not going to the hairdresser and darkening your hair yourself.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Part One: Choose the Tint
Step 1. Go to the supermarket or a perfumery to choose the color
Some manufacturing companies already have specific products to darken hair at home. Choose one of these if there are any. Otherwise, choose a color carefully, based on the natural color of your hair.
Step 2. Choose a color two or three tones darker than your hair
Choose from one to three colors of a similar tone. Also pay attention to your complexion, depending on it you will work with warm or cold colors. Make sure you take colors from the same brand, to avoid different processing times once applied.
- Blondes should try a darker shade of blonde or a light brown. Most supermarket dyes advertise these shades with caramel, coffee and honey colors.
- Blackberries should choose full-bodied browns and red tones. On the box they might be called cinnamon or auburn. Blackberries with fair skin should avoid too dark colors, because they must compensate for the complexion color. Opt for shades of gold or bronze.
- The reds should stay on the red nuances. However, if you have dark hair, try auburn blonde or brown tones.
- Those with black hair should choose dark shades mixed with other colors.
Step 3. Take an allergy test
It is recommended on all packs. Test the dye by placing a couple of drops on a small area of skin. Wait 10 minutes to see if there is a reaction. If the skin in contact with or around the dye is red and swollen, you are allergic and should not use it.
Method 2 of 4: Part Two: Prepare and Dye Your Hair
Step 1. Wash your hair a couple of days before dyeing
Don't wash them the day you want to color them. The natural oils produced by the skin when the hair is not washed helps the dye to take root better. They will also make the color last longer.
Avoid using conditioner if you need to dye them. Conditioners corrupt the hair's natural oils
Step 2. Protect yourself and your home from dye stains
As you may have guessed, dye can ruin a t-shirt, rug, or anything it comes into contact with other than hair. To avoid these stains, cover the surface you will be working on and the surrounding area with newspaper. Wear an old shirt, so it won't matter if you spot it.
It's best to have paper towels on hand to clean up any paint splashes
Step 3. Use a towel and gloves to avoid dripping and staining
Put an old towel around your shoulders. Put on latex or rubber gloves before mixing your dye so you don't ruin your manicure you just got.
In most hair dye kits there are gloves to wear during the process. If there aren't any, you can buy them at any supermarket
Step 4. Avoid dyeing your ears, neck and hairline
To avoid this, apply a layer of petroleum jelly along the hairline, neck and ears. It will help wash off the dye when you're done.
You can use lip balm instead of petroleum jelly, but the latter is better
Step 5. Mix the dye
On the package there are instructions for preparing the color. Follow them carefully. There should also be a bottle with a built-in applicator to pour the mixture into. If you can't find them, you can use a plastic bowl and brush, which you can find at any hairdressing supply store. Some dyes have an activator that must be mixed with the color. If you use multiple dyes, mix them all together to make the process more efficient.
If you don't have a paint brush (or it wasn't included in the package), you can use a large paint brush that you find at fine art stores. It should be at least 4-5cm wide
Step 6. Mix the developer with the dye
Remember that not all dyes need to be mixed with developer. In the package it should be included. If it is not there, but the instructions say you need it, you have to buy it: you can find it in well-stocked perfumeries or in shops that sell hairdressing items.
If you use a tint that is much darker than your natural color, use only 10% developer
Method 3 of 4: Part Three: Applying the Tint
Step 1. Divide the hair into sections to apply the dye
To do this, use a tail comb, you will make your life easier. Unlike the highlights that are added on the top of the head, to darken them you will apply the dye at the bottom, so you will have to staple the hair, if it is long.
Brushing your hair well helps, so the knots don't make it difficult for you to divide them into sections
Step 2. Use bobby pins to mark the strands you want to darken, and decide which color you will apply on each of them, if you will use more than one
They don't have to be symmetrical - they'll look more natural if they're mixed.
- For a more eye-catching look, darken several neighboring strands.
- For a more natural look, space out the strands.
- Those with blonde hair should avoid darkening too many strands in the back of their hair, as it won't look natural, especially when in the sun.
Step 3. Apply tints one color at a time
This way you will be sure to apply the right color to each strand. Use the applicator included in the package or the brush.
Step 4. Apply the tint
Put the applicator no closer than 1 cm from the scalp and follow the hair to the tip. Apply an even coat of product.
If you want to darken small strands, use strips of aluminum foil to isolate the hair while dyeing it with different colors. Put the foil under the hair. Pass the dye all over the strand and close the foil. Leave it on for the indicated time, you can remove and rinse
Method 4 of 4: Part Four: Finishing
Step 1. Leave the dye on for the indicated time
It is called "processing time", during which the color binds to the hair. On the package it is written how long you need to leave the dye on.
Step 2. Clean the dye that got on your face or neck
Use a wet handkerchief or a soapy sponge. Better to remove the dye from the skin immediately, so that it does not stain it. While it's not permanent, it may last for a few days.
Step 3. Rinse your hair
You can do this in the sink or take a shower. Use cool water to rinse your hair but no shampoo or conditioner - use the products included in the dye package. Don't be scared if it seems like all the dye is slipping out of your hair - it doesn't. Continue rinsing until the water is clean.
- If the post-tint conditioner wasn't included in the kit, buy one at a hairdressing store. You need a special conditioner for colored hair.
- Do not use the usual shampoo and conditioner for at least 24/48 hours.
- If you used a non-permanent dye, it will go away with every hair wash.
Step 4. Avoid UV rays
It is best to avoid direct sun exposure for at least one day after dyeing. UV rays can discolour the tint. Same thing for the hair dryer - avoid using it for at least a few days after dyeing.
Step 5. Wash your hair with the appropriate shampoo and conditioner
After at least 24 hours, you can wash your hair. However, it is better to use specific products for colored hair. Normal shampoos can discolour the tint.
Step 6. Dye your hair again if needed
To keep the color perfect, repeat the process every 6/8 weeks for short hair and every 3 months for long hair. To avoid the frizzy look that can happen if you dye them too often, leave the conditioner on for at least 5 minutes when you shower.
Advice
- Use moisturizing shampoos and conditioners, or ones made especially for colored hair.
- Ask a friend for help: 4 hands are better than 2, in this case.
