Whether you just want some highlights for your hair or want to completely renew your head with colored locks, you still need to know how to dye your hair a lighter or darker color than your natural one. Follow these simple steps to save money and create your new look in the comfort of your home.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Preparing for the Tint
Step 1. First of all, you need to understand the difference between dyeing the locks and making the streaks
They are obtained by following the same procedure, but, while to make the streaks you lighten your natural hair, to dye the locks instead add darker tones than your natural color. Both give a new look to your look, but are less invasive than a regular dye and, as you can imagine, cause less damage to your hair.
- They give depth to curly hair and make straight hair more voluminous.
- Keep in mind that stylists don't recommend doing them on short hair (like pixie bobs), simply because they don't add depth and volume to this type of hairstyle.
Step 2. Choose your tint
Choose colors 1 or 2 tones darker and / or lighter than your true color for a natural result or choose a dye that differs 2-4 tones for more pronounced results. If this is your first time dyeing your hair, try a temporary or semi-permanent dye instead of using a permanent, long-lasting one.
- Temporary dyes tend to disappear after 6 or 12 shampoos; the semi-permanent ones, on the other hand, last from 20 to 26 shampoos. Permanent dyes last longer: generally 6 to 8 weeks (sometimes even longer).
- Blondes who want to add darker tones can try gold or copper shades; brunettes can add depth to their hair by using chocolate or caramel dyes.
Step 3. Dye your hair 24 - 48 hours after washing
During this time, your hair will secrete natural oils that help the color set better and last longer.
Do not use conditioner when washing your hair before dyeing it: it will remove the natural oils present
Step 4. Watch out for stains
You want to change the color of your hair, but certainly not that of your favorite shirt or rug. Cover the floor and any surrounding surfaces; always keep some handkerchiefs handy in case the dye spills and wear an old t-shirt you don't like anymore.
Step 5. Wrap your shoulders with a towel that you don't care if it gets stained:
it will prevent the dye from dripping on the ground and you can use it to dry your hair after rinsing it. Use a clothespin to hold it in place.
Step 6. Put on your gloves
You should find them in your dye kit; if they are not there, simply use the latex or rubber ones. This way you will avoid dyeing your fingers or nails.
Step 7. Protect your ears, neck and hairline
Cover these three areas using cocoa butter, petroleum jelly, or conditioner from the kit (if there is one). This way, you can rinse off the dye without it sticking.
Step 8. Mix the dye
In the kit you compared there should be instructions for doing this; follow them to the letter. If you find the developer in your kit, add it to the dye and mix. Along with the dye and developer there should also be a brush and bowl to mix the dye; if there aren't any, you can use a plastic bowl (which you don't really care about) and buy a specific brush.
You can also use a large brush from a hardware store. It should be 3-5cm wide
Step 9. Mix the dye with hydrogen peroxide
This step should be done only for some colors. Check the box to determine if you need hydrogen peroxide or not; if so, it should already be included in the kit, otherwise you can buy it at a pharmacy or hairdressing salon.
If you need to make a shade darker than your natural color, use it at 10%; if you need to lighten them by one or two tones, use the 20% one; if you need to make them very clear, choose it at 30%. Never use that at 40 and / or 50%: only professionals can do it
Step 10. Prepare the foil strips
Take a large piece of aluminum foil and tear it into strips about 5 cm wide. Do enough of them so that you don't miss them by the time you start the process.
Part 2 of 3: Applying the Tint
Step 1. Decide which strands you want to color; they should be about 2cm wide each
If you want to change your look, be brave and dye more consistent locks; in both cases, plan in advance which and how many strands to dye. It's better to do less, so if you're not satisfied, you could always add more color.
Step 2. Pin the hair you don't want to dye:
you will avoid accidentally coloring them.
Step 3. Start at the back of your head and work your way up to the front
Use a comb to section the first part of the hair you want to dye. Keep the strand up and away from the scalp; it should be about 2 cm wide.
Step 4. Slide a piece of foil under the strand; make sure it is pressed against the scalp so that you can dye the entire section of hair
If you want, you can put a flat comb or something stable under the foil to take less time to dye the strand.
Step 5. With the brush, apply the dye on the section you have prepared
Make sure you cover all the hair in the section well. Apply it from the roots to the ends so that the hair is evenly saturated.
Step 6. Fold the piece of foil over the hair
Start by folding the outer edges towards the center and be careful not to press them too hard, otherwise the hair will fold in on itself; must remain straight inside the foil sheet. Fold the bottom of the sheet so that the hair is completely closed in the foil.
Don't fold the tinfoil too tightly - it could cause unsightly stains where it prevents the dye from spreading evenly over your hair
Step 7. Repeat this process for all other strands
Make sure that the strands you want to color are well evened on the head. At the end of the process, your head should look like some kind of glamorous armadillo.
Stagger the sections of dyed hair so they look like a brick wall. If you have made the streaks and the dye, alternate the colors between lines about 2 cm wide
Part 3 of 3: Rinse and Finish
Step 1. Clean up any traces of dye that are left on the neck or forehead
You can use a damp cloth or paper towel.
Step 2. Take a look at the clock; you have to leave the dye on for the necessary time, which you can check on the box
When the time comes, you can rinse your hair.
Step 3. Rinse your hair; you can decide whether to shower or rinse them in the sink
Remove the pieces of foil from the bottom to the top layer. Use cold water for rinsing and continue until it runs completely clean to remove excess dye from your hair.
It is normal for a lot of color to run off in the shower, so don't be scared. If you use the temporary dye, the color will run off every time you wash your hair until it is completely gone
Step 4. Wash your hair with the conditioner found in the package; if it is not there, you can buy a specific one for the colors
Do not use regular shampoo or conditioner for 24 or 48 hours after dyeing; in this way the color has plenty of time to set well in the hair.
Step 5. Do not use the hair dryer; let your hair dry naturally (this way, it will be shinier)
Do not expose your dyed hair to the sun for at least a day; UV rays can ruin the color
Step 6. Wash your hair after waiting 24 or 48 hours and purchase specific shampoo and conditioner for colored hair
The most used shampoo lines (such as Pantene, Prell, etc.) would remove the color from your hair, unless they are suitable for colored hair.
Step 7. Avoid hair dryness caused by dye by letting the conditioner sit for 5 minutes each time you wash it
Do this for at least a week; the conditioner gives shine and softness to the hair.
Step 8. Finished
Advice
- If you have curly or thick hair, you will need to dye wider locks, if you have fine and / or straight hair you will need to dye on finer locks.
- If you've never tried dyeing your hair this way, using tinfoil on the crown of your head only might be the easiest way to learn the technique.
- You can buy kits that have everything you need in your pharmacy.
