Are you looking for a new look for your hair? You found it! To get a unique and unrepeatable style you can dye your hair pastel color. Before dyeing them, however, they must be bleached. Read the steps below to begin the journey that will lead you to get this quirky hairstyle!
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Part One: Discoloration
Step 1. Choose the bleach that's right for you
If your hair isn't natural (or dyed) platinum blonde, you'll need to bleach it. If this is your first time bleaching your hair, it's best to start with a bleaching kit. The kit contains the bleaching dye and hydrogen peroxide, which you will need to lighten your hair.
- Bleaching kits are usually sold by level. You should take the one with the highest level of bleaching, because to get pastel hair you must first make it white.
- If you have never bleached your hair, you should consider having it done by a hairdresser. Bleaching is the hardest part of the process, and improperly bleached hair can become brittle and burn. Think about it, you can go to the hairdresser to get the bleach done and then do the rest at home (or do it all there).
Step 2. Make sure you have greasy hair before you start bleaching
The bleach irritates the skin when it comes in contact with the skin. To avoid this, or to at least reduce irritation, do not wash your hair for a few days before bleaching. The sebum in the hair will help you reduce the irritation caused by the bleach.
- If you have light blonde hair, you can use a toner to remove the color. Try this method before using the bleach, it may make the process easier.
- Alternatively, you can always use a bleaching bath, a less dangerous and painful method.
Step 3. Choose the kit based on the volumes of hydrogen peroxide
The hydrogen peroxide comes in 10, 20, 30 or 40 volumes. The 10-volume is the weakest, while the 40 is the strongest. Do not buy kits with hydrogen peroxide of more than 30 volumes. Only professional hairdressers use 40-volume hydrogen peroxide, don't try this at home.
- If your hair is already natural blonde, use 10-volume hydrogen peroxide. Even if bleaching light-colored hair doesn't seem smart to you, be aware that bleaching helps the hair to be more receptive in the coloring phase.
- If your hair is medium brown or strawberry blonde, use 20-volume hydrogen peroxide.
- If your hair is dark brown or black, use 30-volume hydrogen peroxide.
Step 4. Before dyeing your hair, try on just one strand
Testing one strand will help you figure out how long it takes to complete the color. Cut strands of hair from the base of the neck (in an inconspicuous area) and use duct tape to wrap them. Mix a tablespoon of bleach with a tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide.
Dip the strands into the mixture. Wait 5 minutes and then pat the dye dry with a towel. Continue dipping the strands into the mixture and waiting 5 minutes, until the strands reach the desired color. Count the time it took to know how long the entire process will last
Step 5. Prepare the place where you will do the bleaching
This is where you will dye your hair. Put some towels (old, you don't care about) on every surface, the dye tends to impress itself on everything (which is its purpose). You will also need a pointed-handled dye brush, latex gloves, and a non-metal bowl. Better cover your shoulders with an old towel.
- The bleaching process can be a little difficult if you can get help from a friend.
- If there is no brush in the bleaching kit you bought, you can always buy it at any cosmetic store.
Step 6. Mix the bleaching dye with hydrogen peroxide
Follow the instructions on the bleaching kit label to get the right mixture. You should use a bowl that you don't particularly care about or that is white, the bleach will discolour the ceramic bowls. The best choice is to use a plastic bowl.
Step 7. Divide the hair into sections
Use the tip of the brush to divide the hair into two parts of the head starting from the center. Then divide your hair again, this time from ear to ear, this way your head will be divided into four sections of hair. Use bobby pins to hold the sections in place.
Step 8. Bleach your hair
If you have a friend nearby who can help you, now is the time to ask him for a hand. Otherwise, stand in front of the mirror to check what you are doing. Grab a small section of hair from one of the sections you just formed (start at the back of the head). Dye it with the bleach starting from one centimeter from the root, ending at the tips. Pass the brush with the bleach from top to bottom (in the direction in which the hair grows), leaving an inch of the root uncovered (you will dye it later.)
Step 9. Turn the locks back
Repeat the same process with the other layers of locks, continuing to turn one layer inside out and dye the one underneath. This process needs to be done quickly, as the bleach works almost immediately. When you are finished with one section, immediately move on to the other until you have completed the whole head.
Step 10. Add a second layer of bleach to the first section
Do this when your hair turns golden blonde. This time pass the dye from root to tip, on each strand. Repeat the process for all sections.
Step 11. Check your hair color
When your hair has reached a pale blonde color (lighter than blonde), it's time to remove the bleach. Wash it off with a shampoo. You can use a pre-dye shampoo, but don't use conditioners or straighteners, they will make the color uneven. Rinse your head well.
Part 2 of 2: Part Two: Dyeing the Hair
Step 1. Dry your hair
If you can, use a blow dryer to dry your hair. Using a jet of high temperature air will help the hair absorb the color.
Step 2. Pour some white conditioner into a bowl
It is essential that the conditioner is white in color. This product serves as a basis for dyeing. After pouring in the conditioner, add the color.
The best dyes, when it comes to pastel colors, are those of Manic Panic, Crazy Color or Stragazer
Step 3. Start by squeezing some dye into the conditioner
Mix the two ingredients so that they combine into a homogeneous mixture. Generally the color you get in the bowl is what you will have on your hair. Add the dye until you get the color you want.
If you think that part of the dye will go away in the first wash, add another color to get a darker tone than you prefer
Step 4. Apply the mixture to your hair
Start at the root and spread the color from root to tip. You can choose whether to use the brush, the applicator or directly your hands. Hands covered in latex gloves are often the best solution. If a friend is helping you, ask him to check if there are any spots you forgot to dye, or have him apply the dye for you.
Step 5. Gather the hair at the top of the head and cover it with a shower cap
Using a shower cap is essential, it ensures that the dye does not drain (keeping it uniform). The duration of the process varies depending on the desired tone, if you want it darker you will have to wait longer, otherwise less. In any case, the duration varies from 30 to 45 minutes. You choose, according to your needs.
Step 6. Check your hair from time to time
After twenty minutes, wash one of the strands and check if it has taken the color you wanted. If it is too light, let the dye work again. Keep checking every 5-10 minutes to make sure the color doesn't get too dark.
Step 7. Wash your hair with cold water
When the hair becomes the desired color, rinse it with cold water. You won't need (and won't need to use) shampoo or conditioner. Do not worry if you see the color slipping off your head, it is a normal thing that does not compromise the work done so far.
Step 8. Dry your hair to check for white spots
Wet hair always looks darker than dry hair, so it's important to dry it before worrying. Use a blow dryer and dry your hair well.
Step 9. Pass the dye again on the uneven spots
If you find lighter strands (and you don't like it) you can re-apply the dye on those spots. Check them often to prevent them from getting darker than the rest of the hair.
Step 10. Mix some dye into your conditioner
If you want to keep your new color, you can add some dye to the conditioner you usually use. This will prevent the color from fading.
Advice
- Some of the popular colors are pastel blue, pastel purple and pastel pink. You can also mix colors to have custom colors.
- The brand of conditioner is not important, you can also use a cheap one. You will need a lot of this to keep your pastel colored hair.
