Brown hair dye is not easy. Unlike blonde or gray hair, they have dark pigments that are difficult to cover with a simple dye. Not surprisingly, before applying the final color, hairdressers often remove these pigments through bleaching. However, the treatment can damage the hair, with far from desirable consequences. Fortunately, there are other ways to get a beautiful color without even a drop of bleach. The lighteners help to make brown hair lighter, while the colors are stratified above the natural color. It is therefore possible to dye your hair without resorting to bleaching!
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Lighten Brown Hair
Step 1. To lighten brown hair without bleach, buy a lightener
It is the only product that allows you to lighten pigments rather than simply covering them with another color. It allows you to lighten the hair by 4-5 tones, without suffering the damage and irritation caused by the bleaching agent. Go to the perfumery and look for an ash blonde lightener. This color contains toning agents, which minimize the orange pigments that can occur when lightening brown hair. Unless you want to have orange hair, "ash" is the key word.
- It is good not to have too many expectations with this type of product. If you have dark brown hair, you will only be able to get a light brown. If, on the other hand, they are a very light brown, you could get a blonde.
- Lighteners only work on hair that hasn't been subjected to other dyes or treatments. If you have dyed them already, this product will not take effect until they have fully grown back.
- Choose a brand that has a good reputation and is of high quality. The cheapest ones are not particularly effective.
- Read the instructions on the package to find out if you need other products for the purpose of the treatment, such as hydrogen peroxide, bowl and brush.
Step 2. Prepare the dye following the instructions
Since each product has its own specifications, it is important to read them. It is usually mixed with 40-volume hydrogen peroxide, available at the supermarket or perfumery. Mix the ingredients in the bowl following the directions.
Step 3. Divide the hair into sections
This procedure depends on the thickness of your hair and the desired result. To make sure you apply the dye evenly without any particular problems, divide them into 4 parts. Part the center up to the nape of the neck, then pull the hair sideways into 2 pigtails. Now, divide each pigtail into 2 parts, one upper and one lower, until you have 4 sections.
This division is important for efficient application. By applying the product quickly you will ensure that it does not remain in place significantly longer on certain areas, which can result in uneven coloring
Step 4. Apply the lightener to each section with the help of a brush
It is easiest to apply it to the top of each section first, then gradually move to the bottom. Once applied, look at your hair with a mirror to make sure you've covered it well. Read the instructions to know the shutter speeds.
The shutter speeds vary according to the starting color and the desired result. It is good to check the color every 5-10 minutes to make sure that the procedure is going as hoped
Step 5. Rinse off the dye
Once the shutter speed is finished or a satisfying tone has been obtained, eliminate it. You can certainly use your usual shampoo and conditioner, although it is preferable to opt for a purple shampoo, available in perfumery. This product helps neutralize the brassy shades that occur on lightened hair.
- If you should notice some orange tones, which are quite common when lightening your hair, you can leave the purple shampoo on in order to tone the color, softening the brass shades.
- To understand how purple shampoo works, just take a look at the color wheel. In fact, purple is the complementary color to yellow: if the hair has brassy and yellowish tones, the purple shampoo helps to tone it and create greater balance.
Step 6. Take care of your lightened hair
While you have avoided using a bleach to lighten your hair, it is important to recognize that this method can still be harmful. Treat them well to try and avoid stressing them further. When styling them with heat, always apply a heat protector. Once a week make a moisturizing and nourishing mask. When you get out of the shower, use a no-rinse taming conditioner.
Method 2 of 2: Make a Particular Tint
Step 1. Buy the color you want
In perfumery it is possible to find several, even if an even higher range is available on the internet. If you have brown hair and want to dye it a particular color such as red, purple, blue or pink, many recommend bleaching it before proceeding. This removes the dark pigments and makes the new color look good. If you are determined to avoid bleach, it is still possible to achieve a bright and vibrant color.
It is important to understand that the final color may be - and probably will be - different from what you see on the packaging. Often the models' hair was already quite light at the start of the treatment. Since the dye will be applied to dark hair, the final color will be darker. For example, a dye that appears to be pastel purple on platinum blonde hair will appear significantly darker on brown hair
Step 2. Before starting to apply the dye, it is good to divide the hair to make the procedure as easy and efficient as possible
Part the center up to the nape of the neck and collect the hair sideways in 2 pigtails. Divide them in turn into an upper and lower section, then secure these 4 sections with pliers or a rubber band.
In case of thick hair, more sections are needed. If you have thin hair, however, only 2 may be enough
Step 3. Read the instructions on the package
Although most of the colors have more or less the same instructions, it is always advisable to read the specific indications. In this way you will be aware of the application methods, the laying times, the rinsing instructions and also the advice on maintaining the color.
Step 4. Apply the dye however you find easiest for your needs
Some people prefer to use a brush, others a squeeze bottle, and then massage it into the hair with their hands (first of course you have to wear a pair of gloves). Once the dye has been applied, check that you have spread it on every single strand with the help of a mirror.
If you are unsure of the final result, test a strand first. Take one from the bottom of the hair and apply the dye following the instructions. Leave it on for as long as necessary and rinse it off. This will help you figure out if you like the color before taking bigger steps and dyeing your entire hair
Step 5. Rinse your hair
These colors are semi-permanent, so remember that shampooing more often will drain them sooner. Rinse your hair with shampoo and conditioner, and try not to wash it too often. When you wet them, use cold water to protect the color as much as possible.
If they do get oily between washes, use a dry shampoo to make them look clean
Warnings
- Dyes stain clothes. Before coloring your hair, put on an old T-shirt and get some old towels.
- The dye can also stain the leather. Most packs offer gloves for application. If the product gets on your hands or other areas of your body, you can wash it off with soap and water.