Mixing hair dye and developer cream is an important step before you get a new hair color. Having a bowl, a mixing utensil and gloves ready is key to keeping this process clean and tidy. When mixing hair dye and developer cream, use the right ratio to mix the two ingredients until smooth. You can also mix two different colors to create a new hair color!
Step
Method 1 of 2: Mixing hair dye and developer cream
Step 1. Buy 2 hair dye products if you have long or thick hair
Hair that exceeds the shoulders or is very thick usually requires more than one pack of hair dye. Open the 2 products at once.
- It's better to buy too much hair dye than too little to dye your entire hair.
- You can also purchase hair dye and developer cream separately from specialty hair care stores.
Step 2. Prepare a glass or plastic bowl to mix the hair dye and developer cream
It's time to mix up the hair dye and prepare the container. Never use a metal bowl as it can oxidize the hair dye so your hair color won't change much.
- Metal bowls can also cause dangerous chemical reactions.
- If you color your hair regularly, it's a good idea to buy a special bowl for this purpose.
Step 3. Place an old towel or newspaper to cover your hair dye
This will protect the floor from the hair dye. Make sure you get rid of objects around you to keep your work mat clean. If you use towels, choose used towels that can be soiled.
Dark colored towels can also be used instead of towels or newspapers. It can hide stains caused by hair dye
Step 4. Put on latex or plastic gloves
If you buy a box of hair dye, the product usually includes gloves. Put on gloves before you start mixing the dye and developer cream to protect your skin from harmful chemicals.
- It can also prevent your skin from getting stained with hair dye.
- It's a good idea to place an old towel over your shoulder to protect your clothes from the hair dye. You can also wear an old, worn out T-shirt.
Step 5. Mix hair dye and developer cream in a ratio of 1:1 or 1:2
The ratio of hair dye and developer cream is listed in the instructions on the hair dye package. Following this ratio is very important so that the hair can be colored properly.
If you buy a packaged hair color product, the ratio of the dye and developer cream in the box must be the right ratio. However, if you buy hair dye and developer cream separately, you will have to measure the ratio yourself. Use a low scale scale to measure it
Step 6. Use a plastic fork to mix the hair dye and developer cream
Mix the two ingredients until the texture and color are smooth and consistent. You can also use a silicone stirrer for the same result.
- Never use metal utensils to mix hair dye and developer cream.
- Hair dyes and developer creams clump very easily when stirred with a brush so the final consistency is not too smooth or perfectly mixed.
Method 2 of 2: Blending the Colors
Step 1. Choose two complementary colors from the same brand to mix
Complementary colors look beautiful when mixed, such as red and brown. Don't mix contrasting or opposite colors, such as blonde and black.
- You only need to mix hair dye if the desired color is not available or you want to customize the color. If you want an easier option, look for a pre-mixed color, such as a tawny, reddish brown, or dusky blue.
- Contrasting colors are too dominant to mix, while similar colors will complement each other.
- The 2 colors used must be from the same brand. This can ensure that the colors will mix well because the ingredients are similar. In addition, this method can ensure the ratio between the dye and developer cream in the two products is the same.
- Mixed colors must have the same development time to work effectively. Check the instructions on the back of the product packaging to make sure the timing is right.
Step 2. Take note of the brightness of the two colors used
When choosing a color to mix, pay attention to the number listed on the hair dye formula. The higher the number, the lighter the color will appear in your hair.
Make sure you use 2 colors with 2-3 similar shades. For example, you can use one shade that is darker and one that is lighter than your natural hair color
Step 3. Mix 2 hair dyes in a 1:1 ratio
Make sure you use the same amount for both dyes. This will ensure that the color is evenly mixed when you apply it to your hair.
- Using a 1:1 ratio of 2 dyes also makes it easier for you to replicate the color when needed, such as when you want to color your hair roots later.
- If you want to mix hair dye in different ratios, write down the formula you use so that it's easy to replicate. This method is especially useful if you want to dye your hair roots later!
- Use a small scale to measure the amount of hair dye if you are not using the entire product.
Step 4. Follow the ratio of the mixture of hair dye and developer cream
Mix 2 hair dyes, then add developer cream. Mixing the two products leaves you with double the amount of hair dye. This means that you have to calculate the amount of developer cream that needs to be used.
- For example, if the ratio of hair dye to developer cream is 1:1, you'll need to double or triple the amount of developer cream to use.
- If you buy a ready-to-use hair color product, developer cream is usually included in the package. You don't need to buy it separately. Read the product packaging to determine if the cream is already in the kit.
Step 5. Write down the color combinations after you dye your hair
Also note the brand, color, and number combination written on the hair dye packaging. This will allow you to easily replicate the mixture in the future if you want to repaint your hair, or if you want to color your roots.
Even if you're not happy with the end result, writing down the color mix you use can ensure you don't repeat the same mistake in the future
Warning
- Wipe off any hair dye splashes as soon as possible with an old sponge or damp cloth to prevent the stain from spreading to furniture or floors.
- Wear protective gloves when mixing hair dye and developer cream.
