Dyeing your hair black is very easy because you don't have to bleach it first. Depending on the color you choose, your hair can look natural or gothic. Creating the perfect hair color is a challenge in itself, but with the right technique, you can make sure your hair brings out the color you want
Step
Method 1 of 4: Choosing and Preparing Hair Color
Step 1. Choose a soft black color for a natural look
Soft black will look like dark brown rather than black, especially when you're wearing black. However, in the world of "soft black" hairstyles, it is still considered black, and looks the most natural.
This is the safest color to start painting with. If you want a darker color, you can paint it a darker color afterwards
Step 2. Use a solid black color if you want to appear in a “gothic” style
Because it's so dark, this black looks unnatural, especially if you're fair-skinned. Some solid blacks even include the use of other colors, such as blue or purple. This color will appear jet black when exposed to light, but when exposed to sunlight, the color will appear bluish or purplish.
If you're unsure which color to go with, head to a wig shop and try on a few wigs in the color you want
Step 3. Purchase hair dye and 10 developer cream if you don't use a ready-made kit
If you buy ready-made hair dye, it already includes everything you need: developer cream, dye, conditioner, gloves, etc. If not, you'll need to buy bottled dye and a bottle of 10 developer cream.
You'll also need gloves, a coloring brush, and a non-metallic bowl
Step 4. Be prepared to dye your hair according to the instructions if you are using a ready-made kit
Most hair dye kits come with instructions, but if you lose this item, there's no need to worry because it's pretty self-explanatory. Pour the dye into a large bottle of developer cream. Close the bottle of developer cream, then shake to mix it. Open or cut the stopper at the end of the bottle.
If your hair is longer than your shoulders, it's a good idea to have 2 boxes of hair dye ready. This will ensure that there is enough dye product to cover all sections of your hair
Step 5. Mix the coloring and developing cream in a non-metallic bowl if you are not using a ready-to-use kit
Pour enough developer cream into a non-metallic bowl. Add the same amount of hair dye, then stir with a non-metallic spoon or hair dye brush. Keep stirring until the color is consistent and there are no lumps left.
- Use 60 grams of developer cream. If you have very long or thick hair, you may need to apply the cream up to 110 grams.
- Using a non-metallic bowl, such as a glass or plastic bowl, is important because metal can react with the dye and change its color.
Step 6. Add protein filler to the dye once your hair has been bleached
You need to use protein fillers because the pigment in your hair will disappear after bleaching. That way, if you try to dye your hair, it will turn pale or be a different color. Sometimes, the hair will be greenish in color.
- If you've never dyed your hair before, there's no need to use protein fillers.
- Read the instructions on the bottle to find out how much protein to use. Often times, you will need to use half a bottle.
- You can buy colored or clear protein. The colored protein will provide a little extra color that might show up when your hair is exposed to the sun.
Method 2 of 4: Applying Dye to Hair
Step 1. Protect skin, clothing and work area from stains
Put on an old t-shirt that can be soiled, then apply petrolatum to the skin around your hairline. Put on latex or nitrile gloves and cover the work area and floor with newspaper.
- It's a good idea to wear a long-sleeved shirt to protect your sleeves from stains.
- If you don't want your shirt to get dirty, wear a hair cloak around your shoulders. You can also use old towels.
Step 2. Separate the hair into 4 sections if it is long enough or thick
Separate the hair horizontally in line with the ears, like when you want to make a pigtail. Separate the top section of hair in half, twist each section into a bun, then secure the bun with a hair tie or bobby pin. After that separate the lower part of the hair into two as well, then place each part over one side of your shoulder.
- If you have medium-length hair, you can part your hair as if you were making a short ponytail. Secure the top of the pigtail with bobby pins or a hair tie.
- If you have short hair, there is no need to part your hair.
Step 3. Apply the dye to 3 to 5 cm sections of hair, starting at the roots
Choose a section at the base of your hair to start with, then separate the sections 3 to 5 cm apart. Dip a hair dye brush in the dye, then run it through your hair, starting at the roots. Work your way to the ends of your hair. Make sure each strand is colored.
Alternatively, if the dye is sold with an applicator bottle, drip the dye onto the roots and run it all over the hair shaft with your fingers. Apply it all over the rest of your hair shaft, then smooth it out. Make sure you wear gloves to keep your skin clean
Step 4. Continue to apply the dye to the 3 to 5 cm section of hair
When you've finished the bottom section, move to the section above. After that, remove one hair bun and apply the dye to your hair in the same way. Finish coloring the last bun that is on the other side of the hair.
- Make sure you apply enough dye all over your hair.
- Alternatively, you can remove both buns, then apply the dye from the front of the hair to the back of the crown of the head.
Step 5. Cover your hair with a shower cap and wait at least 20 minutes
Wearing a shower cap will help keep the area around your hair clean, as well as trap body heat to help with the coloring process. The time it takes to wait for the dye to dry depends on the brand of dye used. So, read the instructions. Usually, you need to wait up to 20 minutes, but sometimes it can take up to 45 minutes.
If you have very long hair, twist it into a low bun first, then secure it with bobby pins
Method 3 of 4: Finishing the Job
Step 1. Rinse the dyed hair with cold water
Tilt your head over the sink and rinse your hair. Alternatively, you can undress and shower. Rinse the dye on your hair with cold water until the water is clear.
- Do not use shampoo, including shampoo that is safe for hair dye.
- The water used does not have to be cold like ice; but it has cold temperatures you can still endure.
Step 2. Apply conditioner, then rinse with cold water
Choose a conditioner specifically designed for colored hair or a sulfate-free conditioner. Apply to hair, then wait for 2 to 3 minutes. Rinse the conditioner with cold water after the time is up.
- Most coloring kits come with conditioner. If the kit you are using does not come with conditioner, use a product specifically for color-treated hair.
- Conditioner is a must because it will make the hair feel soft and smooth after the harsh coloring process
Step 3. Let the hair dry on its own
Painting is a harsh process for hair so you should handle it as gently as possible. Allowing hair to dry itself is the most delicate drying process. If that doesn't work, apply a heat protectant cream and use a hairdryer on a low heat setting.
Step 4. Don't wash your hair again for 72 hours
This is very important so that the hair cuticles can close and the hair dye can dry. After 72 hours, you can wash your hair with a colored shampoo and apply conditioner.
Method 4 of 4: Maintaining Hair Color
Step 1. Limit washing your hair to 2 to 3 times a week
The more often you wash your hair, the faster the color will fade. Therefore, the limit of washing hair as much as 2 to 3 times per week.
If your hair feels greasy, use a dry shampoo. Choose a dry shampoo specifically designed to treat dyed black hair. Otherwise, shampoo marks will be visible
Step 2. Use cold water to rinse your hair
Heat can cause hair color to fade. Since your hair is light in color from the start, the faded paint will be obvious. This doesn't mean you have to use ice water – just use the coldest water you can shower. The temperature between cold water and lukewarm water at any temperature can be used.
Step 3. Use a shampoo and conditioner made specifically for color-treated hair
If you can't find the product, use a product that doesn't contain sulfates. Most non-sulfate products come with a label with this information, but just in case, check the ingredient list on the back of the package.
- Sulfates are harsh cleaning agents that can dry out hair as well as wash off the dye.
- Avoid cleansing shampoos or volume-boosting shampoos. These shampoos open the hair cuticles so the dye wears off faster.
- Consider using a special conditioner for colored hair. You can buy this product at the salon or make your own by adding a little dye to a bottle of white conditioner.
Step 4. Limit the use of heat to style your hair and use a heat protectant cream when using it
Hot styling involves using items such as hair dryers, hair irons, and curling irons. This can damage your hair, especially if you do it every day. Therefore, allow your hair to dry on its own if possible, and don't change the texture of your natural hair. When using a tool to dry, straighten, or curl your hair, use a heat protectant first.
- Let your hair dry completely before using a straightener or curling iron.
- Consider using the non-heating method of straightening and curling your hair.
Step 5. Protect your hair from the sun to prevent the color from fading
The easiest way to do this is to cover your head with a hat, scarf, or hood. However, if you don't like wearing these accessories, consider using an anti-UV spray. This product is the same as sunscreen, but specifically for use on the hair. You can buy them at beauty supply stores and hair salons.
Do not expose your hair to swimming pool water and water containing chlorine. Cover your hair with a swimming cap if necessary
Step 6. Treat hair roots every 3 to 4 weeks
When you dye your black hair a lighter color, the visible roots won't look ugly or unnatural – sometimes, the result will look like an ombre. However, if you dye your blonde hair black, the exposed roots will definitely look unnatural.
- If you feel your hair starting to fade, apply the glaze all over your hair. This method will make the color look fresh again without the need to recolor.
- Alternatively, you can darken the roots with black eye shadow or a root dye kit.
Tips
- Get ready to change the color of your makeup. The color that worked for you when you were blonde won't work anymore once your hair color turns black.
- If the hair dye gets on your skin, you can clean it with an alcohol-based makeup remover. If you don't have one, use rubbing alcohol.
- Darken the color of your eyebrows with makeup or use the services of a professional. This way, it will be the same color as your hair.
- If your lashes are blonde, consider using mascara to darken them.
- Consider using a peroxide-based hair dye. This will prevent the color from fading.
- Want to change your hair color, but you're not sure about dyeing it black yet? Consider dyeing your hair brown first to see how you look a little darker. This will help you transition to a darker hair color if you want to have it gradually.
Warning
- Black hair dye is almost impossible to remove yourself at home. Make sure you're ready to go with a new hair color or be prepared to pay expensive salon fees so a professional stylist can remove the color.
- Do not use hair dye to darken the color of your eyebrows as there is a risk of damaging your vision.
