Changing your hair color can make you feel like a whole new person, but a visit to the salon can be time-consuming and expensive. For a cheaper alternative, you can dye your hair at home using a hair dye kit. Using a hair dye kit for the first time can be daunting, but if you have the tools and you follow the instructions correctly, dyeing your hair is fairly easy. You can get a professional look for less!
Step
Part 1 of 4: Selecting and Testing Paint
Step 1. Choose between permanent, semi-permanent, or demi-permanent paint
Permanent paint will last longer and can cover gray hair and roots. Semi-permanent paint can only darken hair, and can last up to 8 washes. Demipermanent paint can slightly enhance hair color, which can last up to 25 washes.
If you use permanent dye, your hair must be dry. For semi-permanent paint, shampoo and dry hair until slightly damp
Step 2. Choose a paint that is 2-3 shades lighter or darker than your current hair color
When deciding between the two colors, choose a color that is closer to your natural color. Applying a major change, such as lightening dark hair, is best done in a salon to have it done by a professional.
If your hair is past your shoulders, buy at least 2 boxes of paint so you don't run out in the middle of the painting process. Usually only 1 box is needed to dye short or long hair above the shoulders
Step 3. Do not shampoo for 2 days before painting
The scalp will deposit a lot of natural oils to protect the skin from irritation. Shampooing will strip these natural oils, so it's best to wait until 2 days before dyeing your hair.
Step 4. Wear an old collared T-shirt or salon robe to prevent stains
If you opt for an old T-shirt or cape that covers the front, you can't raise anything on your head when it's time to rinse off the paint. You can also wrap an old towel around your shoulders and wrap the ends for added protection.
- You can also spread out newspapers or trash bags to protect floors and other surfaces from paint.
- Work in a place with natural light, if possible, so that you can accurately check your hair color.
- The bathroom is usually the best place to work, especially if it has a window that lets sunlight in. Here, you can use the mirror to check work progress, dye your hair at the desk, and the sink and shower are ready to rinse off the dye.
Step 5. Test the dye on a small section of hair before applying it all over your hair
If the paint doesn't have instructions for a strand test, mix in 1 tsp. (5 ml) hair dye and 1.5 tsp. (7.5 ml) developing cream. Put on disposable gloves, apply the paint to the 2.5 cm section of your hair.
- Not all devices have the same mixing ratio (for example, there are products that suggest a 1:1 ratio of hair dye and developing cream to test strands) so check the guidelines before starting to mix the paint.
- If you've dyed your hair before, work from root to tip, making sure the dye doesn't get on your scalp.
Step 6. Rinse and dry the test strands to check the color
After the instructed time has elapsed (usually 20-30 minutes), rinse the test strands with warm water. Dry with a hairdryer, then check the color again. If you are satisfied, apply the dye all over your hair.
If you're not happy with the results of the strand test, try a new color on another strand
Part 2 of 4: Using Paint
Step 1. Apply Vaseline or lip balm along your hairline, ears, and neck
This trick will protect your skin from the paint and prevent blemishes, which can be quite difficult to remove. You can also use a thick lotion or moisturizer to create a protective layer on the affected areas.
Don't forget to remove all jewelry so it doesn't get stained, such as earrings and rings
Step 2. Divide the combed hair into 4 grid-like sections
Use a comb to divide the hair down the middle. Then, halve each piece horizontally from ear to ear, resulting in a 4-segment grid. This will keep undyed hair from getting in the way of your work.
If you have thick hair, divide it into 6 sections
Step 3. Pin all sections of hair back except for 1 section near the face
Make sure your hair is brushed and not tangled so that the paint is easy to apply.
Step 4. Mix hair dye and developer in a disposable bowl
Follow the instructions that came with the device, and mix the paint with the developer in a disposable bowl. Sometimes hair dye kits include a squeeze bottle to spread the paint, but it's a good idea to use a hair dye brush and bowl to make your finished result look more professional.
You can find bowls and hair dye brushes at supermarkets or beauty supply stores
Step 5. Spread the paint over the 2.5 cm section using a hair dye brush
Wet the brush with paint and begin to work it down the hairline section by section, working from base to tip. Make sure all the strands in this section of hair are covered in paint.
- Roots take a lot of color and time so it's a good idea to apply the paint here first, and don't forget to work it downhill.
- Ask a friend to paint a certain part. Some areas, such as the back of the head, are difficult to paint alone.
Step 6. Use a wide-toothed comb to spread the dye through each section of hair
After painting a segment of hair, comb it thoroughly with a wide-toothed comb. This way, your hair is evenly coated with the dye. When you're done, pin and hold this finished segment of hair.
Apply the paint and comb the remaining segments until the entire hair is coated with the paint
Step 7. Remove all the hair and give it a light massage
Gently massage your head to generate heat. Run your fingers through the hair from root to tip to ensure the paint is evenly distributed in each segment. Then, collect the hair before pinning it.
Step 8. Cover your hair with a shower cap
While waiting for the dye to dry, you can put on a shower cap to keep out the heat. This cap will also prevent paint from moving onto furniture or other items in the house.
You can even use a plastic shopping bag to cover your hair. Wrap it around your head and pinch it so it locks in place
Step 9. Set a timer according to the hair dye manufacturer's recommended waiting time
You should leave the dye on your hair only for the amount of time the manufacturer recommends on the package label. If left too long or for a while, the color of the finished product will change. Most hair dyes usually need to be left on for 20-30 minutes.
Take off the disposable gloves you used to apply the dye, and put on a new pair of gloves to rinse your hair
Part 3 of 4: Rinsing the Paint
Step 1. Rinse hair with lukewarm water
After the recommended time has elapsed, remove the hair and rinse with lukewarm water. You can do this in the shower, or use a scoop to rinse your hair. Clean the hair until the rinse water looks clear and does not carry the paint.
Step 2. Apply the conditioner that came with the device to rinse the hair
Comb your hair and squeeze out the remaining water, then apply the conditioner that came in the device. Leave the conditioner for the time recommended by the manufacturer, before rinsing clean.
The conditioner that comes with the kit is specially designed for color-treated hair
Step 3. Dry your hair with a hairdryer to make sure you are happy with the color
Check hair color using sunlight. Hair color will also look different when wet so it's best to check the final color when it's dry because it's clearer.
- Hair will appear much darker when wet, then lighter when dry.
- If you are not satisfied with the results, we recommend that you use the services of a professional to fix it.
Part 4 of 4: Maintaining Hair Color
Step 1. Use color-preserving shampoo and conditioner
Shampoos and conditioners for dyed hair are usually gentler than regular shampoos. Hair dyes usually dry out hair, and color-preserving shampoos and conditioners often contain vitamins A and E, which keep hair moisturized.
Step 2. Shampoo your hair a maximum of once per two days to maintain the longevity of the color
If you shampoo a maximum of every two days, the color can last longer.
Use dry shampoo in place of liquid shampoo to help maintain the color further
Step 3. Apply colored hair gloss every two weeks to enhance the color of the hair dye
Light hair gloss products can help prolong the life of the dye in your hair. This product will improve dandruff, reduce redness, and smooth the hair strands so they look fresh. Choose a hair gloss that best matches your hair color.
Step 4. Protect your hair from the sun by wearing a hat or protective spray
The sun can lighten your hair dye. If you're planning to leave the house, wear a hat with a tongue or a brim to protect your hair. You can also spray color protection spray from roots to ends. This formula also helps prevent dry and split ends.
Step 5. Repair hair roots every 4-8 weeks as needed
Fixing the color at the roots is like dyeing your hair, but the paint is only applied to the roots. Try not to dye hair that is already colored, which can cause discolored lines.
Rinse and condition all hair after you have allowed the dye to settle at the roots
Tips
- Read the guide to using the hair dye kit before starting.
- Always do a strand test before dyeing your entire hair. The strand test will help you determine how long the dye needs to stay in your hair to get the shade you want, and will also give you an idea of the final color.
- Have all supplies and equipment nearby before you start dyeing your hair.
- If the table or floor is stained with hair dye, use a makeup remover wipe or cotton swab soaked in makeup remover to wipe it off immediately.
- Instead of chemical hair dye kits, you can try using natural products like lemon or honey to lighten your hair, and aring or tea to darken your hair. Dyeing your hair naturally won't change the color dramatically, but it can enhance the natural color.
