Maybe you've dyed your hair a light brown, or maybe you're tired of the bright look. Whatever the reason, you want to change your hair color! Dying light-colored hair can be difficult, especially when your hair has lost its warm color. To achieve your desired hair color, apply a tinted protein filler to restore the warm color of your hair, then apply a brown hair dye that is a few shades lighter than your target color.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Restores Hair's Warm Color
Step 1. Choose a red protein filler to color and strengthen lightened hair
Look for a filler in a strong red to add a warm color to lightened hair. This prevents the hair from turning green or gray when dyed brown. This step also helps the dye adhere to your hair smoothly and evenly.
Color coating can be difficult so if this is your first time using a color protein filler, it's best to consult a professional before starting
Step 2. Put on old clothes and spread a towel over your shoulders
While most protein fillers are washable, it's a good idea to protect clothing as much as possible. Wear soiled old clothes or salon robes. Then, wrap an old towel around your shoulder to ward off the spray.
It's also a good idea to put on latex gloves before starting to avoid getting paint on your hands
Step 3. Moisturize hair before starting to apply filler
Fill a spray bottle with water and spray it all over your hair until it's slightly damp. Don't spray until it's soaked, just wet your hair until it looks as if you just towel-dried it after shampooing.
Step 4. Pour the filler into a clean spray bottle and seal it tightly
Since your hair is already damp, you don't need to dilute the filler solution. Simply pour the solution directly into the spray bottle and close it tightly.
To prevent contamination, be sure to use a clean spray bottle for the color protein filler
Step 5. Spray color protein filler all over damp hair
While wearing latex gloves, start spraying the lightened section of hair directly. Divide the hair into sections, and lift and spray the strands to cover the entire section of hair.
You just need to apply the filler to lightened or dyed hair! Don't worry about the natural roots of your hair as this process doesn't make them brittle or porous
Step 6. Comb the hair with a wide-tooth comb
This step helps to spread the filler evenly over each strand. Start at the roots, or from the lightening section starting, and gently comb to the ends of the hair. When you've combed through all of your hair, rinse the comb and allow it to dry.
Be sure to use a wide-toothed comb that can be soiled
Step 7. Let the color filler sit for 20 minutes before starting to paint
Set the timer and wait for the charger to run for up to 20 minutes. If so, don't rinse the filler! This product should stay on your hair until you have finished painting and processing the brown paint.
Part 2 of 3: Dyeing Hair
Step 1. Choose a color that is 2-3 shades lighter than the final result
Since bleached hair is more porous (even with protein fillers), more color is absorbed than healthy hair, resulting in a darker than desired result. We recommend choosing a lighter color to balance this dark effect.
If you buy a product based on the color on the package, choose one that is slightly lighter than desired
Step 2. Protect the skin with gloves and an old towel
Before starting to mix paint, put on latex gloves and spread a towel over your shoulders to protect your skin and clothing. The paint will stain everything it touches, so make sure you're wearing old clothes that can be soiled.
Use a dark towel to hide the stain from the paint
Step 3. Mix and apply the brown paint according to the directions on the package
Use the dabbing brush and bowl to mix the hair dye and developer included in the color kit. Usually, paint and developer are mixed in a balanced ratio (1:1), but each product can be different. Make sure you follow the instructions on the package and mix the product until it has a creamy consistency.
Some devices also include conditioning or moisturizing treatments
Step 4. Divide the hair into 4 sections and pin them
Part the hair from the middle down using the pointed end of the brush, then from ear to ear. Clamp each piece with plastic clips so they don't get in the way while you're working. Remove the tongs and apply paint to only one area at a time.
Step 5. Apply the paint on the hair, and work by section
Unscrew the first section, then apply a thin layer of hair dye about 1.5 cm thick. Start at the roots and paint on both sides so that the paint covers each strand evenly. Work each section until everything is coated in hair dye.
- Apply as close to the roots of the hair as possible without touching the scalp.
- If the color matches the natural roots, try blending them into the roots so you don't have to mess around with them as much as they grow. However, color matching is quite difficult to do so it's best to just paint the entire head unless you are experienced in hair coloring.
Step 6. Let the paint work for the time indicated on the package
Most brown hair dyes take 30 minutes to process, but always follow product directions. Check hair progress every 5-10 minutes until 30 minutes later.
Step 7. Rinse the paint with warm water until the rinse water is clear
Turn on the faucet in the bathroom or sink and rinse your hair while brushing your fingers to remove excess paint. Check the rinse water to see if it is clear or not; If no more paint is visible, turn off the water tap!
After rinsing, apply conditioner to dyed hair following the directions on the package. This step helps seal in the color
Step 8. Let your hair air out instead of using a hairdryer
Try not to use a hairdryer as the heat is too harsh on freshly dyed hair. So, it's a good idea to pat your hair with a dark towel to absorb the remaining water, then blow dry it.
Part 3 of 3: Caring for Freshly Dyed Hair
Step 1. Try not to wash your hair for the first 48 hours after painting
During this time, the paint will still oxidize and settle into the hair. If you're in a hurry to wash your hair, sometimes the color just lifts from your hair and the color wears off!
- You may need to not exercise for a few days so you don't have to wash your hair.
- You can also wear a shampooing cap to keep your hair dry in the shower.
Step 2. Shampoo hair every other day or less
Because shampooing will fade the color of hair dye, you should reduce the frequency. It's a good idea to give your hair 3-4 days between washes, as your hair will be drier after you've dyed it.
If your hair gets greasy between washes, try using a dry shampoo
Step 3. Use a color-protecting shampoo and conditioner to wash your hair
This gentle and specially designed product will help the paint color last longer and keep your hair healthy. Look for ingredients that will moisturize and help remove product deposits without stripping the color away, such as keratin, natural plant oils, and minerals.
Step 4. Avoid using heat styling tools while the hair is still brittle
Since hair is more prone to damage after chemical processing, it's best to reduce heat exposure to a minimum. These tools include curling irons, straightening irons, and hair dryers.
- If you must use a heat device, be sure to apply a heat shield first and put on the lowest heat or cold setting.
- You cannot use styling tools that use heat and heavy styling products, such as gels, volumizers, hairsprays, and mousses.
Step 5. Deep-condition your hair after a week to keep it moisturized
If your hair still feels dry or brittle, do a deep conditioning treatment once a week. Work the product through your hair, paying special attention to the ends, then comb through with a wide-toothed comb to make sure it's evenly distributed. Leave it on for 20 minutes (or as directed by the manufacturer), then rinse well.
- Look for a moisturizing mask specifically designed for dyed hair.
- This is especially important if your hairdo requires heating.
