Changing hair color is an easy and fun way to change your appearance. If you have dark hair, but don't want to bleach, you can use a hair dye specially formulated to lighten your hair color. If you want to try a certain look or use several colors, it's a good idea to visit a beauty salon. To get yourself a new look at home, just apply the dye to your hair, wait for the dye to sink in, rinse your hair, and enjoy the charm of your new hair!
Step
Part 1 of 3: Preparing the Hair and Mixing the Paint
Step 1. Purchase a brown hair dye that is formulated for dark hair
Most hair dye products are formulated to darken hair color. However, there are several types of products that are specifically designed to lighten dark hair. Look for phrases like "lightening dye", "fade-out", or "lightens dark hair" on product packaging when choosing a hair dye. Look at the photos before and after coloring to make sure you choose the right type of paint.
- If you have warm skin, choose a paint with a grayish brown (ash brown) or dark brown (cool dark brown). If you have cool skin, choose a light brown or reddish brown paint. These colors will match your skin tone.
- For a more natural option, use henna to color your hair. Most henna produces a reddish-brown color, but will not turn the hair color to light brown.
- If you want to get a certain look, or have dry hair, it's a good idea to visit a salon to color your hair. Also, if you've ever dyed your hair black, it's best if you go to a salon because your hair dye may not produce the color you want.
Step 2. Wash with shampoo 24 hours before painting
This way, the natural oils will coat your hair, making it easier for the dye to stick to and penetrate the strands. The color of the paint will look more even and last longer if the paint is absorbed into the hair well.
- If you have dry or frizzy hair, wash it 48 hours before dyeing.
- Don't use conditioner before dyeing your hair, as it can clog the cuticles and make it difficult for the dye to penetrate the strands.
Step 3. Protect skin and clothing from paint
Wear an old T-shirt that you don't mind getting dirty. The painting process usually leaves stains, so there is a chance that your clothes will be stained with paint. Protect your neck from paint by covering it with an old towel or scarf. Also, wear disposable gloves to prevent paint from staining your fingers. Apply only a light coat of Vaseline around the ears and the hairline of these areas is not stained with brown paint.
- If you don't have an old t-shirt, cover your shoulders with an old towel. If you dye your hair often, it's a good idea to buy a salon coat or robe that can protect your skin and clothes from the dye.
- Hair dye can barely lift off the fabric so choose your clothes wisely!
- The hair dye will eventually lift off your skin and nails after a few cleanings, so don't worry too much about getting the paint on your skin and nails.
Step 4. Comb your hair
Use a comb or hair brush to smooth out tangled hair. This will make it easier for you to apply the paint and spread the color across each strand more thoroughly.
If necessary, use an anti-tangle spray to separate tangled or knotted hair. You can usually find an anti-wrinkle spray or cream at a pharmacy or salon
Step 5. Mix the paint with the developer liquid included in the product packaging
In the box or product packaging, there are several sachets or bottles, each of which contains hair dye and developer liquid. Follow the directions on the package to mix the two ingredients in a mixing bottle. Mix the ingredients over the sink so that spills can be cleaned up easily. Make sure the cap is securely attached to the bottle, then shake the bottle for five seconds.
If a mixing bottle is not included, you can mix the two ingredients in a single-use plastic bowl
Part 2 of 3: Using Paint
Step 1. Separate the hair into two sections
Divide the hair into two sides from the center of the back of the head using your hands and secure each section using a hair tie or bobby pin. You can get better results more easily if you focus on painting one section of hair at a time.
- If you have very thick hair, split each section back into two sections so you have four sections of hair in total.
- It's a good idea to use a comb to separate your hair, especially if you have thick or tangled hair.
Step 2. Open a section of hair and take several strands of hair with a total width of about 1-1.5 centimeters
Painting small segments in stages will make it easier for you to ensure that all parts of the hair have been coated with paint so that the final coloring result will look more even and natural. Paint each section of hair with a total width of 1-1.5 centimeters to ensure that you can paint each section of hair thoroughly.
After you've dyed your hair, it's a good idea to hold your hair in a tight loop and move the loop around to make sure that the dye gets all over your hair
Step 3. Apply the dye to the hair until all strands are covered
Dip the brush in the paint and use it to color each strand of hair. Start at the top of the strands and gradually work your way up to the ends. Try to coat each strand of hair evenly so that the final coloring result looks neat.
- If you have thick hair, you may need to lift the top strands of hair to reach the hair at the nape of the neck. Use bobby pins to secure these strands at the top of your head. Ask a friend for help or use a mirror if necessary.
- Most hair dye products come with an application brush. If the product you're using doesn't come with a brush, buy a hair dye brush from a beauty product store or pharmacy. Alternatively, use an application bottle and hands (make sure you're wearing rubber gloves) to apply the dye directly to your hair.
- Usually, it takes about an hour to coat all the hair with the dye. If you have very thick or long hair, the dyeing process may take longer so plan your dyeing carefully.
Step 4. Set an alarm to remind you to rinse your hair
Follow the time instructions listed on the back of the packaging or product box because each product requires a different duration. Don't leave the dye on your hair for longer than the recommended time as it can damage your hair. Also, don't rinse your hair faster than the recommended time, as there's a risk of uneven coloring.
- Wear a shower cap over your head to prevent the paint from dripping and hitting your clothes or carpet.
- For regular hair dye products (which are sold in supermarkets), you will need to let it sit on your hair for about 45 minutes. However, some other products require a longer or shorter duration so double check the product instructions for use before setting the timer.
Part 3 of 3: Rinsing Hair
Step 1. Rinse hair in the shower to remove any excess hair dye
Take off your shower cap and enter the shower. Let the water pressure lift the excess dye from your hair. Don't be surprised if you see the color of the paint being carried away by the rinse water. The color is the rest of the paint that was lifted from the hair. Keep rinsing hair until the rinse water looks clear.
Rinse hair with warm or room temperature water to maintain hair color
Step 2. Condition the hair using the conditioner included in the product package
Unwrap the conditioner and apply it to the ends of your hair. Conditioner helps soften hair and bring out the color from the paint. Leave the conditioner for two minutes before you rinse your hair.
- If the product does not come with conditioner, use a sulfate-free conditioner.
- Wait for 24 hours before washing your hair with shampoo. Thus, the hair color will not fade.
Step 3. Lift the paint off the skin using a makeup remover product
Dip a cotton swab in the liquid and rub it on the affected skin. Rub the area vigorously until the paint lifts.
If the paint doesn't come off the makeup remover, you don't have to worry too much because in the next few days, the paint will fade on its own
Step 4. Use a special shampoo and conditioner for colored hair to keep the hair color light
Look for products with phrases like “dye-friendly”, “color-safe”, and “colored hair” on the bottle. These products help keep your hair color from fading when you wash your hair.
Rinse hair with cold water after shampooing and condition it. Thus, the moisture in the hair is maintained and the color still looks bright
Warning
Apply a small amount of paint behind the ear before starting the painting process and allow the paint to dry. If you have a rash or don't feel well, don't use the dye
Tips
- Ask a friend to help dye your hair and offer your help in return. It will be easier if you ask someone else to color the hard-to-reach areas of your hair at the back of your head. Plus, it's definitely fun when you can dye your hair together!
- Try to dry your hair as naturally as possible, as color-treated hair tends to be coarser and more prone to heat damage. Use a hair protection spray to protect your hair from damage.
