Blue hair can create a “bold” and unique look! If you have dark hair and don't want to bleach, use a blue dye that's specially formulated for dark hair. To change the look of your hair yourself at home, apply the dye to your hair, wait for the dye to soak into your hair, and rinse your hair. Choose a shampoo and conditioner that is safe for color-treated hair to keep your blue hair bright and beautiful.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Preparing Hair and Paint
Step 1. Buy a blue hair dye that is specially formulated for dark hair
Most hair dye products are formulated to darken light or medium-colored hair. However, there are some blue hair dye products that are suitable for dark hair. Check labels such as "midnight blue", "designed for dark hair", or "lightens dark hair" on the packaging when you select a product. Look at the “before and after” photos on the back of the packaging to make sure you choose the right product.
- If you have dark hair, without bleach you can only get dark blue hair.
- If you have dry or colored hair, it's a good idea to visit a beauty salon for quality results. Commercial hair dyes don't lighten colored or damaged hair evenly so you won't get a neat or quality result.
- Avoid using hair chalk or spray dye, as the color won't show up on dark hair.
Step 2. Comb your hair
Use a wide-toothed brush or comb to smooth out tangled hair. This will make it easier for you to spread the dye through your hair, and ensure that each strand is covered with the dye.
- If your hair is very tangled, use a tangle-free spray product to help smooth out any tangled or knotted areas of your hair.
- Make sure your hair is clean enough and free of styling products before coloring. If you haven't washed your hair in the last 48 hours, it's a good idea to wash your hair with a small amount of shampoo and then dry it before starting the coloring process. However, don't scrub your scalp as you will need to leave some natural oils to protect your scalp from harsh chemicals.
Step 3. Protect clothing and skin from hair dye stains
The process of coloring hair usually leaves stains, so there is a chance that your clothes will be stained with paint. Wear an old T-shirt or cover your shoulders with a towel to protect it from paint. Apply Vaseline or coconut oil (lightly only) around the neck, hairline, and ears so that the skin on these areas doesn't get stained with blue paint. Wear disposable latex gloves to maintain hand hygiene.
- Don't worry too much if the paint gets on your skin as the stain will disappear after a few showers.
- Never wear your favorite t-shirt while dyeing your hair, as paint stains are almost impossible to remove from fabrics.
- Do the stain in an easy-to-clean area, such as a tiled floor.
Step 4. Mix the paint with the developer in the supplied bottle
Open the paint box and remove the bottle or sachet containing the paint and developer liquid. Read the instructions on the packaging to mix the two ingredients. Make sure the cap is securely attached to the bottle, then shake the bottle for 5 seconds or as directed.
- Mix paint over the sink to prevent spilled paint from hitting the floor or other items.
- If your product doesn't come with a mixing bottle, you can mix the paint and developer liquid in a disposable bowl using a plastic spoon.
- If you have long hair, it will be easier for you to mix and apply the paint using a bowl and brush. Most products come with an application brush. If the product doesn't come with a brush, you can buy one from a pharmacy or salon.
Part 2 of 2: Applying Paint and Rinsing Hair
Step 1. Coat each strand of hair with paint
Use the tip of the application bottle to make parallel lines from the hairline on the forehead to the nape of the neck. Separate each line by about 0.5 centimeters. After that, massage the hair roots to spread the paint. Finish the layering by making zigzag lines using the paint along the hair and massage the paint to evenly distribute it. Try to make sure that each strand is coated with paint so that the final coloring looks even and neat.
- Start with the front of the head and gradually work towards the back. Also, make sure you wear gloves so you don't get the paint on your hands when you massage the dye into your hair.
- If you're using a brush, apply the paint to the roots in downward strokes, then gradually work your way up to the ends.
- As much as possible, apply hair dye quickly to get an even result. However, make sure you coat your hair with the dye thoroughly.
- When applying dye to the hair at the back of your head, use a mirror so you can see clearly or ask a friend for help.
Step 2. Allow the paint to work for the recommended duration
Follow the instructions on the back of the product box because the waiting time or the paint process is usually different for each brand. However, most hair dye products need to be left on for about 45 minutes.
- Don't leave the paint on for longer than the recommended time as this can damage your hair. Also, don't rinse your hair right away before the waiting time ends, as you risk making your hair color uneven/tidy.
- Put a plastic shower cap over your hair to prevent the paint from dripping onto the floor.
- Turn on the timer so you can follow the suggested time.
Step 3. Bow your head under the shower head to rinse your hair
Remove the shower cap and enter the shower area. Turn on the shower with warm (or room temperature) water, then allow the water pressure to lift the excess dye from your hair. Keep rinsing your hair until no color drips from your hair.
- Don't worry if you see the blue paint washed off in the rinse water because it's leftover paint that hasn't been absorbed by your hair.
- Do not use hot water as it can damage the hair.
Step 4. Wash your hair with a mild shampoo that is safe for color-treated hair
Dispense a small amount of shampoo into your palms, then rub it through your hair to remove any excess paint. After that, rinse your hair with cold water to lock the color into the strands.
Shampoo also helps rebalance hair's pH levels
Step 5. Use the conditioner included in the package to condition your hair
Open a sachet or box of conditioner, then apply the product to the ends of your hair. This will make your hair feel smooth and bring out the blue color of the paint. Leave the conditioner for 2 minutes (or as long as recommended on the product packaging) to allow it to absorb into your hair, then rinse your hair.
If the product doesn't come with a sachet of conditioner, you can use another conditioner that's safe for color-treated hair
Step 6. Use a makeup remover product to remove paint stains from the skin
Wet a cotton swab with the product and gently rub it back and forth on the affected area of the skin. If the paint doesn't come off immediately, try rubbing the cotton more vigorously/faster.
- If you don't have a makeup remover on hand, use coconut oil.
- If you have a lot of paint stains on your skin, you can apply shampoo to the stain before you wet your hair. This will help prevent the paint from staining the skin.
- Hair dye stains usually fade or disappear within a few days.
Step 7. Wait 48 hours before shampooing again to allow the dye to hold on and stick more firmly to the hair
After the first paint, wait 48 hours before you wash your hair again. Thus, the color will stick firmly to the hair and hair follicles can be restored so that the color is not easily lifted from the hair.
Tips
- Use a special shampoo and conditioner for color-treated hair to prevent the color from fading. Look for products labeled “color-friendly” and “dye-safe”.
- Rinse hair with cold water when shampooing. Thus, moisture can be maintained and hair will feel softer.
