Buying a box of color and following the directions do not do justice to hair coloring at home. There are a lot more to consider, such as the strength of the dye, your skin and hair’s natural coloring and undertones and maintaining the color once you’ve achieved it. Some have resort salon appointments and it’s freaking so expensive that they have to rethink their whole financial month and plan accordingly. Some intend to keep their natural color until they are fed up with it. Dyeing your own hair requires a lot of patience, skills, and a basic familiarity with science. To help you out, here are some tips and guides from professional about home hair coloring.
- Decide the duration- Do you want the color duration to be permanent, semi-permanent, or temporary? Temporary colors wash off in 3 shampoos, semi-permanent colors last for 8 to 25 washes. Permanent colors stay in your hair until the hair grows out or unless you use a color remover.
- Pick the right color – Choosing the right color can be very difficult but if you already have an idea of the color you exactly want then there is no problem. Determining the hair color is not that difficult though, you just have to ask yourself if it is that color you want or not. There are basically two skin tones – cool and warm. Warm skin tones such as olive, Mediterranean or yellow tones should stick to darker or bright colors. People with such skin tones should avoid using shades that are lighter than their skin as it will look fake. Totally avoid orange, gold or yellow tones. People with cool skin tones should stick yo ash or silvery tones as these will make their color neutral. Platinum, ash blonde, ash brown, burgundy, and bright reds will also work well with cool skin tones.
- Check the box – Choose a color that you know works well with your skin type. Check out the box carefully as the image on the box can be misleading and the ingredients can be different from you’re originally used to.
- Dirty hair is the best – There’s no need that your hair is clean when applying color to it. The dirtier the better it is. The hair’s natural oils will help protect strands as they process. Dyeing your hair at home is highly recommended as no one wants to show up at the salon with greasy hair.
- Follow the safety precautions – Prior to dyeing your hair, carefully read all the instructions on the box and then proceed. There are important safety steps that you should never skip. Do have the patch test especially if you are using a new color brand. Dark dyes can cause strange skin reactions so it’s best to read the instructions well before applying it to your scalp. Dyeing your hair means that your nail and hands will be at risk, so always wear a pair of gloves. Always have two pairs of gloves, one for dyeing your hair and one for washing off the dye from your hair.
- Vaseline and olive oil are your best friends – Always have olive oil or Vaseline readied when you are dyeing your hair. A generous dollop of Vaseline along your temples, neck, hairline, and ears would be perfect as it prevents staining your skin. The most effective and cheap solution instead of washing it off roughly. You can also remove it using a cotton ball soaked in olive oil and rubbing it over the affected areas.
- Have a reasonable expectation – A developer in box dye is usually 20 volume, meaning the higher the volume is the more color it can lift. 20 volume will shift your hair up to two shades depending on your hair’s natural color no further. If you really want to change your hair color, then go to the salon directly. They will do it better.
- Cleanse your color – Every time you wash your dyed hair, you’re stripping it of its color. Try to avoid shampoos for a couple of days.
- Use home remedies – If you are not a fan of box dye, then go for chocolate hazelnut spread or coffee. As two natural ingredients, both have an array of health benefits. The brown pigment in chocolate will add rich vibrancy to your scalp and nourish your strands at the same time. The palm oil in the chocolate hazelnut will help smooth the hair and give it a lovely shine. If you are allergic to chocolate or hazelnut, then opt for coffee, which not only nourishes but also stimulates circulation and promotes hair growth while depositing natural pigments.
- Don’t color already dyed hair – It is a mistake that many people tend to do, coloring an already dyed hair. Even dyeing with the same color is risky as there can be a reverse effect or it can make the hair look like a disco ball! So proceed with care.
If you are still unsure, then better get to the experts who will help you out!
