Hair Dyeing Guide

Hair Dyeing Guide

Step 1: Preparation and Planning
This is the most crucial step that can help you avoid hair dyeing failure!

1. Choose hair color:

Consider your skin tone: Cool skin tones (blue or purple veins on the wrist) favor gray, platinum, or burgundy. Warm skin tones (green or olive veins) favor gold, caramel, or auburn.
Consider permanence: Drastic color changes, like going from dark brown to platinum, often require bleaching and frequent root touch-ups.
Perform a strand test: This step is crucial! Mix a small amount of hair dye and apply it to a small, inconspicuous section of hair. This will help you test the color and any allergies.

1. Prepare tools:

Hair dye set (or individual hair dye cream, hydrogen peroxide, and dye bowl/brush)
Vaseline or thick cream
Partition hairpin
Old towels (not susceptible to staining)
Disposable gloves (essential!)
Timer
Old cardigan shirt (easy to put on and take off, to avoid stains)
Conditioner (for after-dyeing care)

1. Perform a skin test:
   Even if you've dyed your hair before, always perform a skin test 48 hours before dyeing. Apply a small amount of the mixed dye behind your ear or on the inside of your elbow. If redness, itching, or swelling occurs, do not use the product.

2. Protect the surrounding environment and skin:

Cover countertops with newspaper or old towels.
Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly along your hairline, ears, and the back of your neck to prevent staining.
Step 2: Hair dyeing process

1. Hair condition:
   It is best to dye your hair 1-2 days after your last shampoo. The scalp's natural oils can protect the scalp and help the color adhere better.

2. Wear protection:
   Wear an old shirt and disposable gloves.

3. Mixing hair dye:
   If using a kit, follow the instructions carefully. If mixing your own, follow the manufacturer's ratio (e.g., 1:1 or 1:2 hair dye to hydrogen peroxide). Never use a higher concentration of hydrogen peroxide than recommended , as this can severely damage your hair.

4. Divide your hair into sections:
   Use bobby pins to divide your hair into four sections: from forehead to nape of neck, and from ear to ear. This will ensure you don't miss any areas.

5. Apply hair dye:

Touch up your roots: Apply dye only to newly formed roots. Wait until the last 10-20 minutes of your treatment time before applying dye to the rest of your hair. This will prevent the ends from becoming too dark or overly damaged.
For full-length coloring: Start applying the color about 1-2 inches from the roots, working your way through the mid-lengths to the ends. The ends absorb the color more easily. Then, apply the color to the roots last. The heat from your scalp will help the roots color faster.
Use a coloring brush or bottle to generously coat each section of hair, combing evenly from roots to ends.

1. Wait for coloring:

Follow the recommended time on the instructions. Don't leave it on longer , thinking the color will improve – this can cause damage and uneven color.
Be sure to set the timer!
You can wear a shower cap to keep your hair moisturized and prevent dripping.
Step 3: Rinse and after-dye care

1. Rinse thoroughly:

Rinse your hair with warm or cool water until the water runs clear. Avoid hot water, as it can strip the color and irritate your scalp.
Do not shampoo. Use only the conditioner included in the kit or a very gentle color-protecting conditioner. This will help close the hair cuticle and lock in the color.

1. Drying and styling:

Gently pat your hair dry with an old towel. Avoid rubbing it.
It's best to let your hair air dry for 24-48 hours after coloring, as the cuticles are still open and the color is setting. If you must use heat styling, be sure to use a heat-protective spray.

1. Maintain hair color:

Use color-protecting shampoo and conditioner: These products are sulfate-free and gentler on new hair color.
Wash your hair less often: Try to go longer between washes to keep your color longer.
Use cool water: When washing your hair, use the coldest water you can tolerate.
Sun protection: UV rays can fade your hair color, so wear a hat or use products with UV filters.
Key Precautions and Warnings
Lightening (especially more than two shades): This almost always requires bleaching . Bleaching is a complex chemical process that can severely damage hair if not performed correctly. For significant lightening, it is highly recommended to consult a professional hairstylist.
Going darker: This is generally easier and less risky. You can easily go darker, but going lighter is much harder.
Correcting a failed coloring: If you're not happy with the results, don't re-color your hair immediately. This can cause additional damage. Wait at least a few weeks, deep-condition your hair, and consider consulting a professional hairstylist for a color correction.
Pregnancy: Although evidence is mixed, many doctors recommend avoiding hair coloring during the first three months of pregnancy. Consult your doctor.
I wish you a satisfying new hairstyle!