Published 23/10/2024
How to dye your hair yourself: mistakes and tips
Many women choose to dye their hair at home. It's convenient, quick, and affordable. However, to achieve a beautiful rich color or an interesting gradient, you need to know some nuances and secrets. Read on to learn how to dye your hair at home to make it look beautiful and stylish.
How to Choose Hair Dye for Home Use?
There are many brands of hair dye offering products with varying amounts of ammonia, as well as ammonia-free options. Sometimes people opt for natural dyes for home coloring, such as henna, indigo, chamomile decoction, or oak bark. These dyes have different levels of durability but they nourish and strengthen the hair, making it silky and shiny.
The Difference Between Permanent and Temporary Dyes
Store-bought hair dyes can be either physical or chemical. Physical dyes are non-aggressive, containing no ammonia or hydrogen peroxide. The pigment only affects the surface of the hair, without penetrating deep inside, and as a result, the dye washes out fairly quickly.
Chemical hair dyes consist of an oxidizer and a colorant, which are mixed before use. They work by lifting the hair cuticle, allowing the pigment to penetrate, and then the cuticle closes, trapping the pigment inside. The durability of chemical dyes can last up to 3-4 months.
There are three levels of durability for chemical dyes:
- Non-permanent. They wash out within 1-2 weeks if you wash your hair no more than twice a week. Non-permanent dyes include color balms, shampoos, foams, and hair chalks.
- Semi-permanent. They contain a moderate amount of aggressive substances, and the dye often includes nourishing oils and vitamins.
- Permanent. These dyes contain strong oxidizers and pigments. They provide long-lasting, vibrant color but carry the risk of damaging the hair.
If you're unsure about making a drastic color change, you can opt for hair extensions. Our studio offers extensions in a wide range of shades.
How to Choose the Right Shade for Your Hair Type?
A well-chosen color brightens the face, highlights the eyes, conceals flaws, and can even make a woman look 5-10 years younger. The simplest option is to choose a shade close to your natural hair color but 1-2 tones brighter. For covering gray hair, choose a tone-on-tone dye.
For a more dramatic change, consider your color type:
- Winter: fair skin with cool undertones, dark hair, bright eyes. Recommended shades: cool blonde, black, hazelnut, coffee, chocolate.
- Spring: light skin with warm undertones, light hair. Recommended shades: honey, caramel blonde, titian.
- Summer: peachy skin, gray or blue eyes, light brown hair. Recommended shades: platinum blonde, cool beige, or graphite tones.
- Autumn: warm-toned skin, red hair. Recommended shades: copper, caramel blonde, cognac.
Step-by-Step Guide to Dyeing Your Hair at Home
Dark hair can be dyed at home if you're looking to enhance its richness. If you want to lighten your hair, it's best to go to a professional.
Preparing Your Hair for Dyeing
- Start with an allergy test. Apply a small amount of dye behind your ear and wait 24 hours.
- Trim any dry or split ends.
- Avoid heat styling for 2 weeks before the procedure.
- Wash your hair before dyeing. Modern products work better on clean strands.
How to Apply Hair Dye Properly?
- Divide your hair into four sections and secure them with clips.
- Mix the oxidizer and dye.
- Apply the mixture with a brush to thin sections of hair, starting from the back of your head.
- Spread the remaining mixture along the lengths of your hair.
Caring for Dyed Hair
Dyed hair needs special care to keep it healthy and shiny. Use shampoos and conditioners specifically designed for colored hair.
How to Maintain Color Vibrancy?
- Wash your hair no more than three times a week.
- Avoid blow-drying with hot air.
- Use hair masks 1-2 times a week.
