How To Dye Your Hair At Home- Complete Tips & Guide
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to effect local businesses, many are turning to “at home” treatments to keep up their beauty rituals. Home hair dye kits have been around for decades, but as more customers are looking to up their DIY beauty game, companies are continuing to roll out new, innovative hair color products that can be easily used at home, won’t damage your hair, and won’t break the bank.
So, if you are sitting at home wondering how to dye your own hair, here are 4 reasons to do it, and a step-by-step guide on how to get the fool-proof hair color of your dreams.
4 great reasons to start dyeing your hair at home:
1. It will save you TONS of money.
Getting your hair colored at the salon can cost up to hundreds of dollars. Plus, maintaining your color will land you in that salon chair again about six months later, potentially draining your bank account once again. Coloring your hair at home may require a bit more effort, but you’ll get similar results at a fraction of the price. Trust me, your wallet will thank you.
TIP: Keep an eye out for hair color sales to save even more money!
2. It’s fun and satisfying.
Do-It-Yourself projects are a great way to express your creativity, which has proven to increase happiness and reduces stress. Plus, when you can see your beautiful results right there in the mirror, it’s even more satisfying. It feels great to get a compliment on your new look and to be able to reply with “I did it myself!”
TIP: Take a before and after picture to embrace your inner DIY hair stylist!
3. It’s good for your hair.
It’s always been believed that dyeing your hair can be damaging, but I’m happy to announce that that is no longer the case. As formulas have been updated, companies are now offering dye kits that are super hydrating and nourishing for your hair.
TIP: Look for products with natural oils like avocado oil. Not only does this decrease the chance of damaging your hair, but it makes your color last longer and encourages hair growth.
4. It’s a confidence booster.
Let’s face it, we all stand a little taller after getting a beauty treatment or changing up our look. Whether you are just refreshing your color, or going for a bold new look, coloring your hair (especially doing it yourself at home) is an easy way to give your confidence a huge boost.
TIP: Treat yourself to an epic blowout at home, and post a no-shame selfie to show off your new DIY look!
How to Dye Your Hair at Home: Step-by-Step Guide
STEP 1: Choose your shade and formula
Before learning how to color your hair at home, ask yourself: what are you looking to achieve? Are you covering greys, touching up roots, refreshing your color, or going for a bold new look? Do a little research online to see which is the best dye for YOU.
TIP: If you’re unsure about which color and shade to choose, you’re in luck. Many brands (like Clairol, John Frieda, Madison Reed, Garnier and L’Oréal Paris) offer virtual “try on” options, quizzes and personal consultations so that you can make an informed decision. Whether you are trying to match your current color or go for a brand new look, these features are a risk-free way to decide on your perfect color before you buy.
STEP 2: Set the scene
There is one obvious risk to coloring your hair at home, and that is the potential mess. Especially if you are using permanent dye, you’ll want to make sure to remove things like towels, bath mats, robes, etc. from your bathroom to avoid staining them. If you see a little splatter while coloring your hair, clean it up right way to avoid any permanent stains. Use a bathroom cleaning spray and a disposable cloth to wipe up the mess, and be sure to have these standing by BEFORE you start.
TIP: If you have an old t-shirt you don’t mind throwing away, wear this while doing your coloring to avoid staining anything you care about. Plus, you’ll want to wear something that is easily removable (the baggier the better) to avoid further mess once you’re ready to get in the shower and rinse.
STEP 3: Strand test
It’s very tempting to skip this step as it takes a little time, but don’t avoid the strand test! Everyone’s hair is different, and you never know how your color (or scalp) might react to a particular formula. Follow the box directions very closely for this step.
TIP: Pick a strand of hair that is generally hidden to test out before fully committing.
STEP 4: Prep your hair & get dyeing
Once you’re 110% sure about your color and formula, it’s time to prep your hair for its transformation. Experts recommend starting with dry hair to maximize absorption. Start at your roots and slowly work your way down. Follow the instructions on the box EXACTLY to avoid any mistakes. Better yet, ask a friend to help you out to be sure you didn’t miss any spots! When you’re done and ready to let the color develop, put your hair up in a shower cap to avoid any drips or mess.
TIP: Hair dye WILL dye your skin if it drips. A simple tip to avoid this is to apply Vaseline or any petroleum jelly on your skin along the hairline. This will keep your skin from absorbing the dye, even if it drips.
STEP 5: Care for your color
Try to avoid washing your hair too frequently, as this might result in your color fading. Also avoid swimming in chlorinated water. Not only will this weaken your color, but it might even change your color altogether. Yikes! Avoiding overexposure to the sun will also keep your color from fading quickly or changing in color.
TIP: Invest in shampoo and conditioner for colored hair. This will make your color last longer, and nourish your hair to avoid damage. Also, get yourself a good dry shampoo so you don’t have to wash your hair as often. Using a color-safe mask or treatment weekly will keep your hair healthy and your color bright.
Just because we are spending more time at home doesn’t mean that we need to let our beauty rituals slip. Maintaining your look increases confidence, and is also a fun way to express yourself. Learning how to dye your own hair at home can seem a bit intimidating at first, but if you follow your instructions closely and keep the above tips in mind, you’ll be good to go.
Whether it is gray coverage or a fun pastel color you’re looking for, there are many great options out there to get your desired picture perfect hair color right at home. Not only will you save a ton of money, but being able to customize your look however you want is reason enough to trade in the salon chair for your own chair at home.
