Dying Hair at Home - Step by Step
Knowing how to dye hair at home can save you from common mistakes derailing any DIY colour experience. Here are a few steps to get you started.
1. Know how to choose your colour wisely: Try to stay within two shades of your natural colour to experience the best results when dying hair at home. Also, make sure you have enough dye to cover your whole head!
2. Prep the area you will be using and find all your tools: Unlike at the salon, dying your hair at home may mean your styling tools are not right at your fingertips. Preparing yourself before you start colouring will help you avoid any problems later.
3. Know how to do a strand test: As we mentioned before, a strand test is important to ensure that you are not allergic to the dye and actually see how the colour will turn out.
4. Protect your hairline when colouring at home: Try lining your hairline with Vaseline. This will stop errant hair colour from coming into contact with your skin.
5. Section your hair to apply the colour: Start by parting your hair down the middle and then create smaller sections from ear to ear and down the back of your head. Clip these sections out of the way as you colour. This will not only save you time down the track, but it will enable greater accuracy when dying your hair at home.
6. Work from the root down: Start colouring at the roots first, before combing it through to the rest of your hair strands. Repeat this process for each section of hair.
7. Know how long to wait for the colour to develop: Depending on the colour and the dye you are using, you will need to wait for the product to take. Check the instructions on the packet for the right times before rinsing your hair.
How to Remove Hair Dye from Skin
Dying your hair at home can be great, but it also comes with a lot of risks. Some of the most common problems people face is finding dye all over their faces and hands. Whether it’s a speck of colour or streaks along the hairline, you may find that you are scrubbing your skin for days just to get rid of these marks. So, how can you remove hair dye from your skin? Here are a few tips to help you out.
Try olive oil, soap or toothpaste to eliminate the dye marks. Leave them for 5-10 minutes to react with the colour, and then gently rub away the solution with a warm washcloth.
Use a colourless lip balm, moisturiser or ointment on your skin before dying at home to prevent the colour from penetrating the layer of skin. Try this on your hands or around the hairline.
Wear gloves! Prevention is the best way to avoid hair dye staining your skin, so always use clean gloves when colouring hair at home.
Permanent Hair Colour for Dying Hair at Home
After a pricey trip to the salon, a permanent box dye is the next best way to commit to a new look.
Whether you want to boost the shade Mother Nature gave you or mix things up completely, there’s a way for you to do that at home.
If you’re wondering how to dye your hair a lighter colour at home, we have some “how-to tips” for you.
For Blonde Hair
Using targeted toning shampoos and conditioners will help to enhance and protect your blonde colour and clear away any debris from the dyeing process. Ideally, you want to opt for products that are gentle on the scalp and contain nourishing ingredients, like Keratin, that know how to keep the hair strong.
Going blonde makes a big statement, so it’s worth investing in an at-home dye you know you can rely on. Look for products that can provide total grey coverage, as well as rich, natural colour. Before you begin to colour your hair at home, conduct a strand and a patch test, following the instructions closely to determine whether the product is right for you.
After you have figured out how to use your chosen colour to dye hair at home, follow it up with conditioning and nourishing products like hair masks and treatments to protect and strengthen your tresses.
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For Brunette Hair
Dark colours have a way of making hair appear lush and lustrous. If you are looking to colour your hair at home, brunette shades are an excellent place to start and learn how to apply colour, as they generally complement any skin tone and last long after the initial colouring.
When it comes to choosing the best at-home hair dye, our advice is to start with a lighter colour, learn how to best dye your hair, and gradually build up to a darker shade.
If you are hoping to cover your greys or try something different entirely, a permanent brunette shade should do the job. Combined with products like a clarifying shampoo and a rich hair mask, these hair dye products can create an eye-catching colour without causing any damage. Try to select dye products that include strengthening ingredients like Keratin in their formulas to provide your locks with that extra bit of protection and TLC.
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Semi-Permanent Hair Colour for Dying Hair at Home
If you fancy mixing up your look without making a long-term commitment, knowing how to use a semi-permanent hair dye could be the way forward.
Offering a milder approach than a permanent hair dye, semi-permanent colour is great at giving you a rich, full-bodied look.
If you’re wondering how often to dye hair to cover grey hair, know that a semi-perm dye will usually last up to 12 weeks.
For a Vibrant Colour
If you are feeling adventurous and ready to try something new while dying your hair at home, why not move away from the standard browns, blondes and blacks?
Thanks to quality brands like evo fabuloso, Mr. Smith and Revlon Professional, some amazing colour options are available to those looking to enjoy a bit of DIY TLC.
When choosing these distinctive colours, search for products containing nourishing ingredients to help maintain and protect your hair during the dyeing process. Unfortunately, every colouring session will create some problems for hair, but you can considerably reduce the risks of concerns by carefully choosing hair care products. For example, ammonia-free formulas will reduce the risk of irritation and brittle strands, whilst providing luminous colour that can last for weeks.
Like any colouring process, you should always follow up an at-home attempt with quality conditioners and treatments to protect your tresses and ensure you enjoy a lustrous look for longer.
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For a Natural Look
Sometimes a simple change is all you need to feel refreshed and revitalised. If this sounds like something for you, then experimenting with a natural look could be the way to go. Knowing how to dye hair at home for natural hues and shades will ensure that the colouring process is easy to manage, all while producing stunning results.
From covering greys to creating an all-over look, there are several colour options to choose from, thanks to the wide-ranging collections on offer.
Depending on the shade you choose, there will be varied wait times and instructions to help you achieve the perfect look. Therefore, it is important to always check the guidelines on any at-home dye product. It is also useful to check the ingredients list when searching for the right colour to complement your new look.
If they contain nourishing ingredients in favour of harsher chemical options, then they are more likely to maintain and nurture your hair as you colour at home.
To further ensure your hair is properly looked after, always use quality conditioners and treatments after colouring your hair at home to replace any moisture that has been lost and further revitalise and strengthen your locks.
Colour Intensifiers to Extend Your Hair Colour
When applying hair colour at home, it’s a good idea to stock up on some toner. A good toner will pep up hair that’s lost its lustre and bring your colour back to bold.
Though typically used to knock out brassy shades from bleach-blonde strands, a toner can also help give brunettes back their shine.
A good toner can last up to 6 weeks, so it’s worth investing in one you can rely on to bring your colour back to life.
Here are a few of our favourite colour intensifiers...
Why it's so good: Just because you’re a brunette doesn’t mean you should skip the toner. To maintain a healthy shine and a rich, full-bodied look, it could be time to try IGK MIXED FEELINGS Leave-In Toning Drops Brunette
Making it easy for you to maintain depth of colour, these toning drops neutralise any orange undertones and give your brown hair the boost it needs. Helping to prevent colour fade, the lightweight formula will keep the hair hydrated and nourished.
This vegan and cruelty-free colour toner is safe to use on chemically treated locks and is perfect for straight, curly, coiled, or wavy hair.
IGK MIXED FEELINGS Leave-In Toning Drops Brunette are truly unique. Blueberry and Artichoke keep the hair nourished with Vitamins A, B5, C, and E while keeping your colour safe.
If you’re stuck at home or between salon visits, this unique droplet formula will keep your colour looking fresh—even when it starts to fade.
To use, add the desired number of drops to your shampoo, conditioner, or leave-in product and mix. To work out how many drops you need, check the instructions. Use as often as you need to top up your look.
Shop IGK MIXED FEELINGS Leave-In Toning Drops Brunette here: