How to apply hair color yourself, how to color hair at home naturally, how to color your hair at home like a professional, hair coloring tips and tricks, what is the best way to apply hair color? These questions often come to mind when it comes to hair coloring.
Altering or changing the natural hair color requires rules and skills. Some may think applying hair color at home is impossible. However, with the details in this article hair coloring will become an easy DIY procedure for you. Do read on.
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How to Apply Hair Color Yourself | Hair Coloring Tips and Tricks
Applying hair color is changing the color of your natural hair. This process, though easy, requires some know-how and understanding of dyes.
IMPORTANT TAKEAWAYS
Hair coloring can be really expensive if done in high-end salons or if done using several shades and advanced techniques so make sure you preserve the warmth and intensity of the shade by using the right hair products. Also, hair dye is a chemical and may cause hair dryness and brittleness so don’t forget to moisturize hair and get regular treatments.
1| Find the Right Shade
Just because everyone turns blonde, red, or chocolate brown – doesn’t mean you have to get the same shade as well. And just because Ash blonde looks good on your best friend doesn’t necessarily mean it’ll also look hot on you. One of the hair coloring tips you’d frequently hear or read is finding the right shade for you. Consider your eye color, your skin color, and your ethnicity when choosing a hair color. Those with cool skin tones or those with fair and rosy skin with blue, grey, or green eyes look best on ash blondes and mahogany browns. Cool skin tone will look paler on warm or golden hair colors.
2| If you are still confused about which shade to get, better get a lighter shade.
It’s easier to fix light hair color that you don’t like than to correct a dark hair color that you regretted getting. If you are doing hair coloring at home, remember that the shade that appears on the boxes will turn out darker than what you expected so unless you’ve tried a box and you liked the result, choose a shade lighter than your expected final result.
3| For first-timers, better go for a semi or demi-permanent hair color first.
Such type of hair color will wash out after several washes, usually after 30 shampoos or less. In this case, if you don’t enjoy the color, you can get rid of it faster without subjecting your hair to chemical treatment again. Demi-permanent hair colors are also usually available in shades closer to your natural hair color so the change won’t be too drastic if you opt to have these.
4| Check your crowning glory for grey hair.
This is one of the hair coloring tips that most people forget. Because such grey hairs are already light in color, your chosen shade will appear lighter on them. So if you have more grey hair, be extra careful in choosing a color otherwise you might have a full head that is at least two shades lighter than what you wanted.
5| When you’ve finally settled into a shade and had your full head colored, make sure you use hair products for color-treated hair.
Hair Coloring, Is It Safe?
Is hair coloring safe? The simple answer is yes. Hair coloring is safe. However, color-treated hair is prone to breakage and split ends. Hence, you will require touch-ups and consistent care after coloring your hair.
This process changes the natural color of your hair by coating individual strands with color. Except if you’re using a permanent dye, the result is often temporary. Hair coloring lasts for six to eight weeks.
Types of Dyes or Hair Color
You can categorize hair colors by their function and texture.
Purpose/function
According to colorists and experts, three kinds of dyes or hair colors exist.
Permanent
This chemical alters the hair color permanently. Unless you’re sure you love the color, the only way to get rid of a permanent dye is to cut your hair off and let new hair grow.
Semi-permanent dye.
This chemical is popular when applying hair color at home. It simply coats the surface of the strands and fades off after about 20-30 washes. This method is ideal for beginners.
Demi-permanent
Unlike the semi-permanent dye, this chemical does not wash off easily. However, it is not permanent. It only darkens over time.
Texture
These days there are many options when considering hair color. If you wish to apply hair color yourself, there are two textures.
Mousse
This texture features a gel/ creamy-like hair color. It is usually available in cans. Mousse formulas are popular because they give the hair more shine. Think gloss texture.
Liquid colors
Liquid dyes were the first type of dye texture. They are still common. Liquid colors are also beautiful if you use them the right way. They look opaque. Think matte texture.
How to Apply Hair Color Yourself
Now that you know the nitty-gritty of hair colors and what they do, it’s time to dive into the purpose of this article- how to apply hair color yourself. This procedure requires easy steps that you need to follow thoroughly.
How to Dye Hair Step By Step
What is the step-by-step procedure for hair coloring? The following steps will answer this question.
Step I
Get enough dye or color for your hair. The amount of color will depend on the thickness and length of your hair. However, two boxes are the standard quantity required.
Step II
Split your hair into sections for even application. Detangle each section properly, then apply the color.
Step III
One rule of thumb that experts emphasize is following the instructions on the box dye or mousse container. Always read the instructions on the package because each brand may have different constituents that work differently on hair.
Step IV
While following the instructions on the box, apply the dye to each section. Apply the dye from the root to the tips and let the color develop with your hair. Leave the color on your hair for as long as the instructions recommend.
It’s best to leave your hair down during this time for even distribution.
Step V
Complete the process by sealing the color with a conditioner. Most hair color kits come with a conditioner. Always use the conditioner. It prevents the color from fading and stops the dyeing/ coloring process. Following these steps precisely makes you know how to color your hair at home like a professional.
How to Color Hair at Home Naturally
If you’re not a fan of hair dyes, colors, and their constituents, there are natural ways to dye hair and give it that radiant pop. This method is ideal for people to develop an allergy to dyes or hair color. Knowing How to Color Hair at Home Naturally will come in handy!
Natural Ingredients to Color Your Hair at Home
Here’s a list of the best natural ingredients that play the role of hair dyes.
•Henna
•Coffee
•Lemon juice
•Beet juice
•Cinnamon
•Chamomile
How to Dye Your Hair at Home Without Dye
You can color your hair yourself with the juice or powder from these natural ingredients. The following instructions will teach you how to color hair at home naturally.
Henna
Henna is a perfect alternative for people allergic or sensitive to hair colors/dyes. Mix dried henna leaves with vinegar or lemon juice. This method creates the popular paste called henna. This paste has a natural reddish hue, be cautious of how long you let it sit on your hair. Proper hair coloring from henna requires one to five hours. Cover the hair with a plastic bag and rinse with a conditioner. The result is often a reddish-orange color.
Coffee
Besides having a great smell and being a beverage, coffee can be a natural hair color. Start by brewing coffee and allow it to cool. Coat your hair with the mixture and let it sit for an hour. Rinse off. You may have to repeat the process for a darker shade.
Lemon juice
Lemon is perfect for highlighting your strands because it infuses reddish tones into the hair strands. Squeeze lemon juice and spray on your hair. Let it sit in your hair for two hours. Take a walk in the sun to achieve an appealing look. Lemon’s acidity will create the perfect hue in the presence of the sun. Using this fruit for hair coloring requires patience. Like coffee, you may have to repeat the process often.
Beet juice
Using this method gives you a reddish-purple tint. You can buy beet juice from the store. You can boil beet and extract the juice. Whatever method you choose, soak your strands in the beet juice for three to four hours. Beet juice has the potential to create a mess and stain like a regular hair dye, so you have to be careful when working with it.
Cinnamon
The pleasant smell it leaves on your strands is the reason it’s a favorite natural dye. Cinnamon powder has lightening properties. However, if you leave it on your hair for a long time(overnight), expect dark results.
Add three spoons of the powder to a conditioner to use cinnamon as a natural dye. Apply the mixture to your hair and let it sit for four hours. Cover your hair with a shower cap for a perfect result.
Chamomile
Brew a strong pot of chamomile tea and let it cool down. Using a spray bottle, apply the tea to your hair and leave it in for an hour. You can also take a walk in the sun. Rinse off with water and condition your hair. Chamomile has lightening properties like lemon. For a darker shade use more than three bags of chamomile tea.
Setbacks of Coloring Your Hair Naturally
Though safe and easy to do, using natural ingredients to dye your hair has its cons.
May permanently alter hair color
Using a natural ingredient like henna can permanently change your hair color. Henna penetrates the cuticle and binds with the cortex. So, while an error with hair color may have a solution in the salon, a mistake with henna is permanent. It may fade over time, but its color stays unless you cut off your hair.
Washes off easy
Besides henna, other natural dyes wash or fade off. After a few washes, the color runs out. In the case of coffee, the dark shade it creates only lasts for a few days and washes off on a second wash.
They may have side effects.
Though you may think using natural dyes is a good idea because chemicals are bad, you should know that natural dyes have adverse effects. For instance, using excess lemon juice on your hair can cause scalp irritation and flakiness. If you want more highlights or a lighter color, instead of using lemon, pick up a box dye or hair color mousse.
They take longer time to process.
The processing time for hair colors or dyes is 10-30 minutes. This time depends on various factors. With natural ingredients, you have to leave them in your hair for hours and sometimes all night (for better results).
How to Color Your Hair at Home Like A Professional
What are the steps to coloring your hair at home? Coloring your hair at home will require a keen knowledge of basic rules. With the help of this article, you will know how to dye your hair at home for the first time. Do you want to apply hair color like a professional? ONYC is here to help.
Why Color Your Hair at Home
Many people today engage in DIY tasks. One of these tasks is hair coloring. It may be a risky business, but if you know what you’re doing, it’s cost-effective, satisfactory, and mentally rewarding. Keep reading this article if you want to save a few bucks and feel good with TLC.
Things to Do Before You Color Your Hair at Home
Before applying color to your hair, there are some things you need to do if you want a great result.
Get the right tools.
Applying hair color with only a box dye and your hands is a no-no. Here’s a list of the tools you’ll need to make the hair coloring process easy and achieve a perfect result.
•Box dye/coloring mousse- Chemical for hair coloring process.
•Plastic mixing bowl- The best way to thoroughly mix the hair color.
•Applicator brush- Evenly distributes the color without leaving patches.
•Latex/disposable gloves- Protect your hands from stains and irritation.
•Coloring gown- Protects your clothes and skin from stains.
•Comb- Useful for parting the hair into sections.
•Clips(plastic)- Perfect for keeping hair in place when working on sections.
•Shower cap (optional)- Creates heat and develops the color properly.
•Vaseline- Prevents dye/ hair color from getting past the hairline.
Prepping your natural hair for the coloring process
It’s best to prepare your hair before applying hair color at home. This act will help you know how to color your hair at home like a professional.
Choosing the right shade
The first thing you do before you learn how to apply color yourself is to know the right shade. When coloring hair at home, you should only go for colors two times lighter or darker than your natural hair color. If you want something two shades more than your hair color, visit a professional. Changing your hair from one color (black) to a completely different color (ice blonde) requires expertise to avoid mistakes and regrets. Consider your skin tone before hair coloring. If you’re a lighter tone, go for warm shades. Cool shades will look perfect if you have a dark skin tone. To know which colors fit your skin tone, you can get colored hair extensions. It will give you an idea of what looks good on you. Understanding colors will help you know how to color your hair at home like a professional.
Never use the model on the cover of a box dye to determine the result of your hair coloring. Instead, keep an eye out for the swatches (a tiny square on the side or top of the box indicating the tint or color your hair will be after applying the color).
Keep your hair product-free
Your hair should be clean, but don’t wash it for two days before applying the hair color. When your hair is free of products, the color will easily coat your strands and give you a perfect look.
Applying the hair color
Want to know how to color your hair at home like a professional? Be sure to apply Vaseline to your hairline so the hair color does not stain your skin. Then follow the instructions in the subheading, how to dye hair step by step. After coloring, use a cotton pad to swab off the excess color caught in the Vaseline.
How to Dye Your Hair Blonde at Home
One of the most popular questions about applying hair color is how to dye your own hair blonde. Blonde is a bold, attractive and beautiful color. There was once a time when it was a statement in the Hollywood industry. Many people want to go blonde at least once in their lives. That’s quite understandable. However, if you were not born blonde, and intend to color your hair blonde, it’s best to visit a professional.
Changing your hair from brunette or black to blonde requires more than one step. It requires more time and a lot of skills. An expert will know the right shade of blonde for you and the steps to get your desired color.
If you are naturally blonde and wish to go a shade (or two) lighter or darker, do follow the instructions below:
•Section your hair and apply hair color yourself to each section. Work from tips to roots.
•Do not rinse off the dye.
•Cover your hair with a shower cap and let the dye or hair color sit for 20-30 minutes.
•Be sure to check the hair constantly for the shade you want.
•After 30 minutes, apply the excess or leftover color to your roots.
•Rinse your hair and use a protein mask or bond repair product immediately.
•Rinse with warm water.
•Wash your hair with a sulfate-free shampoo and apply conditioner.
Hair Coloring Tips and Tricks
You’ve come this far. You know how to apply hair color yourself. You know how to color hair at home naturally. You also understand how to color your hair at home like a professional. The basic know-how will give you an idea of what to do, but there are tips and tricks that will make your hair coloring journey a breeze.
You may have questions like- how long should you leave hair dye in before masking or when you dye your hair, do you start from the bottom? The answers to these puzzling questions are here. So, get a cup of coffee, a note, and keep reading.
Tips Before Dyeing Hair | What to Know Before Coloring Your Hair
Besides knowing how to apply hair color yourself, there are things you should know about hair colors or dyes. A knowledge of these chemicals will also help you achieve and maintain the right shade.
Choosing the right hair dye/color
You have to know the best shades and colors you can work with before you begin coloring your hair at home.
Brunette/ Black
If you’re going several shades darker, it’s easy. Dark colors like brunette and black are easy to care for. Though these colors are low maintenance, applying this color may require a delicate process if your natural hair is several shades lighter.
Blonde shades
Blonde is a very light color. Blonde hair colors may not be satisfactory if your natural hair is darker. For first-timers, it’s best to visit an expert. It will cost you a few bucks, but you’ll be happy with the outcome. Blonde-colored hair is also high maintenance. Blonde strands are more fragile and prone to breakage than any other colored hair. It will require weekly use of hair masques, the right products, and monthly touch-ups.
Red shades
Like blonde dye, hair strands with red coloring are high maintenance. These strands are prone to fading and will require frequent touch-ups. It will also need proper moisturization to keep the hair healthy.
Understanding your hair texture and color
You should know the color of your natural hair strands. Knowing your color or current shade will help you determine how many shades (lighter/darker) you need to color your hair.
The processing time of dye/ color with hair depends on the hair texture. Coarse, curly, and kinky hair textures absorb hair coloring quickly. So, if you leave the dye on your curly strands for a long time, you may get a darker shade than you expect. Fine or straight hair textures don’t absorb coloring quickly. Hence fine strands may require more time for the color to develop.
Know the basics
Here are some tips colorists and experts emphasize before coloring or dyeing hair;
•Do not wash your hair 24-48 hours before coloring. Washing your hair will keep it clean and ready, but the natural oils in your scalp are necessary. They prevent irritation and protect your scalp from the chemical constituents in hair color/dye.
•Assemble the right tools. Make sure you get the right tools. It’s one of the things to do before you color your hair at home. Do not use metallic tools. Metal oxidizes hair color. It can ruin the process.
•Always buy two boxes of dye or color. Hair color is never too much. It’s better to have leftovers or an extra box than to run out of dye while coloring your hair.
•Feel free to ask a professional. When you have questions about the shade that is right for you or the hair coloring process, sometimes the information in an article like this might not be enough. It’s right to ask a professional for help when you need it.
Hair Coloring Tricks | How to Properly Color Your Hair
What should you do first when applying hair color? How do you color your hair properly? Here are some hair coloring tips and tricks to help you out know how to color your hair at home like a professional.
Always work in sections.
Before applying hair color, always split your hair into sections. Split your hair into 4-6 sections depending on the density or thickness of your hair. Working in parts makes hair coloring easier. It will also give you a uniform and even tone. Using an applicator brush, start with the front. Sectioning also makes your hair easier to detangle, especially if you have curly or kinky hair.
Work from root to tip.
When you dye your hair, do you start from the top or the bottom? After sectioning the hair, work on each section from top to bottom. That’s from root to tips, but spend less time on the hair roots. The hair will color faster at the roots due to heat from the scalp.
Do not forget the hairline.
You can work on the hairline last since the baby hairs will process faster due to their texture. Don’t forget behind the ears and the nape, as these areas will show when you style your hair in an updo. This is one of the essential hair coloring tips and tricks. Following it will give you a natural look.
Always have a timer.
While working according to the instructions on the box, you should have a timer. How long do you leave hair dye in before rinsing? A timer will tell you that. Scalp irritation, dull strands prone to breakage, and a darker shade are bound to happen if you leave hair dye too long.
Leave your hair down while dyeing/coloring.
You may feel like tying your hair up when coloring as you see in commercials. You should avoid this act. Let your hair down for an even distribution and allow the color to develop properly.
Never skip a conditioner.
Most box dyes and hair colors come with conditioners. Conditioners are essential to hair coloring. They seal in or lock up the color. Hair colors and dyes with strong developers may keep working even after rinsing them off. It’s necessary to apply conditioners and stop the process so the shade won’t get darker. Conditioners are also treatments for your colored strands. They keep your strands soft by locking in moisture.
Add a bit of water and mush your hair around.
Do this after applying hair color thoroughly. Add a bit of water to get a silky feel. Then massage your roots and ends for a minute before rinsing to get a uniform look. Don’t use excess water, as this may cause the color to fade.
Did you make an error? | What to do if you do not like your hair dye color?
After applying your hair color, there may be some errors if you’re not careful. If you are coloring your hair for the first time, it’s easy to make mistakes. What do you do if you make a mistake while coloring? These hair coloring tips and tricks will help you.
Do you have a darker shade after you apply hair color yourself?
If you get a darker shade than you expect after coloring, don’t worry. There is a quick fix. Just wash your hair immediately. Add a tablespoon of baking soda to clarifying shampoo and let it sit on your wet hair for five minutes.
Do you have a lighter shade after you apply hair color yourself?
The solution is easy if you have a lighter shade after coloring. Just add more dye. That’s it.
If the error or mistake is one you cannot fix, visit a professional colorist and tell them everything you did in detail.
Tips for Maintenance After Hair Coloring | How to Look After Dyed Hair
After knowing about hair coloring tips and tricks for the best result, you should know that your hair will require proper care. Having color in your hair will cost more money and more time. Maintenance is necessary to keep your strands healthy.
Here are nine hair coloring tips and tricks to help you maintain your hair after coloring;
1. Use the right products. Go for shampoos and conditioners specific to color-treated hair.
2. Use a deep conditioner once a week. Go for a masque if you have blonde strands.
3. Use color-enhancing glosses once a week – for more shine and luster
4. Wear a hat or use UV-protectant products. Staying under the sun for a long time fades color faster.
5. Trim your ends regularly after dying due to split ends from chemical change and damage.
6. Wear a swimming cap before entering the pool. Chlorine and water molecules can cause oxidation. This reaction can change the hair color or fade it.
7. You need regular touch-ups every 4-6 weeks. Hair color will eventually fade. Therefore, you must keep dyeing it. Since new roots grow out by half an inch every month, you require consistency with your touch-ups even if you use permanent dye.
8. Try to minimize the use of heat-styling tools. When you use these tools, apply heat-protectant products to your strands.
9. Reduce the frequency of wash days. If you wash your hair every day, you should stop this after hair coloring. Exposing your hair to water frequently will make the color fade faster. It’s best to wash your hair twice in two weeks. You may ask, how long to wash hair after coloring? Wait for 24-72 hours before washing your hair.
Experts recommend waiting three days before you wash your hair after coloring.
What Is the Best Way to Apply Hair Color?
What a long journey and a lot of information. At this point, you must know how to apply hair color yourself, how to color hair at home naturally and how to color your hair at home like a professional. You also have knowledge on hair coloring tips and tricks.
You have all the information you need, but there is a right way or the best way to apply hair color. These methods will ensure you make no errors when coloring your hair.
Apply coloring on dry hair.
Should hair be wet or dry before coloring? Yes! The best way to apply hair color is when it’s dry. If wet, the dye will not process well. Your hair should also be product-free. Products like conditioners will keep your cuticles closed. You will have patches without color or a lighter shade than your desire.
Apply hair color the right way.
After sectioning, work from roots to tips. However, a more professional alternative is working half an inch from the scalp downwards and then revisiting the roots. The reason is that the color develops faster at the roots due to heat from your scalp.
Only use one shade.
Since you’re getting two dye boxes, you may want to try using two different shades. Don’t. Only use one shade. Both boxes should be the same shade, so check the swatches carefully. Do not mix two different shades expecting a new color. It’s not an Art class. The chemicals in hair colors and dyes react differently from poster colors. A mixture of two different shades may cause a disaster. If you wish to get two shades on your hair, a bold color (more than three shades lighter or darker), or an ombre look, visit an expert.
Use an applicator brush like a pro when applying hair color yourself. It’s one of the ways to color your hair at home like a professional. Never use a comb or your hands to apply the dye or hair color. Using a brush is the best way to apply hair color. It is one of the essential hair coloring tips and tricks.
If you follow the hair coloring tips and tricks in this article thoroughly, puzzling questions like how to apply hair color yourself, how to color hair at home naturally, how to color your hair at home like a professional, and what is the best way to apply hair color should no longer baffle you. So, get a box dye or hair color mousse today. ONYC wishes you luck on your hair color journey.
We hope you like these Hair Coloring Tips and Tricks! If you have any more suggestions on How to Dye your Hair add in the comment section below.
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