How to Dye Your Hair at Home

One of the ways to cut back on overheads is to reduce hair salon costs by dyeing your hair at home.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Hair dye
• Sink or Bath
• Comb
• Mirror
• Old t-shirt

1. 

   Choosing your color. It can be very bewildering deciding what color you would like your hair to be. Fortunately there are some wonderful web sites that allow you to experiment with both your color and your cut by uploading your photograph and adding various hair colors so you can get an idea of what you will look like before you take the plunge.

2. Once you have chosen your color you will need to decide whether you would like a permanent or a semi-permanent color. A semi permanent allows you to experiment if it’s your first time and a permanent will last longer.

3. Once you have chosen your color and your permanence level, you are ready to get started. The first thing to do is to carefully read the instructions. It’s usually recommended to do a strand test before you do the whole head although it is not essential, particularly if this isn’t your first time dyeing it.

4. 

   The most important thing is to protect your skin from the dye; you should do this in two ways. Firstly you should always make sure to use the gloves provided in the dye pack. The second thing to do is to use Vaseline all around your hair and neckline and around the ears. This will ensure that the dye does not stain your skin when you apply to those areas.

5. Because dye can stain your clothing, it’s a good idea to wear old clothes while you dye your hair. Even if you’re an expert, you’re likely to stain the neckline while the dye is setting so wearing a favorite top is not advised

6. 

   Applying the dye. Once you’ve mixed up the formula as per the enclosed instructions, you should start the application process. Starting at the roots in your part, ensure that you cover the roots fully, moving section by section through your hair. Also be sure to fully cover your hair line, temples and around the ears and neckline. Once you feel satisfied that you have covered all your hair, squeeze the remaining mixture into your palms and massage into your hair.

7. 

   Once the mixture is fully applied, discard the bottle and pile your hair up on your head. If it is long enough clip or tie a band around the hair piled on top of your head. This should help to minimize spillage.

8. 

   After waiting the indicated amount of time, taking great care not to lean on or touch any furniture or clothing with the dye, you’re ready to wash it out. It’s best to follow all of the instructions however generally you will be asked to add water to your hair and massage the mixture as though it were a shampoo before you wash it out fully.

9. 

   There is usually a conditioner enclosed with the mixture. Not only does this help your hair to stay soft but also helps seal in the color so I’d recommend using it.

Tips & Warnings

• The dye will take better if your hair is slightly dirty when you dye it so try not to dye your hair when it’s been freshly washed.
• A strand test involves putting a small amount of the mixture on a small section of hair to make sure your skin doesn’t have an adverse reaction to the dye.
• If any dye does get on your skin you can remove it simply by wiping it off with a cotton ball or tissue as the Vaseline acts as a protective layer.
• Hair dye stains to make sure you wash it off immediately if it gets on your clothing, furniture or floor coverings.
• If you have a lot of gray hair to cover, ensure that the dye you choose is compatible with gray by checking the box.
• Be sure to read through the instructions carefully before you get started.

Resources

• Daily makeover
• Funky hair colors
• Environmentally Friendly Hair Dyes

[alltrails]

on 9/7/2009 Good advice. Especially the part about not wearing good clothing while doing this. 5 stars - thanks!