How to Die Your Hair Funky Colors

Ready to make a statement with your hair, but not sure how to do it? It's easy - and you can do it yourself!

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Hair bleaching kit (a kit from any store will do)
• Choice of alternative color
• 2-4 hours of time
• hair color bowl, extra gloves, and brush applicator (available at beauty supply stores)
• Vasoline or a similar product to keep your face and ears from being dyed too!

1. Before you invest in any hair dye, you will have to choose a brand that you feel comfortable with. Local beauty supply stores may have brands that I am not personally aware of, but the main three you should consider are as follows: Special Effects, Manic Panic, and Punky Color. Remember, the darker the color you choose, the longer it will stay. Personally, I have had the most success with Special Effects. They come in small bottles, and depending on where you live you may have to purchase them online, so make sure you buy enough to cover the area you want dyed! Websites for the three aforementioned dyes are as follows: www.specialeffectsusa.com, www.manicpanic.com, www.funkyshop.com/punky.html

2. In order to achieve a loud and dramatic hair color, you need to bleach your hair first. If you only want streaks of your funky color, buy a hair bleach streaking kit. It includes special tools that can make your streaks as thin or thick as you desire. If you want to go all out and dye your entire head of hair, you may want to buy two or three boxes of bleach. The darker your hair is, the more difficult it will be to get to that "bleach yellow" ideal that you'll need to achieve to properly hold a funky color.

3. While you're waiting for your hair to lighten, you do have the option to put a plastic bag over your head or use a blow dryer on the bleached areas. This helps the process.

4. When you have achieved a light enough blonde (remember, it should at least be a light yellow), wash and condition your hair. Towel dry.

5. Make sure that your hair is completely dry before you apply your crazy color of choice. Put on a fresh pair of gloves now, and pour some of your bright color into your bowl. Using the brush applicator, apply it to your bleached areas. Make sure they are completely saturated, and comb through to ensure this.

6. Most alternative colors take about 15 minutes to take. Follow the instructions on your particular dye, and wash your hair again accordingly.

7. Towel dry. Inspect your masterpiece! If you're missing any spots, repeat step 6. Alternative color dyes are not as harsh on your hair, so you can reapply safely.

Tips & Warnings

• Put down towels and/or newspaper before you start your project. It's very easy to spill the colors, and you don't want to ruin anything!
• These instructions are for those who want semi-permanent (2 weeks plus) dramatic hair color. If you just want a night of bright hair, purchase hair color spray, available at beauty stores, costume stores, and any general stores during Halloween =)
• Remember, every time you wash your hair, the color will fade a bit. So: Be ready to re-apply as needed and/or be ready to clean out your shower to make sure you don't dye your tub too!

[bunnyknitter]

on 6/23/2009 fun!