How to Apply Hair Color When Changing From Light to Dark
Changing your hair color can be an easy process. Many women and men like to change from light to dark hair color as fall and winter approach. How dark you go can depend on your skin tone. Avoid going too dark if you have a very light skin tone as this may look unnatural and wash out your features.
There are a wide variety of colors from which to choose. Take your time and compare the samples provided to be sure you will be satisfied with the results. Going from light to dark is one of the easiest transitions you can make. If you want a warm effect, choose hair color with a red or gold base. If you prefer a cool effect, choose a color with the word "ash" in it. Do a strand test before you apply the color to your entire head to see if the color is the right shade and not too dark.
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Things You'll Need
- Hair color
- Natural bristle brush
- 6 to 8 hair clips
- Latex gloves
- Plastic comb
- Towel
- Good quality shampoo for color treated hair
- Good quality conditioner for color treated hair
- Styling products of your choice
Instructions
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Applying Hair Color
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Wash your hair only if it has a buildup of styling products. You should wash your hair at least one day before you are going to color it. Water can make your hair shaft swell and can cause uneven color results. Your scalp may be sensitive the day you wash it and by waiting one day it will have a chance to rest. Always do an allergy test by applying a small amount of the color to your neck or inside of your wrist 24 hours before you color your hair. Watch for any reactions to see if you are allergic to any ingredients in the hair color.
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Brush your hair gently with a natural bristle brush. Do not scrape your scalp while you brush your hair. Wrap a towel around your neck to protect your clothing and secure it with a clip or clothespin.
Section your hair into about five or six sections. Begin on the top of your head with a two-inch section from your hairline to the crown of your head. Section each side of your head from your hairline to behind your ears. Section the back of your head into three to four sections, depending on the thickness of your hair.
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Put on the latex gloves and mix the hair color according to the manufacturer's directions. Start at your hairline in the section on the top of your head. Part small sections of hair with a plastic comb and apply the color from the roots to the tips of your hair. Place the sections that you have colored towards your face. You may secure them with a clip to keep them out of your way. Color each section on the sides of your face. The back of your head should be the last section. After you have completely covered your hair with the color, gently massage the color into your hair to ensure even coverage.
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Wait the time suggested by the manufacturer. You may then shampoo and condition your hair using a good quality shampoo and conditioner made for color treated hair or use the products provided in your hair color kit. Be sure to rinse your hair thoroughly so that no color is left on your scalp or skin to avoid irritation.
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Style your hair as usual. If you have used a permanent hair color, it may fade a bit, and you will need to touch up your roots and refresh the ends in about a month. Semi-permanent and demi-permanent color washes out and fades gradually in about four to six weeks. You may then do a re-touch application on your roots and refresh your hair color or choose a different color and start completely over. Temporary hair color will wash out with your first shampoo and requires no touchups.
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Tips & Warnings
If you have very thick or long hair you may need to buy two boxes of color. Try not to get hair color on your skin or clothing as it will stain. If you do get any on your skin, take a wet cloth and wipe it off. Always start in the front of your head and at the roots. The ends of your hair are more porous and take the color quicker than at the roots. Starting at the roots will help you to get an even result.
Always use shampoo and conditioners made for color-treated hair. These have ingredients in them that will help your color last longer and are more gentle on your hair. Color-treated hair can be fragile, so do not use high heat or styling products containing alcohol. This will help to prevent damage to your hair and breakage.
Do not get hair color in your eyes. If you do, flush them out with water immediately. Seek medical attention if your eyes become red or swollen. Do not store any unused hair color. It will not keep and breaks down quickly after it is mixed.
