How to Dye Different Types of Hair

Different hair types call for different strategies and application techniques when it comes to dying. Virgin hair, hair that has never been dyed, is the most straightforward. Hair that has been dyed before requires a custom game plan and at least two different color mixtures to ensure an even color throughout. Gray hair is stubborn. And to achieve natural, 100-percent coverage on gray hair, something extra is needed.

Things You'll Need

• Hair color
• Color developer
• Color addition
• Color bottle
• Gloves
• Timer
• Shampoo
• Conditioner

Instructions

Virgin

1. Pour the hair color into the color bottle, and mix it with an equal amount of 10-volume (strength) developer. Shake vigorously to mix.

2. Put on the gloves and saturate the hair with the dye from root to tip by dividing the hair into small, 1/2-inch sections and squeezing the color onto the section. Work the color into the hair with your fingertips.

3. Inspect the hair for any spots that did not get covered completely with the color. Apply more color if necessary. Wait 30 minutes.

4. Rinse with warm water until the water runs clear. Shampoo, condition and style the hair.

Dyed

1. Mix the hair color with equal parts of 10-volume developer in the color bottle. Twist on the lid, and shake until the mixture is thoroughly blended.

2. Put on gloves and apply the color to the regrowth section using only small, 1/2-inch partings. Work the color into the hair using massaging motions with your fingertips. Recheck the hair to ensure adequate coverage. Wait 20 minutes.

3. Rinse out the color bottle, and pour more color into the bottle. Mix the color with equal parts of 5-volume developer. Saturate the remaining hair with this color mixture. Wait 10 minutes.

4. Rinse the hair until all the dye has been rinsed away. Shampoo and condition the hair. Style as desired.

Gray

1. Mix equal parts of the hair color and 20-volume color developer in the color bottle. Close the bottle, and shake to mix.

2. Remove the lid, add a small amount of red color addition to the mix (approximately 1/2 oz.), and replace the lid. Shake until blended thoroughly.

3. Put on the gloves and apply the color from root to tip using small, 1/2-inch partings. Continue applying the color and working it in with your fingers until the hair is completely saturated. Wait 40 minutes.

4. Rinse, shampoo and condition the hair to finish.

References

• "Milady's Standard Textbook of Cosmetology;" Milady, Diane Carol Bailey, Margrit Attenburg; 2008