How to Dye Hair Dark Brown

Dye your hair dark brown in the comfort of your home.

If you are interested in changing your hair color to one that is more rich, choose a dark brown. Not only is dark brown hair attractive, but according to "Marie Claire" magazine, dark hair color reflects light best, hides breakage, and minimizes the flaws of abused tresses. Dark brown hair is relatively easy to achieve at home as long as you follow all instructions and choose the right shade for you.

Things You'll Need

• Hair Color
• Gloves
• Conditioner

Instructions

Choose the Color

1. Examine your natural hair color. If it is extremely light, then even a medium brown will appear dark when applied. Most hair colors are labeled "cool" or "warm." Determine if your hair has cool undertones (ash and neutral tones) or warm undertones (golden and yellow tones) and purchase a color in the same category.

2. If your hair is black and you want to lighten it to a dark brown, "lift" the hair first by applying a lightening agent, such as bleach. Lifting the hair should be done by a professional. There are, however, products that can be purchased at your local beauty supply store that are made specifically to remove the color in hair so you can then dye it a completely different color.

3. Decide if you want to use permanent, semi-permanent or temporary hair color. According to Hair Boutique, permanent hair color does not wash out because it makes a permanent change in the pigment of the hair shaft. Semi-permanent and temporary hair color washes out and fades over varying amounts of time, depending on the product.

Follow the Rules

1. Gather all products, supplies and instructions to be used. Clear an area on your counter to assemble the hair color and cover the surface with plastic. Carefully read all instructions.

2. Put on plastic or latex gloves, which are usually provided in hair color kits. Remove any clothing that you do not want damaged and put on something that you don't mind ruining (just in case the color drops down).

3. Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly or conditioner around your hairline and on your ears. This will protect the skin from the hair color, which can temporarily color the skin or cause irritation if it sits on it. This way it can easily be wiped off.

4. Follow all instructions provided for the hair color and complete them step by step.

Rinse and Style

1. Rinse the hair with cool water until the water runs clear. Wash and condition the hair as prompted in the instructions. Some do not recommend immediately washing the hair and prefer you deep condition it only.

2. Apply a leave-in conditioner to wet hair and comb through.

3. Dry and style your hair as usual.

Tips & Warnings

• Always color your hair in a well-ventilated area. Follow the strand tests as prompted in the hair color instructions to ensure you get the results you want. Also follow the skin test as prompted in the hair color instructions to make certain you have no reaction to the dye.

References

• Marie Claire: Find Your Best Hair Color
• Hair Boutique: Hair Color Tips

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish