Introduction
Coloring your hair can be an exciting and fun way to switch up your look. While going to a professional salon for hair color may be the safest option, there’s something satisfying about doing it yourself at home. This article will provide you with a beginner’s guide to coloring hair at home, including tips, dos and don’ts, expert advice, and product recommendations.
A beginner’s guide to coloring hair at home
Before starting the hair coloring process, it’s important to understand the basics of what you’re doing. Hair color is achieved by opening the cuticle layer of the hair shaft and depositing pigments into the cortex, which is the layer underneath the cuticle.
Understanding the color theory is also important. The color wheel shows primary, secondary, and complementary colors, which are useful in selecting the right shade. For example, if your hair color is on the cooler side, you should choose a cool-toned color to complement it to achieve a more natural look.
When it comes to equipment and supplies, you’ll need gloves, an applicator bottle or brush, mixing bowl, and a timer. You’ll also need a hair color kit, which can be found easily at any beauty store or online. Make sure to read the instructions on how to mix the product carefully, as different brands and types of hair color may require different methods.
10 tips to dyeing your hair like a pro
If you’re looking to achieve salon-worthy results at home, here are 10 tips to help you:
- Start with clean, dry hair to ensure the product can penetrate the hair shaft evenly.
- Apply a barrier cream around your hairline and ears to avoid staining your skin.
- Do a strand test before applying the color all over your hair, especially if you’ve never used that shade before.
- Follow the instructions on the product carefully, making sure to apply the color evenly and saturate every strand of hair.
- Leave the color on for the recommended time, but don’t exceed the maximum time stated on the packaging to avoid damaging your hair.
- Rinse your hair thoroughly after the color has processed, making sure to remove all of the product.
- Use a color-safe shampoo and conditioner to help maintain the vibrancy of the color.
- Avoid using hot tools, such as blow dryers and flat irons, for at least a day after coloring your hair.
- Avoid intense exposure to the sun and chlorine, which can fade the color more quickly.
- Consider using a color-depositing conditioner to refresh the color between touch-ups.
The dos and don’ts of hair coloring
Here are some dos and don’ts of hair coloring, important to keep in mind:
Do:
- Wear old clothes that you don’t mind staining.
- Protect surfaces around you with towels or newspapers.
- Invest in good quality hair color products.
- Apply the color to roots and new growth area first, then to mid-lengths and ends.
- Use a wide-tooth comb to distribute the color evenly.
Don’t:
- Wash your hair right before coloring it as this can lead to scalp burn.
- Leave the color on for too long as this can lead to hair damage or uneven color.
- Apply the hair dye to your entire hair if you only need to touch up the roots.
- Apply overlaps while coloring your hair, as this can cause the color to become too dark or patchy.
How to choose the right hair color for your skin tone
Choosing the right hair color that complements your skin tone is important to achieve your desired look. Here are some tips to select the perfect shade:
- If you have cool-toned skin, choose colors with blue or violet undertones, such as ash or pearl.
- If you have warm-toned skin, choose colors with red or golden undertones, such as caramel or honey.
- If you have neutral-toned skin, you can experiment with both warm and cool-toned colors.
- If you’re not sure, opt for a shade that’s only slightly lighter or darker than your natural hair color.
The best DIY hair color kits of the year
When choosing a DIY hair color kit, you want to make sure that you’re investing in a high-quality product that will give you the desired results. Here are our top recommendations:
- Madison Reed Radiant Hair Color Kit – This popular hair color kit is known for its high-quality ingredients, easy application, and natural-looking results.
- Garnier Nutrisse Nourishing Color Creme – This affordable and easy-to-use hair color kit is perfect for those who want to color their hair at home without spending too much money.
- L’Oreal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying Color + Shine System – This hair color kit promises to provide vibrant color that resists fading for up to eight weeks.
5 natural alternatives to chemical hair dyes
If you’re looking for a natural alternative to chemical hair dyes, here are some options to consider:
- Henna – A natural plant-based dye that’s been used for centuries to color hair. It provides a reddish-brown color and helps to nourish and condition the hair.
- Black tea – Adding black tea to your hair can darken it and provide some shine.
- Apple cider vinegar – Use apple cider vinegar and water mix to brighten blonde hair or remove buildup and residue from hair.
- Lemon juice – Use lemon juice and water mix to lighten and brighten hair.
- Vegetable-based dyes – Using natural hair dyes made from vegetables like beets or carrots can help achieve temporary hair color
Expert advice on how to maintain your hair color at home
Maintaining your newly colored hair will help keep the vibrancy and overall look of your hair. Here are a few tips from haircare experts:
- Wait at least 48 hours after coloring to shampoo your hair.
- Use a sulfate-free shampoo to avoid stripping the hair of its natural oils and color.
- Avoid hot water while washing your hair, as it can fade color quickly.
- Use a deep conditioning treatment every two weeks to help with moisture retention and color protection.
- Use hair products that are formulated for color-treated hair to help maintain the color.
Conclusion
Coloring your hair at home can be a fun and rewarding experience when done correctly. Keep this guide in mind while coloring your hair, and you should be able to achieve great results on the first try. Don’t forget to invest in good quality hair color products and seek help from hair care and coloring experts when in doubt. Most of all, remember to take care of your newly colored hair to make it last longer and look better.
