The Do’s and Don’ts of Coloring Your Hair

Coloring your hair can certainly be a bit of a challenge, especially if you’re new to it. Before you can even get started, there are so many things to consider. Then the process itself requires a lot of time and effort to ensure that you end up with the color you originally wanted – and not some bizarre variation. Whether you’re a self-dying beginner, or have dyed your hair more times than you can count, read on for the do’s and don’ts of coloring your hair so that the results not only achieve your expectations – but exceed them. 

 Do’s 

 Research the market. 

Doing your research is the first vital part of the hair-coloring process. Which brand do you want to go with? What’s your budget? Bear in mind that the cheaper brands tend to have lower quality color. There are undoubtedly brands on the high street at the moment that are good value for money; however, make sure you shop around to get the best deal.  

Take your time in making a decision. 

Choosing which actual color to go for is a big decision, regardless of whether you want semi-permanent or permanent hair dye. Semi-permanent color can still last for up to six weeks. There are the traditional colors of blonde, brunette, or black – but why not go for something more unique? There’s been a growing trend in the hair world lately; women are unleashing their inner creativity and opting for fashion colors such as red, blue, green, and pink. However, these can require quite a bit more maintenance than traditional colors, so keep that in mind. Whether you’re playing it safe, or feel like taking on something vibrant, take your time to make the right decision for you. 

Read the hair dye instructions. 

 It goes without saying that you need to follow the instructions on the back of the packet very carefully. One little slip and you could end up with permanent dye stuck on your neck, or hair that’s lime green instead of mermaid green. Not ideal. Many women who’ve used dye before tend to jump right into it even if it’s not their usual brand, but it pays to take a few minutes and review the correct directions for your new dye. 

Use a color care shampoo. 

Once the deed is done, you might find it difficult to maintain your color, which is no surprise. Semi-permanent dyes in particular do tend to fade fast, which is why it’s a great idea to invest in a good color care shampoo. These shampoos are formulated specifically for the purpose of prolonging your color; check out the video below to see which brands do it best.  

Don’ts 

Forget to use rubber gloves when applying the dye. 

This is a standard rookie mistake, but we’ve all been there – and once you’ve done it, then you’ll never do it again! Make sure you wear rubber gloves when you’re handling the dye. Some brands have brush applicators; some expect you to use your fingers. Either way, as long as you’re wearing rubber gloves, then you’re winning at the game. 

Color your hair anywhere you’re afraid to get dirty. 

In other words, don’t apply the hair dye in your newly redecorated bathroom. There’s a good chance that you might end up flicking some on the floor or walls – goodbye, fresh paint job; hello, having to spend time and money re-painting! Instead, choose your location wisely, and cover your work surfaces with newspaper or old towels, in case of any spills. 

Lose track of time. 

The hair dye packet says to leave the dye on for 10 minutes. You get distracted on a phone call to your Mom and end up leaving it on for 30. There’s a good chance that your blonde hair dye job is now yellow. Moral of the story? Always clock watch (or even better, set a timer on your phone) and eliminate any potential distractions. 

Dye by yourself if you’re a beginner. 

There are people that can aid you with your hair dye job: friends, family, even neighbours. Don’t feel like you can’t ask for help if you’re struggling. Chances are, whoever you ask for help has been in the exact same situation you have. Plus, it’s much easier to apply the dye and wash it off if you have a second pair of hands, as you can accidentally miss certain areas yourself.  

Conclusion 

If you follow these rules, your hair dying process should go by nice and easy. But don’t worry – even if you miss something by mistake, you’ll remember it for next time. All being well, you’ll end up with beautiful hair color that lasts a long time. And if worse comes to worst – that’s what hair salons are there for. Happy hair-dying! 

disclaimer: this is a sponsored post. don’t you love hair posts?