Hair Dyeing 101: Advice for Dying Hair 

Whether this is your first or tenth time dyeing hair, you can never have enough expert advice. It doesn’t matter if you’re only changing to one or two shades lighter or darker, or if you’re doing something a little more extreme – things may not always go the way you plan. Becoming educated on the topic before you start dying hair could save a lot of frustration, extra time and money if you end up having to fix or remove the color. 

Hair Strand Test 

Nearly everyone reads the box where it says to take a few moments and perform a hair strand test, but few people do this. The test isn’t recommended just to waste your valuable time, it gives you an idea of what the actual color of your hair is going to be. For many people, the outcome is not even close to the shade they were looking for.

Prior to hair dying, it’s also a good idea to dab a spot behind your ear while you’re doing the hair strand test. Many people are allergic to PPD that is found in the majority of permanent hair dying formulas. 

Don’t Wash Your Hair 

There’s a reason most hair dyeing products tell you to apply it to unwashed hair; it holds the color better and it’s gentler on your hair. The natural oils that accumulate on your scalp help to make you less sensitive to the chemicals in the dye.

Protect the Hairline 

Prior to hair dyeing, you will want to protect your hairline from your forehead to the nape of your neck with a product that will help keep the dye from staining your skin. Petroleum jelly, cold cream, or toothpaste all work well. It doesn’t hurt to put one of these protective items on the tips and backs of your ears either.

Even Distribution 

There is nothing worse than looking like a tiger when you’re done dying hair. Use a hair clip to section off pieces of hair and make sure that you cover every strand from root to end. You do not want to rub the dye into your scalp, either. If you are simply doing a touch up, follow the instructions; you will typically apply the dye to your roots for a specific amount of time, and then you will comb it through to the ends.

Color Selection 

Be realistic about your color goals when dyeing hair; it is a lot easier to go darker than it is lighter. You can’t really lighten more than a couple shades without using bleach, toner or other special products. If you have dark brown hair, there is little chance you are going to go to platinum blonde in one easy step, regardless of what the box says.

However, if you are already blonde, lightening your hair is much easier as you rarely run the risk of ending up with brassy or orange hair. If you are a brunette and your goal involves dying hair a dramatic blonde shade, it may be worth it to have a professional do it, or at least consult with an expert at the beauty supply store for product help.