Assuming that you want to hide some grey hairs or have your hair color darkened by three shades, then here is how you can get a result that looks like being done by a professional from a salon but actually done at home.
Step 1: Choose Your Commitment Level
It is of great importance that you understand the effects of your actions before you actually mix your hair color. This chart can be of assistance to you:
|
Dye Type |
How Long it Lasts |
Best For |
|
Semi-Permanent |
6–12 Washes |
Trying a new tint; no damage. |
|
Demi-Permanent |
24–28 Washes |
Blending greys & adding shine. |
|
Permanent |
Until it grows out |
Total changes & 100% grey coverage. |
Step 2: The "Pro-Prep" Routine
The recommendation that I can give to the people who ask me how to color their hair is to observe the "Dirty Hair" rule. Apart from coloring, do not clean your hair. The oils that come from your scalp are both the most natural and the most potent, and they shield your scalp from the chemicals. Thus, the idea is to have hair that is "washed for the second time".
Quick Tip: Get a little bit of Vaseline or coconut oil and smooth it along your hairline and around your ears. This way the dye will not stain your skin, and therefore, the cleaning will be very easy.
Step 3: Application Mastery
Separate your hair into quarters (lengthwise and horizontally from ear to ear).
Do your color application first where your grey hairs are the most obvious or at the roots. Small, one-inch sections will be your work areas and will help you to avoid "holidays" (missed spots). If your hair is long, make sure that you have two boxes of dye. I bet that there isn't anything more horrible besides the one I've just mentioned, that is, running out of hair dye when only halfway you are done with your hair!
On the whole, determining how to color my hair is essentially an issue of being patient and picking out the correct color. For the most flattering effect, always stay within two shades of your natural color. When you are done, rinse with cold water so that the hair stays shiny!
Q: Can I color my hair if it’s damp?
In most cases, the answer is no. When your hair is wet, the pores are open which means that there is no place for the pigment to bind. If a box does not explicitly say otherwise, be sure to always have your hair completely dry before starting.
Q: What should I do if the color is too dark?
Don't panic! Clarifying or anti-dandruff shampoos should be used to wash out the color as soon as possible. These types of shampoos are "stronger" and can help to remove some of the extra pigment that is still not completely set.
Q: How do I maintain the color?
To keep your hair color, you should use a shampoo that is free of sulfates and not wash your hair too often. In addition, you should take cold showers since they help keep the hair cuticle closed and the color vibrant.