Complete Guide to Dyeing Hair

Choosing a Hair Color

Choosing the right hair color is one of the most challenging aspects to dyeing your hair. You may consider getting a professional color analysis before choosing a color. A rule of thumb is going by the tone of your skin.

Pale or pink skin with blue undertones, dark brown or olive -skinned women do well with cooler shades of hair color. Look for ash-blonde, coffee brown, burgundy or black colors. Women who have skin with golden or yellow undertones look best with warmer shades of hair color. Golden, orange reds, dark brown and rust colors work for this skin tone.

If you are uncertain about the right hair color for your skin tone you may ask your hair stylist during your next appointment. They are often able to give you advice based on your hair type and situation.

Methods

After picking a hair color you will have to choose the type of hair dye. You may also opt to add henna, highlights or lowlights. Your preference will depend on your lifestyle and reasons for dyeing your hair.

When people think of dyeing hair, they usually think of permanent hair dye. That method is best if you are creating a significant change and would like 100 percent coverage for grey hair. You may, however, choose a different method if you would like to blend your natural color with a temporary shade.

Semi-permanent or demi-permanent hair color is a way to heighten your natural color. Semi-permanent hair dye washes out after 6 washings. Since the dye contains no peroxide it will not damage your hair as much as permanent dye. You can use it as an enhancement to your natural shade. Demi-permanent hair color will last for 6-20 washings. This dye may have a small amount of peroxide and ammonia.

Temporary hair color is an excellent alternative for a special occasion or a date. It lasts for one or two shampoos. Since the dye usually does not bond to your hair, it can easily end up on your clothes and linens. Temporary hair colors are a fun way to add unconventional streaks to your hair on the weekends.

Henna is a natural way to add color to your hair. It stains and conditions your hair. Henna can turn your hair into a reddish tone or blue-black color. In terms of results, henna is often unpredictable. The color varies according to how long you leave it in your hair. Experts do not recommend henna for women who have lightened their hair.

For subtle changes, you may opt for adding color to strands or chunks of hair. Highlights lighten segments of your hair. It works well if you do not want to spend every four to six weeks dyeing your hair. Women who are transitioning back to their natural color sometimes opt for highlighting to ease the growing out process. Lowlights add color to your hair. If you are trying to cover grey hair, you may look into adding lowlights to your style.

Tools

There are two ways you can color your hair. You can do it yourself or schedule a salon appointment. Professional colorists will help you choose a color. They can usually color your hair without creating enormous amounts of damage.

If you have never dyed your hair yourself, you may choose to use a coloring kit. It will come with all the necessary elements you need to dye your hair. Manufacturers include detailed instructions and even color swabs so you know the shade you can expect from the kit. This method is not foolproof; however, it is the best method for people who have never dyed their own hair.

You may purchase the elements separately from a beauty supply store. This method allows you to alter the tone of the dye. You may even blend two colors together. Of course, with freedom come risks. Buying elements separately means that you will not get detailed instructions. Some dyes require a maximum of 45 minutes for best results. Other brands may only take 30 minutes.

If you are purchasing elements separately, you will need plastic gloves, hair color, developer and a plastic container. You may also buy a cap to cover your head. Developer comes in 10-, 20-, 30- or 40-volume. Higher volumes lift more color out of your hair than lower volumes. If you have questions you may be able to ask a salesperson.