New year, new me. At least, that’s the feeling most people get during the first months of the new year. As January comes to an end, many people may feel they need a bigger change than just a new year. Exams are coming, homework is piling up and the sweet release of winter break is slowly fading from your memory. So what do you decide to do? Dye your hair, of course. However, take the leap with a bit of caution. The change you’re longing for, though, probably isn’t fried hair. Here are some tips to safely dye your hair without visiting a salon.
Phone a friend
Changing your own hair color can be hard, especially since you can’t see the back of your own head. Consider asking a friend or two to come over and help you dye it. Even if you’re confident you can do it yourself, it is useful if you have a second or third person there just to supervise and let you know if you’ve missed any spots. This will make sure that you have the best chance of getting a great result in your hair dying adventure.
Strongest does not equal best
If you have dark hair but want a lighter color, you may need to bleach your hair, and to bleach your hair you need a developer. Developer usually comes in 4 different levels of strength: 10, 20, 30 and 40. Many people think that the highest number on the box works the best. If you need to bleach your hair, please do not use anything with the number 40 on it. 40 volume developer should only be used by professionals, because it 40 volume developer mixed with bleach can be very damaging to your hair, and if not used correctly it can literally kill your hair. Instead, do your research and consider using a 20 developer, or even a 30 developer if you have darker hair. This gives your hair a better chance at remaining healthy and not being damaged by the bleaching process.
Oily hair, don’t care
Although it may sound a little gross, it is best not to wash your hair on the day you plan to bleach and dye it. Your hair needs the natural oils that your scalp produces to protect against damage from the bleach and dye.
Don’t trust the lady on the box
It is important to keep in mind the quality of the dyes and bleach you are using. While the color may look fantastic on the box, the quality probably isn’t the best if you bought it at your local Hot Topic. Consider instead going to a beauty supplier and remember to do your research on any products you have in mind. Not everyone’s hair is the same, so it is great to see reviews or videos by people who have tried the product or got to the color you wanted and may have hair similar to yours.
Minimize the casualties
Lastly, you can protect things other than your hair from getting dyed by just using a few simple tricks. To protect your forehead and around your ears from being stained, rub some vaseline in those areas. Have a spare towel and pillowcase to use and sleep on the first few days as excess dye comes off of your hair. Finally, remember that immediately after the dye has set in, rinse your hair in cool water until the water runs clear to minimize the amount of excess dye that remains in your hair.
Changing your hair color can be a fun way to bring change into the new year, but remember to always do your research and consider your options. Remember to use sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner to make the color last, and always consult a professional if you’re unsure or don’t feel comfortable doing it yourself.
