Coloring Hair – Guide for DIY

If you’re looking to add a touch of excitement and reward yourself with a fresh, new look, coloring your hair at home is the way. It’s also the perfect option for those wanting to cover grey hairs, add highlights, or switch up their hair color.

Not only does it save time and money, but it also gives you the freedom to experiment in your own private space—while relaxed and not worrying about how people will look at you. However, if you’re inexperienced in this process, it can be quite hard work. 

Not to worry though—our guide will provide you with all of the knowledge, tools, and techniques needed for achieving salon-quality results from home! 

Just follow our step-by-step guide on how to color your hair at home like an expert!

To-Do’s Before Coloring Your Hair At Home

Before you get started with the process of coloring your hair from the comfort of your own home, it is highly recommended that you take some preparatory steps to make sure you achieve the optimum results. 

Here are some things that should be taken into account prior:

1. Choose the right color: Before deciding what hair color to go for, be sure to do some research. Have a look at pictures online, ask friends and family members their opinion, as well as think about which shade will best complement your skin tone and natural hair color. It’s always more sensible, to begin with a lighter hue than a darker one, since you can simply darken it in the future if needed.

2. Gather your supplies: Once you have decided on the color of your hair dye, it is important to gather all of the required supplies that are necessary for dyeing your hair. This would include items such as the hair dye, disposable gloves, a mixing bowl in which to create the mixture, a brush or comb for application purposes, clips to section off areas of your hair, and a timer to make sure you do not leave the product in too long.

3. Protect your clothes and skin:  Applying hair dye can lead to stains on clothing and skin, so put on some worn-out apparel that won’t bother you if it does get stained. Also, use petroleum jelly or a special barrier cream around your hairline to keep any dye from seeping onto your face.

4. Test the color: Before using the color on your entire head of hair, conduct a strand test. Mix a bit of the dye following the instructions, and put it on one section of your hair. Stick to the directions and let it sit for as long as suggested before rinsing off so that you can check out how it looks.

5. Check your hair’s health: It is important to make sure your hair is in good condition before you decide to color it. If your hair is already damaged or overly dry, it would be best to wait until it has recovered before attempting to dye it. Coloring can leave the locks prone to breakage and if not taken care of properly, the results may not be what was expected. Make sure that your hair’s health is taken care of before deciding on a color change!

Choosing the Right Hair Dye

Selecting the appropriate hair dye is of utmost importance to achieve the look you desire without causing any harm to your hair. 

And to make sure that you get the best hair color kit for your crowning glory, here are some factors you’ll need to consider:

• Determine your hair type 

It’s important to be aware of your hair type before buying any kind of hair dye or coloring product. Hair types may be identified as dry, oily, curly, straight, thick, or thin and require different products for successful results. Knowing your hair type is the foundation for making the right choice.

• Choose a color that suits you

If you want to pick a hair color that will bring out your complexion, consider your skin tone. Warmer skin tones may look great with hues like auburn or copper, and cooler skin tones can shine with ash blonde or chocolate brown.

• Look at the dye’s ingredients

If you’re dealing with hair that’s pretty damaged, it’s best to look for dyes or hair coloring kits that are free of potentially harmful chemical ingredients, such as ammonia and peroxide. Instead, search for products that contain natural components like henna, indigo, or beetroot to color your hair without the risk of irreparable damage.

However, if you’re hair is healthy or ‘virgin,’ t can withstand coloring kits that are harsher on the hair.

• Determine the intensity of the color

The strength of the hair color is determined by the concentration of the dye. A higher concentration will lead to a brighter shade, however it has a greater potential to harm your hair. If you desire only a slight alteration, opt for a more lackluster developer level instead.

• Consider the type of dye

Different types of hair dyes exist, ranging from permanent to temporary. Permanent dye is a long-term solution that needs periodic maintenance, whereas semi-permanent coloring will last for a handful of weeks and then gradually disappear. Temporary pigments are only effective until after several washes.

• Seek professional advice

If you are uncertain which hair dye or hair coloring product to use, obtain expert advice from a hairstylist or beauty professional. This can ensure that the right dye or chemical is selected for your hair type and complexion.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that you select the most suitable hair dye or best hair color kit for your locks, which will give you the style you’re looking for. 

NOTE: Before utilizing any dyes or chemicals for coloration, you must go over the instructions very carefully.

Coloring Your Hair At Home: A Step-By-Step Guide

Now, to the exciting part! Coloring your hair! Follow these steps to ensure you get the best outcome when dying your hair at home!

Step 1: Choose Your Hair Color

When coloring your hair at home, the key is to select the right shade. Your skin tone, eye color, and natural hair color should all be taken into account when deciding which hue to go for. You can reach out to a professional hair colorist if you need help with choosing or use a virtual tool that will provide an idea of how it will look on you.

Step 2: Do A Patch Test

Before you use the hair dye, it is recommended that you perform a patch test on your skin. Put a small amount of dye behind your ear and leave it overnight. If there are no signs of irritation such as itchiness or stinging, then you may safely proceed to use the product according to the instructions provided. However, if an allergic reaction occurs, you should dispose of the hair dye and not continue using it.

Step 3: Prepare Your Hair

Before dyeing your hair, you should take steps to ready your hair. Begin by brushing out your locks to eliminate any knots or tangles. 

If you have long hair, you may want to section it off into four parts using clips or a band for easier application of the coloring evenly across the entire head.

Step 4: Mix the Hair Color

Now that you’ve taken the necessary steps to ready your hair, it’s time to start mixing the hair color. Take care to carefully follow all of the included instructions in the hair coloring kit. Combine both the developer and hair color in a designated mixing bowl, then use a color brush to blend them until you have achieved a smooth and consistent texture.

Step 5: Apply the Hair Color

If this is your first time coloring your hair with a kit, it’s best to start small and test the application process on a section of hair. Once you have the technique down, you can move on to applying the hair color from roots to tips with your brush, ensuring that all of your locks are colored evenly.

Step 6: Let the Hair Color Develop

After you’ve put the hair color on, set a timer according to the guide that came with your kit. Let the hair color develop on your hair for the recommended amount of time. This is usually between 20-40 minutes, depending on the hair color and developer strength.

Step 7: Rinsing and Finishing

Once the dye has been processed for the designated length of time, you can go ahead and remove the shower cap. When washing out your hair make sure to use warm water, and keep doing so until there is no more coloring left in your hair. Doing this will guarantee that all additional dye does not stay on.

After you have washed your hair, it is important to use a conditioner to bring back the nutrients that have been stripped from your hair. This will also help seal the color in and keep your hair feeling soft and silky. 

After removing the conditioner, gently dry your hair with a towel before styling as you wish.

There you have it! That’s how you can color your hair at home the way professionals do it! If you’re not confident yet, you can always get your hair done at a trusted establishment like the Benibana Beauty Hub, which comes complete with different beauty services for your skin, hair, and body!