Changing your hair color for the first time can feel like a big step. With so many colors to choose from, it can be hard to decide what to do. Thinking about changing your look can take time, but it doesn’t have to be difficult. If you plan ahead, you can get the hair color you’ve always wanted. This guide will explain how to dye your hair and get great results.
Picking Your Hair Color
Choosing the right color is the most important first step. Here are some tips to help you pick the perfect one.
Look at Your Skin Tone Knowing your skin tone helps you find a color that looks good on you.
- Cool skin tones look great with cool, ashy colors.
- Warm skin tones look best with warm colors, like golden blonde.
- Neutral skin tones can look good with almost any color.
A simple way to find your skin tone is to look at the veins on your wrist. Blue veins usually mean you have a cool tone. Green veins mean you have a warm tone. If you see both, you likely have a neutral tone.
Think About Your Natural Hair Color Your starting hair color makes a big difference. If you have dark brown hair and want to go platinum blonde, it will take more than one step. This is a key part of understanding how to dye your hair safely. You can still get the color you want, but be sure to follow all the care tips.
Test Before You Dye Always do two tests before you color your whole head.
- Allergy Test: Put a small dot of dye on your skin (like inside your elbow) 48 hours before you plan to dye. If your skin gets red, itchy, or swollen, you might be allergic and shouldn’t use the product.
- Strand Test: After the allergy test, try the dye on a small piece of hair that’s hidden. This lets you see exactly how the color will look before you do the rest.
How to Dye Your Hair: Getting Prepared
After you’ve picked your color, it’s time to get ready. Preparing everything first makes the process much easier.
Start with Dry Hair It’s best to dye your hair when it’s dry. Don’t wash your hair for 24 hours before you color it. This lets your scalp’s natural oils build up, which helps protect it from the dye. Always read the box, though, because some dyes need to be put on wet hair.
Get Your Supplies Ready Here is a list of things you should have ready to go:
- A mirror to see the back of your head.
- Wipes to clean up any dye that gets on your skin right away.
- Vaseline to put around your hairline, ears, and neck to stop the dye from staining your skin.
- Old towels or plastic bags to cover the floor.
- Gloves to protect your hands.
- Two boxes of dye if you have long hair, just in case one isn’t enough.
Protect Your Skin and Clothes Wear an old t-shirt and put a towel around your shoulders. Always wear gloves when handling hair dye.
Putting the Dye On
Now you’re ready to start! Following these tips is the best way for learning how to dye your hair like a pro.
- Comb Your Hair: Make sure there are no knots or tangles.
- Split Your Hair into Sections: Divide your hair into four parts. Start with the front sections so the color has more time to set where it’s most visible.
- Follow the Instructions: The leaflet in the box will tell you exactly what to do. Follow the steps for first-time coloring if it’s your first time.
- Rinse with Water: When the time is up, rinse your hair with just water until the water runs clear.
Taking Care of Your New Color
To keep your color looking bright and fresh for as long as possible, you need a good care routine. This is the final step in knowing how to dye your hair the right way.
- Use Color-Safe Products: Use shampoo and conditioner made for colored hair.
- Use Hair Masks: A weekly hair mask will keep your hair healthy and soft.
- Avoid Too Much Heat: Hot water and styling tools like curling irons can make your color fade faster. Use warm or cool water when you wash.
- Protect Your Hair from the Sun: The sun can lighten your hair. Wear a hat if you’ll be outside for a long time.
- Wash Your Hair Less Often: Washing your hair too much can wash the color out. You can use dry shampoo to keep it fresh between washes.
