Quarantine: essential tips for successful home coloring
During this quarantine, we have two choices: either let go of its regrowth (which is super correct) or dye your hair yourself.
If you choose the 2nd option and it makes you a little nervous - I see several Facebook statuses on this subject these days - here are some tips for successful home coloring.
1. ALWAYS follow the instructions on the package
No matter what you buy and what you want to do as a color (be it refreshing your blonde, hiding your gray, completely discolouring, making your whole head, etc.), it is extremely important to read all the instructions and follow them to the letter.
Professional hairdressers repeat: not following the instructions well is the # 1 reason that brings new clients to them, because they need to have a mistake "fixed".
And in this time of confinement, this is not even a possibility. So read on!
2. When choosing your dye, make sure the existing color is suitable
Of course it is important to choose the right "desired color", which will blend well with the one you already have.
But it may be even more important to take the time and look at the color tones "before" on the packaging ... Because if you choose a dye that does not quite match your existing color, the result can to be really different.
3. click here if you have long hair
The worst that could happen is to run out of dye in the middle of your coloring! When in doubt or with hair lower than your shoulders, it's best to have some in reserve just in case.
4. Don't forget the coloring brush
It's the perfect tool for applying color, so take advantage of it while you're at the pharmacy (or on the same online order).
Check, however, because some kits already have one in the box.
5. Wait 2 days after your last shampoo before coloring your hair
Why? Natural oils from the scalp will protect your head from irritation, acting as a barrier.
6. Assemble all of your materials before you begin
Prepare everything, including towels and absorbent paper or an old rag to clean up the mess as you go. Also plan a comb if you want to extend the dye from your roots to the tips.
Some sources even recommend covering the entire counter with trash bags: it may be a bit extreme, but that's to say how messy it can get.
Oh and the best idea is to dye your hair in the bathroom, naked. First of all because you don't want to stain your clothes, but also because it will be more difficult to undress (and practically impossible to pass a top over your head without ruining it) when it is time to jump in the shower to rinse. Otherwise, you can wear an old dressing gown that you don't mind staining.
7. Do a test wick first
What is a test wick? To start, apply only the dye on a small wick that mixes well in your hair, not too prominently (near the neck, for example). Why is it important to do it? To determine how long you need to let the dye work on the rest of your hair.
Depending on the thickness and texture of your hair, the break time may vary. Thinner hair bleaches faster, so it may take up to 10 minutes less than indicated; thicker, rougher hair will usually follow the recommended time more.
Remember to apply the tincture also on your scalp during the test; if your skin is making a big reaction, it’s probably a good idea to give up on the project.
8. Protect your skin before
The idea is to prevent your skin from getting stained if the dye sticks out a bit on your temples, ears and neck (which is, let's say, quite common for newbies).
It can be with Vaseline, a lip balm or a good layer of rich moisturizer. No need to scrub for it to penetrate; we want it to stay on the surface as much as possible.
Another piece of advice: prepare a cleansing wipe to remove the small drops or stains you see.
9. Avoid mixing colors
Professionals often do it, but don't do it at home! It takes a lot of training, experience and understanding of chemistry to do it right.
Otherwise, you could have very bad surprises ...
10. Wears gloves
They are usually offered in the box and are 100% necessary. Not only to apply the dye, but even to rinse it off afterwards.
Do not throw them away too quickly after application; rinse them and keep them for the shower afterwards.
11. Take out your old disposable shower cap
If you have one (picked up in a hotel for example), you can wear it during the break time. This will prevent the dye from dripping / staining and allow you to walk around without fear while waiting to rinse.
12. Part your hair into sections
The pros always separate the hair into at least 4 sections for coloring and color them one by one.
Start with the front sections since they are the most visible, so those where you want to let the dye work for as long as possible.
13. Use a bowl
Applying the bottle of dye directly to the hair will not give beautiful, even results. Do like the pros and transfer the tincture to a bowl (for example a small plastic bowl that you will not reuse for food afterwards), then use the brush.
14. Be realistic
The "big transformations" would be better to expect the reopening of hair salons. The more important the project (for example switching from black hair to platinum blonde, or trying unicorn hair), the greater the risk of disasters.
If you are not used to it, it is better to keep the house colors as simple as possible: regrowth, pale hair in one tone, etc.
15. Tips for correcting blunders
Is your hair too dark? Wash them immediately and daily for a few days. Use a clarifying shampoo, if possible. You can also mix 1 tsp. baking soda soup in your shampoo: this is a mild detergent, so it can help make the color go a little.
Is your hair too pale? You can try dyeing them again, using the following color in the manufacturer's palette (the one that is just a little darker).
Is your hair too copper / orange? It is best to use a blue or purple shampoo to counter this side effect.