How to Dye your Hair?

Today, everyone wants to meet up with the set standards of being beautiful. Anything that acts as an obstacle on their way is a no no. When those gray roots peep out of your hair and are clearly visible to everyone, this can be embarrassing for many people. This is because gray hair is a sign of aging and no one wants to get older. They aspire to achieve that forever young look and carry it everywhere. Though some people may opt for a funky fashion by dyeing their hair gray, or get the salt and pepper look. But most of them want to conceal those gray strands that appear ugly and unsightly to the eye. The article deals with a few tips to dye your hair and also some natural homemade dyes that will save you from the harmful chemicals present in commercial dyes.

Hair dying is a very challenging and time-taking task, that involves dedication and patience. This is why a maximum number of people leave it over the salons to give the desired service as they do not want to get into the fuss. But, if performed correctly, you can do wonders with your hair dyes sitting back home and without spending any bucks.

Tips to Dye your Hair

1.) The Common Mistake

The first step before dying your hair is to choose the right color. The biggest dying snafu is where people think that they can transform their hair from darker to a lighter version at home or without professional help. Extreme color variations require multiple settings which make it better to leave over the salon.

Being professionals there are fewer chances to commit mistakes and they know how to access color tones and minimize the damage that can be a result of dying.

The proper techniques of choosing the right color tone for your hair is to hold a strand of your hair to the box of the color. This will help you find the perfect match. Now, once you have matched the original color tone, opt for the next two shades for your hair. This will help you to dye your hair naturally and give them a perfect color match.

2.) Always Keep Extra Stock

People with long hair should always buy 2 boxes so that they do not run out of color in the middle of the process. Shoulder lengths or longer need extra color than just a single box. It also depends on the coverage area and the thickness of your hair. If your hair manage to get the desired coverage ending you up with an extra box. Save it for the next time.

3.) Mandatory Strand Test 

Never skip the strand test, while opting for extreme color variations. A strand test will help to get the idea of how the result will appear on your actual hair. Always test on the hidden pieces or the part of your hair that can be easily trimmed off. This will save you from landing up in a nightmare that cannot be fixed for at least a month.

4.) Avoid Those Nasty Color Stains 

You can either wear a robe or an old buttoned shirt to avoid the color stains. This way your won’t have to lift your clothes over your head when you have to rinse the color off.

The extra mess that results in color stains all over the sink can be prevented by using garbage bags to cover the sink and the floor as well.

5.) Avoid a Colored Forehead 

Most of the times, people land up with stripped foreheads, while applying color to the hairline. Instead of using a brush, use a toothbrush to apply color to your hairline. This will result in a concise application due to the mall size. This will help you to dye your hair and not your forehead.

6.) Play the Salon Trick 

Instead of squirting the color tube on your hand and smearing it all over your hair, play the salon colorist. This will help to avoid a mess and imprecise coloring. It will also help to dye your hair like professionals.

  • Mix color in a bowl and apply it to the hair with the help of a brush.
  • This will give you an even, professional finish.

7.) Highlight with a Toothbrush 

While opting for subtle highlights, the best option is to choose a color that is two shades lighter than the actual color tone of your hair.

  • Apply the color using a toothbrush or a mascara wand for better results.
  • Choose the portions of hair that are exposed to the sun and are around the hairline.

8.) Go for Top to Bottom 

The roots need more attention than your strands in the case of gray hair coverage. This also helps in better application and full coverage.

  • Apply the color to the roots and gently comb them toward the end. Distribute evenly to avoid the dual tone effect unless you desire one.
  • Always work in 4-6 sections while applying the color, to dye your hair easily and allowing full coverage.

9.) The Wet Wipes 

Use a wet wipe to clean the color that is accidentally applied to the skin around the hairline or neck. If you wait until it’s time to rinse the color off your hair, the color of the skin  can leave stains that are not easy to get rid of.

10.) The Shower Cap

After the application procedure in complete, sit at on place until the time is up. If you are that obnoxious and want to wonder around with the color still on, then use a disposable shower cap or the one that can be easily cleaned, to cover the hair.

This will avoid the color from staining other things that come in contact with your hair and also keep it from dripping all over your place.

11.) An Extra Glove Tool

Slip on a pair of gloves while applying the color to your hair. This will help to dye your hair without getting your hands stained. But, you also need one when you rinse off the color. So, always keep and extra pair ready.

When you are buying two boxes, you will obviously have 2 pairs of gloves. But, in case you need only one box, buy and an extra pair of gloves as well.

This help to avoid seriously stained fingers and hands. Also, a few of you may even get allergic to the chemicals present in hair dyes. This make gloves a mandatory tool, indeed.

12.) Switch Hair Products

Using color-depositing shampoos and conditioners one or twice a week helps to retain the color on your hair for a longer period. This also helps to revitalize the hair color.

Natural Recipes to Dye Your Hair

Nothing can be best for your hair than getting the desired hair color without the use of commercially packed color boxes that has many harmful chemicals. Excessive use of these colors can even damage the hair over time. Though the natural ingredients may not be as potent as chemical hair dyes, but they will surely not damage your hair, instead they will protect your hair from getting damaged.

The natural recipes not only colors your hair but also conditions and help to regain the natural health back that is lost due to many environmental factors. These include UV rays, pollution, dust particles, regular styling, harmful products, etc. This makes these natural dye recipes your bestie for life.

1.) Dye Recipe for Dark Hair

  • Mix coffee or black tea to a few cups of water.
  • Brew the mixture into a strong potion.
  • Let it cool at room temperature.
  • Pour it into your hair and cover with a shower cap.
  • Leave the mixture to work on your hair for about half an hour.
  • Then rinse with regular shampoo.
  • Repeat the process daily until you get the desired color tone.
  • After getting the color tone, follow the process once a week to retain the color.
  • This will help to dye your hair naturally at home.

2.) Natural Henna Dye

Henna is a touted natural remedy used for centuries to dye your hair effectively at home. It also enhances the natural oils on your scalp and enriches the natural beauty and shine of your hair. Henna for hair dye is available from a range of natural colors to a clear colorless solution to choose from.

DIY-

  • Brew the henna powder to get a thick muddy paste.
  • You can also mix a few essential oils of your choice or even coffee or black tea.
  • This makes the mixture more potent.
  • Apply the paste to your hair, paying special attention to the roots.
  • Leave it for 3-4 hours or until its completely dry.
  • Do not over dry the henna as it can dry your hair, and suck up the natural moisturizers and essential oils present in your hair naturally.
  • Wear a shower cap to avoid over drying and leave it overnight to get better results.
  • This will help to dye your hair naturally at home.

3.) Herbal Hair Lighteners

Take a reality check. That no natural remedy can turn you from a brunette to blonde overnight unless it involves a chemical. Natural lighteners are not as effective as commercial colors. They may take a quite longer period to achieve the desired results. Its regular application won’t harm your hair, unlike the chemical products that can damage your hair over time. But, it definitely requires a lot of patience and dedication.

DIY-

  • Mix a cup of lemon juice with a cup of strongly brewed chamomile tea.
  • Pour the mixture on your hair, ensuring full coverage.
  • Let the hair soak and dry in the sun.
  • Rinse your hair with a regular shampoo and a conditioner (recommended).
  • Repeat the remedy thrice a week to dye your hair effectively.

4.) Homemade Recipe for Red Hair

Hibiscus or Rose hips are the herbs that can help you to dye your hair red over time.

DIY-

  • Choose one of the herbs and boil them in 2 cups of water.
  • A full cup for rose hips and 3-4 bags in case of hibiscus tea.
  • Brew the mixture then strain.
  • Cool it down at room temperature.
  • Pour it on your hair and massage with your fingertips.
  • Do not rinse and let it stay on your hair.
  • It will dry out and dust off on its own.
  • Repeat the remedy thrice every week to get effective results.