How to dye your hair at home

We have all tried to dye our hair at home and landed up dyeing our entire bathroom.

Don’t make the same mistake and learn how to dye your hair at home the right way.

Before you buy your hair dye, decide how committed you want to be to your new hair colour.

A semi-permanent dye rinses out after about 10 washes and does not use peroxide or ammonia.

They cannot lighten your hair or give you a dramatic colour change, they only deposit pigment, which enhances or adds depth to your current hair colour.

If you are a bit more serious about changing your colour then try a demi-permanent dye.

Demi-permanent dyes contain low levels of ammonia, so it will stay in your hair a bit longer, around 25 washes.

This type of dye can take your hair one shade lighter or two shades darker. It can also change your hair’s tone from a medium brown to a medium auburn.

If you are serious about changing your colour, then a permanent dye is the way to go.

These products alter your hair colour using peroxide and ammonia so that the colour will last until it grows out or coloured over.

Permanent dyes give you the most versatility in how you can alter your colour.

For the most natural effect, stay within three shades of your natural colour. When in doubt, start lighter, as it is easier to go darker than to lighten your hair.

Another thing to consider are undertones, the peroxide in the dye will expose these. If you are worried about exposing your hair’s undertones, then choose a cooler, ash tone.

Before applying the dye to your hair you should condition it. If your hair is damaged, then the pigment will not take well and your hair will end up looking streaky.

For at least a week before colouring, pamper your hair with a deep conditioning treatment. Also, do not shampoo your hair a day or two before you colour, as your hair’s natural oils will protect your scalp and prevent irritation.

Apply a thin layer of Vaseline along your hairline, from earlobe to earlobe and along your neckline to prevent the dye from staining your skin.

Next, mist the ends of your hair with water, as the ends tend to be dry and can soak up too much of the colour.

Using a comb, divide your hair into quadrants. Make a line down the middle and another from ear to ear and clip each section.

Apply the dye from root to tip in one section at a time.

Wait for the recommended time and try avoid shampooing your hair for at least three days, as this will allow your hair to soak up the colour.

When washing your hair, it is better to use cooler water, as hot water will open your hair’s cuticles, allowing the colour to run out.

q Information obtained from the Internet.