Dye Your Hair Without It Looking Unprofessional and Uneven

Dyeing your hair at home without the aide of a professional can be intimidating. But by following these steps, you can have beautiful hair that looks like it was done in a salon.

Steps

Before You Dye

  1. Determine the right color. Be conservative and only change the color of your natural hair by a few shades. This will ensure that you stay true to a color that matches your skin tone and that you aren’t shocked by the results.
  2. Determine the right brand. Assess your budget and do research online to see what brands are recommended within your price range. A good product can make all the difference when you want your hair to look professionally done.
  3. Prep your workspace. Find a space with as much natural light as possible, and get all the materials out on the counter so you don’t spill or fumble.
  4. Enlist the help of a friend. Having an extra set of eyes and hands will ensure that your hair is dyed evenly.
  5. Wash and condition your hair at least 24 hours before you plan to dye it. By not shampooing your hair right before you dye, you are allowing the natural oils to protect your scalp[1].
  6. Read the instructions fully. Every box of hair dye has different instructions, so even if you have dyed your hair before, you should still follow along carefully[2].
  7. Do a strand test. Before you begin, test the dye on a small strand of hair. This will allow you to make sure that you like the color and to figure out how long you need to leave the dye in.

Dyeing Your Hair

  1. Apply Vaseline to your hairline and ears. This will keep you from accidentally dyeing your skin[3].
  2. Mix ingredients according to the instructions in the box.
  3. Divide your hair into four quadrants. Clip all but one section back at a time. Using the smaller divisions means its less likely that you will miss a spot[1].
  4. Work the dye through your hair from the roots to the ends with gloved hands.
  5. Set a timer. As soon as your hair has been coated evenly, start the clock. This is usually about 20 minutes for most dyes.

After You Dye

  1. Don’t shampoo for three days. This allows your hair to fully absorb and lock in the color[1].
  2. Condition often. Use a deep conditioning treatment at least once a week to keep up the color and shine of your hair[4].
  3. Stay away from the pool. Because the chlorine in the water can change the color of your hair, it’s best to stay away for at least two weeks[5].

Tips

  • If you want to go change your color by more than two shades, it’s best to get a professional involved.
  • If you have very long hair, use more than one box of dye to make sure that all of your hair is covered evenly[5].

Warnings

  • Do an allergy test first. Put a small amount of the dye on the inside of your elbow a few days before you plan to dye your hair. If the spot doesn’t become red or develop a rash, you can proceed with the dye[2].
  • Do not leave the dye in for longer than recommended on the box[4].

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Sources and Citations

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