Make Coontails in Your Hair

This technique allows you to get bi-color bands in your hair, easily one of the most unique things on the block. Coontails can be any Dye Your Hair a Crayola Color you want, and can be easily applied to all parts of your hair. There are both permanent and temporary ways to achieve this look, some of which are detailed below it is always best to just buy extensions because there is less chance of messing up and you can buy lots of colors and you can change it whenever you like.

Steps

Permanent Dye

  1. Prepare. Separate the section of hair you want to dye. Make sure all remaining hair is securely pinned out of the way. If more than one section is being dyed, choose one section to dye at a time. Curly hair will need to be straightened to makes the dying process easier. You should also try to ensure that the section of hair you have chosen is of a consistent length, and that the section falls together.; sections that do not fall together will not give you the desired effect when dyed.
  2. Prepare your stripes. Prepare pieces of scotch tape between {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}} long, depending on the thickness of your chosen strand, and wrap it around that section of hair. Rubber bands and baby oil also work. Just put the baby oil around the rubber band. Putting conditioner on the taped parts will help stop it from being dyed, as well as allow for easier tape removal.
  3. Continue wrapping your hair with the tape, evenly spacing out the distance between each piece. Make sure the tape is tightly wrapped around your hair.
  4. Prepare the dye. Read the directions of your hair dye carefully and prepare the mixture. Some dyes need to be applied to slightly wet hair while others can go on dry. Make sure to wear protective gloves, and an old t-shirt. Protect your hairline and ears with a layer of Vaseline, or you may end up with multicoloured skin.
  5. Apply the dye. Apply hair dye onto the exposed sections of your hair using your fingers or a tinting brush, while pinching the tape below it with your other hand to make sure the dye does not seep beneath the tape. Continue applying dye to the exposed sections, making sure they are thoroughly saturated.
  6. Wait for the dye to develop. Relax during the interval, and prepare your shampoo and hair styling utensils. Make sure to read dye instructions and leave dye in only for the recommended time period.
  7. Rinse. Carefully rinse your hair with water, removing the tape as you go. Make sure to remove all the excess dye. Rinse well, shampoo and condition. Try to avoid getting dye residue on your face, as it may stain.
  8. Dry. Dry hair and enjoy your coon tail. Should be re-straightened and possibly treated with a glossing spray for super sleek results.

Mascara

This method is for making temporary coontails that last until you wash your hair.

  1. Section hair in {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}} wide parts.
  2. Rotate mascara wand through your hair, stopping wherever that particular stripe will stop.
  3. Continue this all the way down your hair.

Sharpie Marker

This method is for making temporary coontails that will last through a few washes.

  1. Section hair in {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}} wide parts.
  2. Paint stripes into each section of hair. It may be easier to lay your hair on a hard, protected surface and "write" on your hair.
    • A silver sharpie works best in black and brown hair.

Tips

  • If you have dark hair, use bleach instead of hair dye. Alternatively, you could bleach your hair before dying.
  • See a professional hair colorist when colouring large sections to avoid accidents.
  • The same methods can be used for coontail extensions, which are a more practical approach. Extensions don't have to be washed as often as your actual hair, and are less affected by colour leaking.
  • Bright colours can be very effective if the hair is coon tailed twice, once in one colour, and once again on the untreated sections of hair.
  • Use tape or Bobby pins to make the stripes even.
  • Have someone help you, especially on your own hair.
  • Blue is hard to maintain, probably the hardest of all the colours. Keep this in mind if you want to try it — it will need a lot of touch-ups. If you want to keep it up long-term, make sure the place you bought it from has enough in stock!
  • Wash your hair flat and it will reduce color bleeding.
  • Vinegar is an old trick for colour fastness - it is applied after the shampoo during the rinsing stage and raises the dye's pH (see warnings).
  • Try to choose shades that compliment your skin tone.
  • This technique works best with naturally blonde or previously bleached hair.

Warnings

  • If you opt to use a Sharpie for your coon tail, be aware that it may damage your hair by drying it out. It may also stain your face or fingers, so be careful while using that technique!
  • Some dyes may still leak colour for up to three weeks after dying, so make sure to use darkly coloured towels and old pillow cases.
  • If dying blonde hair, dark dyes may leak onto the uncolored sections during the washing process, creating a dirty look. To avoid this, wash hair in very cold water.
  • Make sure that the tape is tightly around your hair so that the dye doesn't accidentally drip under the tape and make your stripes uneven.
  • Make sure to use tape with a weak adhesive for easy removal from hair.

Things You'll Need

  • Mascara
  • Electrical Tape or Clear Tape (with a weak adhesive)
  • Gloves
  • Sharpie
  • Colored Hair dye
  • Hair Extensions (optional)
  • New towels
  • New pillow cases
  • Scissors
  • Tinting brush/ soft toothbrush
  • Shampoo and body wash
  • Hair curlers
  • Hair Dye(Optional)

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Sources and Citations

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