The top 5 risks of DIY hair dye
Dying hair requires a lot of skill and experience that professional hairstylists have through years of training and practice. It’s not something you should try to do yourself at home based off of YouTube videos or a manual.
Box dyes are known to be less predictable than salon color, which can lead to a range of problems for your hair. Learn about the top 5 risks of DIY hair dye so you can make a better choice next time!
1. Not Reading the Instructions
When you color your hair, the instructions on the box are your friend. They tell you what to expect and how to do it safely. If you skip these steps, you can run into all sorts of problems, from orange hair to damaged strands.
Whether you’re using a permanent or semi-permanent box dye, it’s imperative to follow the timelines and guidelines on how long to leave the product in your hair, says stylist Brittany Gharring. Most boxes will also have a specific time frame for how long to mix the dye, and you need to follow this timeline closely.
Another common mistake that clients make when they use box hair color is not reading the packaging carefully, which can cause them to miss important directions, such as how long to leave the bleach in their hair or the best way to lighten the strands. When this happens, the client can end up with brassy or orange tones that require a professional color correction and could damage the hair even more.
It’s also important to note that some box colors may not be suitable for your hair type, especially if you have fine or thin strands. The chemicals in the color can dry it out or create an uneven result, and this damage is difficult to fix once you get to a salon.
2. Not Applying Enough
One of the biggest mistakes a client can make with DIY hair dye is not applying enough color. It is important to apply the full color packet according to the instructions on the box and to section the hair properly before dying each area. This will help to ensure that the color is evenly distributed and will prevent patchiness or bald spots.
Another common mistake is using too much bleach before dyeing the hair. This can cause the hair to be too dry and damaged for the hair color to work effectively. Using too much bleach can also cause the hair to become dull and lifeless, leaving it with an unhealthy appearance.
A hairdresser will use a gentle bleaching kit to prepare the hair for coloring, and will usually be able to lighten the hair to the desired level without too much damage. Trying to lighten the hair yourself with a box dye can lead to serious problems, including orange and brassy tones.
Choosing to dye your own hair at home can save you money, but it’s important to consider whether or not the savings are worth the risks. The truth is, salon dye is more customizable and safer than box dye, so you’re likely to get better results at a professional hairstylist’s chair. If you do want to try box dye, it’s best to play it safe and choose a semi-permanent or demi-permanent shade instead of a permanent one. This will keep the brassiness and orange tones at bay for longer and will allow you to reverse them with purple shampoos and conditioners, which can cancel the yellow in the hair.
3. Not Applying Enough Developer
Many hair dyes require a developer to lighten your hair and deposit the actual color pigment. If you skip out on the developer or use the wrong ratio of developer to dye, your results will be less than ideal and may lead to a disaster. The proper ratio of developer to dye can vary between different brands and types of hair dye, so it’s important to read the instructions carefully to ensure you get the best results.
The developer in a box of hair dye is designed to open the cuticles and allow the new color to deposit onto the hair strands. Using conditioner instead of the recommended developer will cause damage to your hair and ruin the results of the color application. In addition, conditioner doesn’t contain the chemicals needed to properly open the hair cuticles for color deposition.
Generally, the more processed your hair is, the more it will grab onto color. However, if you don’t apply enough dye or don’t apply it evenly, you can end up with a blotchy look that will make your hair appear cheap and DIY.
It’s also important to consider your skin tone and eye color when choosing a shade of hair color. Warm colors (golden blonde, red, copper) tend to flatter warm skin tones while cool shades (ashy brown, blonde) flatter cooler ones. A qualified professional can help you choose a shade that will complement your complexion and look natural.
4. Not Applying Enough Color
Using a box dye without properly bleaching your hair first can lead to serious issues like uneven coloring, a patchy color, or even an unnatural color that makes the roots look lighter than the ends. Hairdressers have a special way of applying bleach that makes the hair more porous so it will take in the new color better. This also protects the cuticles from damage caused by the harsh chemicals in the box hair dyes that most non-salon professionals use.
Another issue with home hair dye is that many people don’t apply enough of the dye. The typical box of hair dye comes with a manual that gives instructions on how much to apply and what shade to use. However, many people don’t follow these instructions and end up with splotchy or uneven colors. Christine Arndt, a colorist at Baja Studio in NYC, says that it’s often because people aren’t thinking about things like their skin tone or eye color when choosing a color, and they tend to choose a universal color that’s meant to work on anyone.
It’s no wonder that hairdressers aren’t big fans of box dye. Despite the convenience and affordability, it’s easy to see why they aren’t recommended. So next time you’re considering dyeing your hair at home, remember that the best option is to book a salon appointment instead.
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