7 Key things to know before you dye your own hair

Colour Advice: 7 Key things to know before you dye your own hair

Angela Goh

08 Jun 2016

updated the Wednesday, June 8, 2016

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Know your natural colour
By knowing exactly what your original hair colour is, you will be able to make a more informed decision when it comes to shades that work well. Those with warmer base tones should be able to take on more colours than someone with a cooler base tone. Additionally, being familiar with your skin tone will help you pick an appropriate shade - for example, if you have a dark complexion, going bright blonde might look a little too unnatural.
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Pick a realistic colour
Picking odd colours or colours that aren’t on the natural spectrum (such as ash or pastel tones) will give you results that are likely to end up disappointing you after several washes. A natural brown or blonde will be less likely to fade quickly or turn brassy in the sun. Play it safe by making subtle changes to your natural shade.
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Figure out which type of dye you’ll use
Going for permanent colour? Something more temporary? Or dyes that last just a fortnight? There are many brands out there that are more heavy duty than the next, so if you’re looking for a colour that will stay for weeks and weeks, you won't want to accidentally purchase a box of ‘wash-out’ colour that lasts just 2 shampoos. And, of course, if you're just interested in trying out a colour for a few days, don’t go for permanent dyes.
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Sample the shade
Yes, with a wig or by using one of those hair colour changing apps that allow you to experiment with your appearance digitally. This is especially useful if you’re planning on making a really dramatic change to your hair. By sampling the shade you plan on getting, you'll be less likely to make a wrong decision, possibly saving yourself plenty of heartache and money.
Photo: Hair Colour Booth Free on iTunes
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Know your formulas
There are plenty of different dyes out there - from foam and mousse-like dyes (that are best for sensitive skin), to gel and liquid formulas (which work better for thicker hair as they coat your strands better). Some dyes contain reparative essential oils and conditioners, which can help combat the damage that the dyeing process causes.
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Stay away from chlorinated pools
If there’s one way to strip the dye you’ve just painstakingly put in your hair, it’s going for a dip in a chlorinated pool. Strong chlorine can seep into the cuticles and impact on the glossiness and shine of your newly coloured hair as well as make your strands more prone to breakage and damage.
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Make sure you’re using colour-friendly products
Did you know that certain shampoos contain harsh chemicals that can strip away hair colour? This includes anti-dandruff shampoos and clarifying shampoos that aim to deep-cleanse your scalp. Invest in colour preserving shampoos for colour-treated hair instead. On top of this, try to rinse your hair with cold water when you shower as hot water can open up the pores along your hair shaft and penetrate the coloured strands, washing out the dye and making the colour dull faster.

Attempting to self-dye your precious locks in the comfort of your own home? You’ll need to know a few things to avoid disappointment.

Colouring your hair all by yourself may strike you as a daunting task. First of all, there are plenty of things that could go wrong. What if you pick the wrong shade? What if the dye you purchased ruins your hair? What if you do irreparable damage to your scalp?

There are a few questions that you’ll have to ask yourself before you slather on that dye. From the type of formula you’ll want to invest in (gel dyes or foam dyes?) to whether or not your natural hair colour will accommodate this new shade, you’ll probably want to cover all the bases before you make a decision.

To reduce the chances of you regretting your at-home dye job, we encourage you to consider 7 key things – head up to the gallery above to see what you can do to put your mind at ease. They aren’t difficult to follow, and once you’ve gone through these simple tips, you’ll be well-prepared to take on the role of your favourite hair stylist! Oh, and be sure not to forget to incorporate some colour treatment products to prolong the vibrancy of your hair post-colour!

Angela Goh

Photos: iStock

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