How to Dye Hair

Have you been thinking about dying your hair? Whether it is the first time or the tenth time, here are some tips on doing it at home without killing your hair.

Pick a color you are comfortable with. If it is your first time, pick a color not so far away from your original hair color in order to be safe.

Mix the dye together.

Be sure to coat all your hair so that it doesn't come out streaky and set a timer for the amount of time it says on the box.

Wait until the timer is up, walk in the shower, get a little water in your hair, and lather it up, dye and all. Let it sit for another minute and rinse it out completely until the water runs clear.

Use the conditioner that's in the kit and leave it in your hair for about five minutes. Then rinse it out.

Allow your hair to dry naturally instead of blow-drying as it will retain more shine that way.

Wash your hair the next day like you normally would and condition it with your normal conditioner, but again leave the conditioner in for about five minutes.

Make sure that you leave that conditioner in for at least three minutes every time you shampoo for the next week and your hair will be soft and shiny just like it was before you dyed it.

Make sure that you get someone to help you.

Tips

• With some products, rinsing your hair with vinegar immediately after coloring will make it last a bit longer (Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water, comb through hair and let it stay for a minute or two; then you can rinse it out).
• Mix some conditioner into the dye before you apply it. This helps your hair take the color and isn't as damaging.
• Before you dye your hair, you can smear Vaseline or any other cream on your forehead and ears; this way, your skin isn't dyed with you hair, and you can easily wipe of the dye.

Warnings

• If you experience any burning or itching while the dye is in, make sure you rinse it out right away!
• If your hair is extremely dry, condition it every night for at least five minutes in a hot shower for at least a week before dying it.
• DO NOT dye it pitch black unless you are prepared to keep the color for a while or wouldn't mind going to the salon to have it chemically lightened.
• Be careful of the chemicals in hair dyes; some hair dyes, especially the darker colors, are suspected of containing carcinogens (cancer-causing chemicals); ask at your health food store or herbalist if in doubt.
• Some dyes use a chemical called paraphenylenediamine, which can cause bad reactions in some people. If the dye you use contains this ingredient, it is best to do a "patch test" on a small area of skin before applying it to your hair.
• Don't freak out if you see the color run in the shower. If the dye is temporary (good for seven to ten days), the dye will run until it is eliminated. For a laugh, plug the drain the first night the dye is in. For more fun, make the dye dark red.