Best way to dye your hair
Not everyone is ready to embrace the grey. Or sometimes people want to experiment with different hair dye or try something new with pops of colour. When it comes to hair, there is a lot of room for creativity, but there is also a lot of room for something to go wrong.
Not all hair dye is created equally.
Stylist Brannigan Bowlby can be found at Second Glance in the Annapolis Valley in Berwick, N.S. She has been working as a stylist for 17 years. She offers advice for colouring hair.
HOME DYE KITS
When it comes to a home hair dye kit, Bowlby says the main thing to do is to follow exactly what the manufacturer states. This is particularly true for processing times, which she says are not guidelines.
“You are using chemicals, and so the colour and processing solution need to be mixed exactly as directed to avoid any issues,” said Bowlby.
Boxed dye generally contains something called 30 volume developer which can be harsh, so this is why it is important to follow the manufacturer’s directions exactly.
Although they are these chemicals in the dye, she says when used properly these products are made to be used at home and so can be done safely.
CHOOSING A COLOUR
Although she can’t say for certain what boxed dye is better than another as she has never used them herself, Bowlby says when selecting one to just take your time and choose a product that fits your needs.
Bowlby suggests when picking a colour, staying within a shade or two of your natural colour.
“Remember, colour doesn’t lighten colour,” she said. “You
cannot overall lighten your hair if it’s previously been coloured.”
Instead, Bowlby says you must use lightener. Because this is tricky, she says it is better in this scenario to see a professional to help with lightening the colour.
DYING YOUR HAIR AT HOME
If you are going to colour your hair yourself at home, Bowlby offers some top tips.
• Try and stay close to the level of hair you currently have especially if you have previously coloured your hair. Otherwise, only your regrowth will get lighter. This is called hot roots when the roots are a different colour to the rest of your hair.
• Follow the directions. They are there for a reason.
• When trying to use lightener, it’s especially important to be cautious
Over usage can be extremely damaging to hair and your skin if not used properly, warns Bowlby.
WHEN POSSIBLE, CHOOSE THE SALON
If money was no object, Bowlby says there are definite benefits to choosing a salon over a home dye. For example, salons carry such a large amount of stock to colour and tone your hair, that it makes it easier for stylists to reach everyone’s desired hair goals, compared to picking up one box to use at home.
“What makes salon colours safer is our knowledge and experience and us knowing exactly how to use these products,” said Bowlby.
MITIGATING THE COST
Salon visits are expensive, says Bowlby, so she understands the need for an athome touch up.
That being said, stylists are usually willing to find a way to stretch visits or help pick low maintenance styles for those who are looking to stick to a budget, she said.
“I also have some clients who will colour at home one month, and then following month come to the salon,” said Bowlby.
Another way to save money would be to choose a lowmaintenance colour, says Bowlby. Pick something close to your natural shade that doesn’t show regrowth so quickly.
Also, consider adding a few highlights as they help blend grey hairs if you’re trying to hide any. It’s not something that needs to be kept up at every appointment.
FIND A COSMETOLOGY SCHOOL
Utilizing a cosmetology school in your area is an amazing way to get your hair coloured while new stylists are learning the tricks of the trade, suggests Bowlby.
Students usually have to have colour formulas approved by teachers, so this ends up meaning you are getting the experience of multiple people.
“We all started in the same situation, and the more practice they can get at school, the better,” she said
Note, sometimes these appointments take a little bit longer as they are still learning, but these treatments truly are a fraction of the price.
Overall, when it comes to boxed hair dyes, the luck is often in the draw. But maybe, that’s half the fun.