HAIR MASTERCLASS HAIR TO DYE FOR
Whether you’re refreshing your highlights or going all out with coloured dipdye, there are a few things you need to know before going under the foils.
KNOW YOUR OWN NATURAL HAIR COLOUR
Your natural hair colour first determines where to start when you’re choosing your desired shade. People with warmer base tones, can take on more different colours than someone with a cooler starting hue. Ask your hairstylist, for a bit of guidance when choosing a colour.
TAKE BABY STEPS
Drastic hair colour shouldn’t be achieved overnight. The more pronounced the change you attempt, the more likely the results will be brassy, ashy or just plain disappointing.
OPF FOR A WIG
If you plan on making a dramatic change, that is, more than three shades lighter or darker than what’s natural, try on a wig close to your desired colour first. It’s a quick, painless way to determine if the shade is right for you.
BUY MORE THAN YOU NEED
Depending on the length and thickness of your hair, you should always buy a few boxes of dye. Some people may require more than one box to get full coverage. It’s better to have too much hair dye, than to realize you need more halfway through.
FIND THE RIGHT FORMULA
Foam dyes are best for women with sensitive skin, since the mousse-like formulas won’t drip onto the face or hairline. Also, women with thick hair have better luck with gel or liquid formulas, which provide full coverage and distribute efficiently throughout the hair.
AVOID TAKING A DIP
Chlorine strips away the hair cuticle, allowing minerals in the water to get into the hair shaft and alter your colour. Rather than diving in, sit looking pretty by the poolside, for at least two weeks before and after dyeing your hair.
BUY A SHADE LIGHTER THAN YOU WANT
Hair dye always comes out darker than the image on the box. Buy one or two shades lighter than your desired colour, It is easier to amp up a colour’s
intensity than it is to tone it down.
CHANGE YOUR SHAMPOOS
Certain shampoos, like clarifying or dandrufffighting formulas, can strip away hair colour with sulfates and harsh chemicals. Get a colour preserving shampoo, which is more gentle.
YES, DYE DAMAGES THE HAIR
Hair always gets a little damaged when applying colour, even if you’re going back to your natural hue. Both permanent and semi-permanent dyes contain hydrogen peroxide, which chemically changes the colour of the hair pigment. Try using a hair mask at least once a week to moisturize dry hair and restore shine. The mask aids in repairing damaged hair and fortifying strands so they resist further breakage.