Article: 12 Things to Know Before Dyeing Your Own Hair

Things to Know Before Dyeing Your Own Hair

1. IDENTIFY YOUR OWN NATURAL HAIR COLOR

"Your natural hair color first determines where to start when you're choosing your desired shade," People with warmer base tones, who is a natural blond, can take on different colors than someone with a cooler starting hue. Ask your hairstylist, who will be more attuned to identifying nuanced tones.

2. BE REALISTIC

Rome wasn't built in a day-and drastic hair color can't be achieved overnight, either. "The more pronounced the change you attempt, the more likely the results will be brassy, ashy or just plain disappointing," says celebrity colorist Kelly Van Gogh. A subtle shift, on the other hand, like Camilla Belle's lift from rich brunet to spicy cinnamon, is completely attainable.

3. TRY ON A WIG

If you plan on making a dramatic change, that is, more than three shades lighter or darker than what's natural, it is advised trying on a wig close to your desired color. It's a quick, painless way to determine if the shade is right for you. 

4. BUY MORE THAN YOU NEED

"Depending on the length and thickness of your hair, you should always buy a few boxes of dye," Someone with below-the-chest strands, may require three boxes to get full coverage. "It's better to have too much hair dye, than to realize you need more halfway through," she says.

5. FIND THE RIGHT FORMULA

6. STEER CLEAR OF THE POOL

Chlorine strips away the hair cuticle, allowing minerals in the water to get into the hair shaft and alter your color. Rather than diving in, sit pretty poolside, like Whitney Port, for at least two weeks before and after dyeing your hair.

7. BUY A SHADE LIGHTER THAN YOU WANT

8. SKIP THE SHOWER

The scalp's natural oils work as a buffer to prevent irritation. Translation? Dirty hair is ideal for dyeing. "It's also much easier to section second day hair, which ensures even color distribution." It is advised skipping the shampoo a day before you plan to color-and we suggest sporting a cute baseball hat  to sweep back unwashed strands.

9. SWAP YOUR SHAMPOOS

Certain shampoos, like clarifying or dandruff-fighting formulas, can strip away hair color with sulfates and harsh chemicals. Get a color preserving shampoo, which is more gentle. .

Dye your Princess Hair hair easily.