The Hair Dyeing Experience

Sometimes the only way to be become an expert or just more experienced with something is just by jumping in and doing it...
I had every supply and prep item that I could think of, set and ready to dye my hair this ravishing magenta red color, but after completing the process I definitely see areas where improvements can be made. With that being said; I certainly liked how the color turned out (although I will be making adjustments in coming weeks, more on that later). Here are just a few tips, dos/don'ts, tricks and recommendations that I am going to offer regarding my hair dyeing experience.

Supplies/Products Used:
  • 2 Tubes - Loreal Hi-Color Highlights in Magenta (For Dark Hair Only)
  • 2 Bottles - (4oz) Saloncare Vol. 20 Creme Developer
  • 6 Plastic hair clips
  • Gloves
  • Old Towel, T-Shirt & Jeans/Pants
  • Old Newspaper
  • Mixing bowl
  • Measuring cup
  • application brush
  • A timer/clock
  • One of your Best buds
  • A cocktail or two (optional) ;-)
Dos:
  • Separate the hair into several sections- You can use the clips to keep the sections separate or  twist/braid them
  • Have a friend aid you, to ensure you do not miss spots and help keep the messy dye contained
  • Use a measuring cup to get the appropriate amount of developer mixed into the dye
  • Use a developer and mix it well! To be extra careful I only used volume 20 developer, (this is recommended on the dye box for relaxed ladies also) this level of developer isn't as strong as the recommended level 30 and therefore needs to be left on for a bit longer in order to bring the level of you natural hair color down and allow the dye to penetrate fully.
  • Do apply dye to the roots lasts. Your scalp generates heat from the body which causes the dyeing process to work faster at your roots than other parts of the hair. This will result in your roots being significantly lighter than the rest of your hair.
  • Do use a protein pack, or two if need be, immediately after rinsing the dye out of your hair. This will restore well needed moisture that was lost in the process.
On a side note I attempted to save that step for last until I realized I have much of my ends left to color and not enough dye to cover them with, and so I ended up with the extra brillantly red roots!

Donts:
  • Don't use an applicator brush for your ends. Particularly if you have hair as thick as minds! You will be there ALL day! Seriously, if you learn anything from me demonstrating and blogging this process, I hope it is this tip! Instead invest in a large applicator bottle (the ones with the pointy nozzle at the end) and fill it with your dye mixture. Using the bottle and your hands the apply the dye and massage it in thoroughly will save you the time and trouble of the guess work with getting complete coverage of the dye. Having a buddy helps with this as well! Two  applicator bottles may be in order in that case.
  • Don't short yourself on processing time! In the midst of applying the dye, I neglected to start the timer, and the fact that I could only get one side done at a time really worked against this. I don't know if you can tell but one side of my napps are slightly more pigmented with the dye then the other...SMH... You live and you learn and then you share! Seriously though, have a buddy take on one section while you take on the other and then you can set the timer for the 30-45 min you need to let the dye take.
  • Don't forget to where raggedy clothing (FOR REAL) and set down newspaper or an old towel just in case the dye drips and spills. And trust me, it WILL!
  • Don't forget to put on your gloves...even before you open the tubes of dye! I did this and one of the tubes of dye exploded from the bottom and spilled out all over my unprotected hands...
  • Don't shampoo the dye out. Wait at least 48 hours before shampooing. Just in those two days the process continues to work on your hair and will allow the color to brighten/deepen. 
Hopefully you have learned something from me sharing this experience and all of the minor snafus that went with it..Overall it was a success, even though I will be  redyeing (the ends only) in about two weeks..I'll post updates, so Stay Tuned!

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