Thread: is it easy to dye your own hair?

a few weeks ago i had the 'body' dyed a deep sangria red and the top parts highlighted, the red has pretty much washed out..how difficult would it be to just dye the body by myself using a home kit? couldn't i just separate the top highlight portion and just dye the rest or will this be too difficult?

when you get sick of highlights can a darker color be dyed back in over the highlights?

I reckon if anyone can do a good home dye job it's you Jes!..l;,

It might be tricky to dye everything except the highlights, as home dye kits are generally intended to dye the whole lot, but not impossible, and you can easily do the whole head if you get bored of highlights. In my experience the previously highlighted bits fade a bit quicker than the rest though, so they will start showing through after a while.

its tempting especially since i still resemble a bulldog

the highlights on top are copper and blond, i suppose they may turn a funny color if i dyed them red (well thats what my dye head says)

but if i separate them and pull them into a clip at top and just do the bulk of the rest it should be ok huh

i suppose everyone wants me to try and see hehehe..l;,

I dont do highlights, but I have been home dying for a decade or more. I really dont notice that much of a difference in quality the few times I have had it done at the salon. I usually use Feria dyes and have been totally happy with that.

You could try a demi-dye, that is supposed to wash out after so many washings which is a good idea if you don't like the way it turns out. If you want something permanent, I would strongly recommend going to a hair stylist, especially with reds. My hair is very, very dark so usually a dark dye, no matter what kind, will always come out, well, dark <duh>

Good luck - and one more note: if you haven't colored it in awhile, the old color does weaken so maybe trying it at home with a demi just might work.

gotcha

do dark browns tend to stay in longer? what am i saying i know i want red

I have never used red but at one time I had carmel highlights that were getting pretty blonde on me - not a good thing. So I used a dark brown and it was at least two months before the blonde "bled through." But I am guessing that if you want red, try the demi color, I've had success with Clairol Basic Instincts or any Level 2. If it works, then go with a permanent color in about a week. It's easier to work with a Level 2 if you don't like how it turns out - the Level 3 (permanent) is just that - SO PERMANENT. Let me know how it works out.

I think if you want red though, don't go to dark brown because it will be just that - dark brown. Try a medium red color but not a dark red.

thank you! if i can hobble around today we'll see what happens, i have a burgundy wash out dye here :)..g.:

yes exactly the highlights are too blond, would like to soften go more caramel maybe..

Just don't involve that crock pot and you'll be fine.

Jes, do it Merkaba!!!

My experience is that the highlights will take the dye at a different depth than the rest of your head. In other words, they will be a brighter red than the rest.

{{{HUGS}}

Originally Posted by tahiradancer

My experience is that the highlights will take the dye at a different depth than the rest of your head. In other words, they will be a brighter red than the rest.

{{{HUGS}}

Agreed!

Also, red will always wash out the quickest. If you're thinking of dyeing your whole head red now, there is a red shampoo/conditioner/mousse at the salon that helps maintain the intensity between colorings. (I believe the one I am thinking of is by Matrix.)

I've been dying my hair for 34 years. I started when I was in Jr High. Reds fade fast. Also, if your hair is naturally gray or beginning to turn, the gray strands won't hold the color as long. My gray hair (I started turning gray in my 30s) sometimes gets quite reddish or brassy immediately after coloring, but that fades in 2 or 3 washings.

If your hair is fairly close to the color you want to go, no problem doing it yourself at home. If you want a big change, go to a stylist who specializes in colors. Don't be afraid to pick up the phone, call salons, tell them what you want, and most important, don't be afraid to ask brutal questions like - if I bring in a sample of the color I want, do you have a stylist who can match it?

I agree with the suggestions to try a semi-permanent color first. Pick out the color you want the body of your hair to be and call the customer support number on the package, and tell them what you want to do. Keep the box or at least the part with the brand, color #, etc. so you have a starting point if you want to go darker, lighter, redder, or just make what you have permanent.

If you're going lighter than your natural color, look at the swatches on the box that show natural/colored keeping your natural color in mind. If you're going darker or just reddish, match your current color to the "natural color" swatch on the box, then look at the color result swatch. And don't forget that printers ink isn't quite the same as dye on the head.

Dying just the body and not the highlights might be tricky without some help. You might need to wrap the strands that should NOT get dye, and dye around them. Clipping them on top your head leaves the roots of the highlighted strands exposed to the new dye. But maybe that's the look you want.

Some tricks to remember... put vasaline or heavy lotion on your ears and across your forehead and down each side close to the hairline. When applying the dye make sure to get ALL the little wisps of hair in front of the ears and at the nape of the neck. If the dye in your hair starts to dry out before the recommended time, spritz your head lightly with warm water.

About 11 years ago, when the internet was new, I jumped on a plane to Florida to attend a party of people I met through the 'net. One was a stylist who used to work on the S C beauty pageants. She gave me the very best color I've ever had in my life. Unfortunately the cut itself was really really bad, maybe because she had several jello shots before picking up the scissors.

I have found a wonderful product (after absolutely frying my hair with a popular brand a few years ago) - it's available in Whole Foods; I believe that it's called "NutriTint" (I colored it again yesterday and threw the trash out already). It has no ammonia and is full of natural plant extracts. I use the Mahogany Chestnut over my mousy-brown/grey hair, and get beautiful results -- shiny, silky, thicker, and a gorgeous color. Hints: red does come out fast, so wash and rinse in lukewarm or cool water. Cover your hair when you're out in the sun. And *use* the color multiplier that comes with it in between colorings as it instructs you to.

Originally Posted by nitewindz

About 11 years ago, when the internet was new, I jumped on a plane to Florida to attend a party of people I met through the 'net. One was a stylist who used to work on the S C beauty pageants. She gave me the very best color I've ever had in my life. Unfortunately the cut itself was really really bad, maybe because she had several jello shots before picking up the scissors.

.w.:..l;,..l;,..l;,