If you could dye your hair another color right now, what color would it be? As the weather decides to change, this is the perfect time to switch up the hair color.
What Color Should I Dye My Hair?
If you’re considering dying your hair another color, here are some things to consider as well as what to expect and some dye colors to think about.
In this article:
- What Color Should You Dye Your Hair?
- How To Dye Your Hair
- How Long Should You Leave Dye In?
- How To Remove Hair Dye Off Skin
- Best At-Home Hair Color
What Color Should You Dye Your Hair?
To accurately answer this question, you not only have to weigh your preferences, but you need to consider your complexion and the amount of melanin in your skin.
Whatever your natural color, the right hair dye can enhance it. Conversely, the wrong hair dye can detract from your looks.
Three things you want to consider when deciding which color to dye your hair is:
- Will it make your face look full or gaunt?
- Does the hue match your skin or contrast (you want it to match)
- Do you want to it to shout or whisper?
Hair color determines a lot of things, mostly how people will view you. If you want something that looks natural, a dimmer hue is usually best. If you want startled attention, an arresting color will do the job.
Here’s what you should do:
- Dye a synthetic wig a darker color so you can see how it looks on you. If you like, go with it. If not, adjust the dye on another wig.
- Do a strand test, which comes with most hair color boxes. That way, you’ll know how your hair will look.
How To Dye Your Hair
If you want to dye your own hair, don’t think it’s too hard a task to complete. You got this. All you have to do is remember to follow the instructions.
That means you’re not allowed to make up colors or mix them. Seriously, don’t think you can combine different shades and it will turn out fine! Only professionals should try this.
When you buy your dye color, do the strand test to see how it looks on you and rock with that.
Here’s how to dye your hair.
- Follow the instructions on the bottle or box
- You’ll need a medium sized brush to dye your hair with
- Don a pair of gloves or you can use old plastic grocery bags (yes , they worked great)
- Protect your clothes by wearing a covering over your shoulders, even if it’s a towel. It may also be a good idea to put plastic on the floor to make sure no dye is splashed there.
- Before you start the application, it’s a good idea to line your scalp with a thin line of Vaseline or even some lotion. This way, you won’t get any hard-to-remove dye on your hairline.
- Make sure your hair is dry. If it’s wet the dye won’t take as much
Once you’ve done all of that, it’s time to dye your hair.
Grab the dye bottle and squire the contents into a bowl or as I mentioned before, an old plastic grocery bag. You can double or triple bag it for security.
Dab your brush into the dye and gently paint your hair, starting with the roots. Apply a few applications before moving out.
Now it’s time to come back with a comb. Again, you want to use broad, gentle strokes to distribute the dye evenly.
Once your hair is completely covered in dye, grab a mirror and look for any missed spots. Make sure you look all around your head.
Once you’re satisfied, you’ll want to put on a disposable shower cap to lock in the color.
How Long Should You Leave Dye In Your Hair?
Hair dye shouldn’t be left in your hair for hours and hours. In fact, anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes should be sufficient for lasting color.
The chemicals will stick to your follicles in less than an hour. After that, it’s all about maintenance. That means:
- Avoid direct sunlight
- Don’t get it wet immediately
- Stay away from harsh shampoos
How To Remove Hair Dye Off Skin
One way to remove hair dye on your skin is to attack it with alcohol and soap. Once you dab some on a towel, gently apply it to the affected skin in a circular motion. The more lather, the better.
For darker areas, you might want to try baking soda and water. Again, wiping it gently in a circular motion.
One way to avoid hair dye sticking to you is to wet your skin before you begin. That means your fingers, hands as well as parts of your face and shoulders.
Best At-Home Hair Colors
If you want some suggestions on the best hair dye colors, here’s what some shoppers have said about the following brands:
Revlon Colorsilk Moisture Rich Hair Color, Golden Brown No.73, 3 Count – $16.79
Here’s what one Amazon reviewer says about Revlon Colorsilk hair dye: “I’m really not sure to be honest I just pure everything in the applicator bottle and it comes out fine. I love the color!”
Here’s what one reviewer says about Clairol Natural Instincts hair dye: “My wife used the previous version of this product which is also ammonia free for over 6 years and it had beautiful permanent color. It was the best ammonia free product and one that actually worked. This version is a semi permanent one and the color does not develop properly at all.”
Maydear Temporary Hair Color Hair Dye Hair Chalk Comb with Bright Colors – Popular and Economy Pack (New Design) – $13.74
Here’s what one Amazon reviewer says about Maydear temporary hair dye: “Loved everything about this product. It’s not messy and the color actually shows up on my hair. I love how I can use many different colors and the colors actually don’t run into each other making a color of its own. Washes out with shampoo and my hair isn’t dried out or damaged at all. I love how I can use all or one color. I don’t have to bleach my hair to get the bright colors!”
Arctic Fox Vegan and Cruelty-Free Semi-Permanent Hair Color Dye (8 Fl Oz, VIRGIN PINK) – $18.99
(Also here’s a picture of my hair now after not dyeing it in over a month.”
Clairol Natural Instincts Semi-Permanent, 2 Black, Midnight, 3 Count – $20.76
Here’s what one Amazon reviewer says about Clairol Natural Instincts Semi-Permanent hair dye: ” First, I was very happy with the previous formulation of the product. It was easy to use, I loved the color (5C, medium brown). Then, they went and changed the formulation, and (at the same time) Amazon changed the method of ordering it. First, the formulation. It is much harder to use in all ways — at least, for me.”
SoftSheen-Carson Dark and Lovely Fade Resist Rich Conditioning Color, Natural Black 372 – $4.97
Here’s what one Amazon reviewer says about SoftSheen-Carson Dark & Lovely hair dye: “This is the only haircolor that will lift my dark brown hair to blonde with one step. I am of German descent but no blonde hair. Well, not without my Softsheen Carson! I will never purchase another brand. The key is to leave it on double time.”
