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Remember, patience is a virtue.
Thankfully, we know a few professional hairstylists and colorists who shared their expert insights with us.
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“Do not wash your hair before applying color,” notes Morales.
“This will irritate your scalp and can become painful.
Detangle Your Hair
Prior to reaching for your hair dye, Morales recommends thoroughlydetanglingyour hair.
Use a wide-tooth comb and gently work your way from your ends to your roots.
Now, mousse formulas are just as popular.
Whats the difference between a liquid dye and a mousse formula, you ask?
McLean says mousse colors are more translucent, leading to a shimmery, iridescent effect after being applied.
Liquid colors are typically more opaque or condensed and may lead to a more pigmented final look.
Any form of highlighting,balayage, or ombre becomes too challenging for at-home coloring procedures, he says.
Those should be left to the professionals.
Most experts, including Gould, suggest seeing a professional colorist for this punch in of change.
First, it’s crucial that you choose a high-quality hair lightening product specifically designed for dark hair.
beforehand, and then once you start applying the dye see to it to follow the directions.
In the meantime, you’re free to use acolor-depositing shampooandtonerto minimize brass and neutralize your temporary shade.
If you have paler skin, go for color with warmer tones, he suggests.
If you have olive to darker skin tones, ashy or cooler tones will complement you.
(You wouldn’t want to damage your hair to the point of breakage, now would you?)
This tip may seem obvious, but it’s one worth mentioning.
“Read and follow the instructions carefully,” says Morales.
Heres a little secret: you could score them for less than a dollar at most beauty stores!
He also recommends using disposable latex gloves.
Most times, these tools come with the at-home dye box.
“Only prepare and mix what you are going to use,” Morales says.
You don’t want your hair dye to go to waste if you don’t end up needing it.
“For a better coverage, see to it you section you hair properly,” Morales says.
McLean also recommends stocking up on clips to section off your hair.
Luckily, this is avoidable.
McLean suggests applying a barrier cream at the hairline to prevent staining.
Try usingpetroleum jelly,which will keep any hair dye from adhering to your skin mid-tool.
If they’re not able to be there in person, a video chat will do.
But if you have a lot of hair, Morales advises otherwise.
Your hair could also end up looking too dark, inky, and/or dull.
You’ll want to wait atleast24 hours before washing your freshly-colored hair.
(Some colorists recommend holding out for about three days.)
So the longer you’re free to wait, the more locked in your new tones will be.
Don’t wash your hair before dyeing your hair at home.
The natural oils on your scalp are actually helpful and can protect your scalp from the chemicals in dye.
Morales specifies, ““Do not wash your hair before applying color.
This will irritate your scalp and can become painful.
Also, don’t mix your hair dye ahead of time or over-prepare.
Only prepare and mix what you’re going to use.
Before dyeing your hair at home, double-check it is clean, detangled and free from build up.