Buzz
Brown hair is relatively simple to dye and doesn’t differ significantly from blonde hair. Depending on your current hair color and the shade you desire, you might need to use specialized products. The key thing to remember is that hair dye is translucent, meaning darker shades are easier to achieve than lighter ones. Fortunately, there are specific products designed for brown hair that make the dyeing process much simpler.
Steps
Choose a Dye Color
Purchase a basic hair dye if you want a shade similar to or darker than your current hair color. Hair dye is translucent, so it only adds to your existing hair color. This means you can dye your hair any color you want, as long as the new shade is similar to or darker than your current one. For example, if you have medium brown hair, you can dye it medium auburn or dark brown.
- However, you cannot dye black hair brown.
- You can buy a hair dye kit or purchase the dye and developer separately.
- Most dye kits come with a 20-volume developer. The developer aids the dyeing process and helps the dye adhere to your hair.
- If buying a developer separately, opt for 10 or 20 volume, as it’s safer for at-home use, especially for first-time dyeing. It’s less damaging and easier to work with compared to 30 or 40 volume.
- If you’re covering gray hair, use a 20-volume developer.
Choose a golden blonde dye if you want to lighten your hair color. You can dye brown hair to a lighter shade, but you won’t achieve the exact color shown on the box. Opt for light, medium, or dark golden shades. The lighter the golden tone, the brighter your hair will appear after dyeing.
- Unless your hair is light brown, achieving a golden blonde shade after dyeing will be challenging.
- Some golden dyes include lightening agents, making them effective even on dark brown hair.
- Your hair might develop a brassy tone after dyeing, so consider purchasing a toning product or purple shampoo to neutralize the brassiness.
Try using dyes specifically formulated for dark or brown hair. There are dyes on the market designed for dark hair that allow you to achieve lighter shades like red or blue without pre-bleaching.
- Brands like Lime Crime and Splat offer such products.
- Look for labels that say "For Dark Hair" or "For Brunette Hair."
Select a shade that matches your skin's undertone for the best results. Like skin, hair also has warm and cool undertones. If your skin has a warm undertone, choose a dye with warm undertones. Conversely, if your skin has a cool undertone, opt for a cool-toned dye.
- Most hair dye products include a "W" or "C" after the number. "W" stands for "Warm," and "C" represents "Cool."
- Some products use "A" instead of "C," where "A" stands for "Ash," which falls under cool undertones.
Understand that you cannot achieve pastel shades without bleaching. For pastel colors, you need to start with white hair that has been toned to a silvery shade. To get white hair, bleaching is necessary.
- This also applies to vibrant shades like neon pink or yellow. While you don’t need pure white hair, a bleached blonde base will yield better results.
- You can use hair chalk for pastel shades, but it’s not long-lasting.
Section your hair and mix the dye
Start with dry, detangled hair that hasn’t been washed in the last 24-48 hours. This is crucial because the natural oils on your scalp will help protect your hair from damage.
- If you wash your hair within 24-48 hours before dyeing, use only shampoo, as conditioner can prevent the dye from adhering properly.
Protect your clothes and skin from stains. Wear an old shirt you don’t mind staining, then drape an old towel or cape over your shoulders. Apply petroleum jelly (like Vaseline) along your hairline, ears, and the back of your neck. Finally, put on plastic gloves.
- Choose a dark-colored towel to avoid visible stains.
- Dye your hair in an easy-to-clean area, such as a bathroom or kitchen.
- If you’re worried about staining surfaces, cover them with newspaper, wrapping paper, or a trash bag.
Section your hair, leaving only the bottom layer loose. Dye your hair in 1.3-2.5 cm sections rather than all at once. Part your hair horizontally at ear level and clip the upper section up.
- Secure the clipped section with a claw clip for easy removal and reattachment.
- If you have very thick hair, part it lower to work with thinner sections.
- For shorter hair that can’t be clipped up, use duckbill clips. If your hair is chin-length or shorter, this step may not be necessary.
Prepare the dye according to the instructions on the package. Some dye kits come with pre-mixed dye and developer, while others require you to purchase the developer separately. Follow the product’s instructions for mixing.
- You can mix the dye in the bottle provided in the kit or use a non-metallic bowl.
- If you’re aiming for a lighter shade, add 1-3 toner packets to the dye. More toner will result in a cooler, ashier final color.
- Don’t worry if you can’t find toner; you can use purple shampoo later to neutralize brassiness.
Test the dye on a small section of hair. Apply the dye to a thin strand in a less visible area, such as the nape of your neck. Wrap the strand in plastic wrap and leave it for the recommended time. Rinse the strand with cool water and let it dry.
- You don’t need to use conditioner at this stage, as this is just a test.
- While not mandatory, a strand test is highly recommended, as the final color may differ from your expectations.
- If the color isn’t what you wanted, you’ll need to purchase a different dye.
Apply the Dye
Use your fingers or a dye brush to apply the dye to your hair. If you mixed the dye in a squeeze bottle, this will be easier—simply squeeze the dye onto your hair and use your fingers to work it in. If you used a bowl, use a dye brush to apply the mixture.
- Work in sections of about 2.5-5 cm to ensure full coverage.
- If lightening your hair, start applying the dye from the ends first.
- For regular dye or darker shades, begin at the roots.
Release a thin layer of hair. Unclip the top section of your hair and let it down. Gather the hair again into a half-up ponytail, this time about 2.5 cm higher than before. Clip the hair up again.
Apply more dye to the next layer. Use your fingers or a dye brush to apply the dye to the dry, untreated sections of hair. Don’t worry if you accidentally overlap onto already-dyed hair.
- If lightening your hair, try to work quickly. Even though the dye doesn’t contain bleach, it can still damage your hair.
Repeat this process until you reach the crown. Continue releasing and dyeing sections of hair until you reach the top of your head. At this point, touch up the hairline and part to ensure even coverage.
- If needed, apply extra dye to shorter strands around the hairline, temples, and nape.
Complete the Dyeing Process
Leave the dye on your hair for the time specified on the packaging. The processing time typically ranges from 25 to 60 minutes, depending on the brand and type of dye you’re using. Avoid leaving the dye on longer than recommended, especially if you’re lightening your hair.
- Leaving golden blonde dye on for too long won’t make your hair lighter; it will only cause more damage.
- Gather your hair into a loose bun and cover it with a shower cap to prevent staining your surroundings.
Rinse the dye out with cool water and apply conditioner. Avoid shampoo; rinse with cool or lukewarm water until the water runs clear. Then, apply conditioner, leave it on for 2-3 minutes, and rinse again with cool or lukewarm water.
- Use a sulfate-free conditioner or one designed for dyed hair. You can also use the conditioner included in your dye kit.
Let your hair dry and style it as desired. If possible, allow your hair to air-dry naturally. Alternatively, use a blow dryer on a low setting. Some people prefer to let their hair dry halfway naturally before finishing with a blow dryer.
Use a toner if your hair turns brassy or yellow. Wet your hair, then apply purple shampoo. Leave it on for the recommended time, usually 5-15 minutes, and rinse with cool water. Dry your hair as usual.
- If you added toner to your golden blonde dye, you might not face this issue.
- Wear gloves during this step, as purple shampoo contains a small amount of dye that can stain your hands.
Wait 72 hours before shampooing your hair. This is crucial because your hair cuticles remain open during this period. Washing too soon can cause the dye to fade or wash out. Allow 72 hours for the cuticles to close and fully absorb the dye.
- Use shampoos and conditioners specifically designed for dyed hair. If unavailable, opt for sulfate-free products.
- Proper aftercare is essential to maintain the color and keep it vibrant longer.
Tips
- If you’re unsure about which color to choose, consult a professional hairstylist at a salon.
- Hair dye, especially unconventional shades like pink or blue, can stain pillowcases for the first few days. Consider using an old pillowcase to avoid damage.
- The darker your natural hair, the more challenging it will be to achieve a lighter shade.
