Buzz
By blending hair color with a developer, you’re closer to achieving a brand-new hair shade. Preparing the right tools, such as a mixing bowl, stirring utensil, and gloves, is crucial to keeping the dye-mixing process clean and organized. When mixing the dye and developer, ensure the correct ratio is used and stir until the mixture is smooth. You can even combine two different colors to create a completely unique hair dye tone!
Steps
Mix Hair Dye and Developer
Purchase two boxes of hair dye if you have long or thick hair. You’ll need more than one box if your hair is past shoulder-length or extremely thick. Therefore, always have two boxes of hair dye ready.
- It’s better to have extra dye than to run out mid-application.
- You can also buy hair color and developer separately at beauty supply stores.
Mix the hair dye and developer in a glass or plastic bowl. This bowl will be used to prepare and hold the hair dye. Avoid using metal bowls, as the dye can oxidize upon contact with metal, resulting in uneven color application.
- Metal bowls can also cause harmful chemical reactions.
- If you dye your hair frequently, it’s best to have a dedicated bowl for this purpose.
Lay down an old towel or newspaper where you’ll place the dye. This prevents the surface from getting stained. Ensure everything is arranged to create a flat workspace. If using a towel, choose one you don’t mind getting dirty.
- Dark-colored towels are a good alternative if you don’t have old towels or newspapers, as dye stains won’t be as noticeable.
Wear latex or plastic gloves. Most hair dye kits include gloves. Put them on before mixing the dye and developer to protect your skin from chemicals.
- This also prevents your skin from staining.
- Now is also a good time to drape an old towel over your shoulders or wear an old shirt to protect your clothes during application.
Mix the dye and developer in a 1:1 or 1:2 ratio. The correct ratio is usually specified in the instructions on the dye box. Properly mixing the dye and developer is crucial for achieving the perfect hair color.
- If you buy a dye kit, the instructions will provide the exact ratio. If purchasing dye and developer separately, you’ll need to measure the ratio yourself. A small measuring kit can be helpful.
Use a plastic fork to stir the dye and developer thoroughly. Mix until you achieve a smooth, even consistency in color and texture. A small silicone whisk can also be used for similar results.
- Avoid using metal utensils for mixing.
- Stirring with a brush can cause clumping, leading to an uneven texture.
Color Combination
Choose two complementary hair dye shades from the same brand. Complementary colors, such as red and brown, blend well together. Avoid pairing contrasting tones, like platinum blonde and black.
- Combine colors only if you want a custom shade or a color that isn’t readily available. For an easier option, look for pre-mixed tones like auburn, chestnut brown, or blue-black.
- Contrasting tones often clash, while similar tones complement each other effectively.
- Ensure both colors are from the same brand to guarantee consistency in formula and developer ratios.
- Check the processing time on the dye boxes to ensure both colors have the same development duration.
Note the brightness level of both colors. When selecting colors to mix, pay attention to the numbering system on the dye boxes. Higher numbers indicate a greater lightening effect.
- Choose two shades within 2-3 levels of each other. For example, pairing a slightly darker shade with a lighter one than your natural hair color creates a balanced blend.
Mix the two dyes in a 1:1 ratio. Use equal amounts of both colors to ensure an even application.
- A 1:1 ratio makes it easier to recreate the color later, especially for touch-ups.
- If using a different ratio, note the formula for future reference, particularly for root touch-ups.
- Use a small measuring kit to portion the dyes if you’re not using the entire product.
Mix the dye and developer in the correct ratio. Combine the two dyes and add the developer. Mixing two dyes increases the total dye volume, so adjust the developer accordingly.
- For example, if the dye-to-developer ratio is 1:1, double or triple the developer amount.
- Most dye kits include the developer, so check the box contents before purchasing additional products.
Document your custom hair dye formula after coloring. Write down the brand, color name, and the numerical combination from the dye boxes. This ensures you can easily recreate the same shade in the future for touch-ups or full applications.
- Even if you’re unsatisfied with the result, noting the formula prevents accidentally repeating the same combination later.
Warnings
- Use an old sponge or wet wipes to immediately clean up any spilled dye to prevent staining furniture or surfaces.
- Always wear protective gloves when handling hair dye and developer.
What You’ll Need
Mixing Hair Dye and Developer
- Hair dye
- Developer
- Plastic or glass bowl
- Old towel
- Latex or plastic gloves
- Measuring tools
- Plastic fork or small silicone whisk
Color Combination
- Hair dye
- Developer
- Measuring tools
- Pen
- Paper
