Dying your hair is so much fun and I definitely recommend it to anyone interested or curious (because you only live once and it's just hair!). However, there are definitely things you must know before tinting—or at least there are things I definitely wish I knew—that will make the transition easier.
I've said it before - I've tried just about every hair color imaginable. I've had color dyed myself and spent a lot of money to have it done in a salon, tint it, highlight it, tone it down...seriously everything. So I now basically know what happens with most colors and chemical processes.
However, when I first started dying my hair, I was really surprised by some of the changes I noticed; for the first time I understood why there were a million different products on the hair care aisle, like color treatments and hair dyes, etc. . As much as I love doing it, dying your hair can require serious maintenance and can definitely take a toll on your hair's overall health.
So, in the spirit of complete transparency about your expectations, here are nine things everyone should know before dying their hair.
1. It changes the texture (but that’s not necessarily a bad thing)
In an article for Cosmopolitan magazine, hairstylist Kari Hill says you may find your hair becomes more voluminous after dying it, which means you may also find it easier to style . My hair definitely has more volume and texture after dying it, so it makes my medium to fine hair look fuller. The definite flip side of this, however, is that after enough color jobs and multiple layers of treatments, my hair can start to feel dry and damaged. So my personal advice is to limit the number of times you dye the same area.
2. Sadly, it fades
It's a fact I've heard a million times before dying my hair, but I never fully realized how troublesome it can be until I experienced it myself. You start out by choosing a hair color you love, only to find that a few weeks in it starts to fade or become a little brassy, and a few weeks after that the difference is even more noticeable. In an article for Real Simple, hairstylist Jasen James says not to wash your hair for at least a full day after dying, and then only washing it every two or three days to help maintain the color. Additionally, color expert Amanda Paul says to wet your hair before getting in the pool or ocean because "hair acts like a sponge. If it's wet, it can't absorb chlorine or salt water and will fade less. ”
3. You need to buy special shampoo
Pureology Hydrating Shampoo, $23, Lookfantastic
Beyond the "it will fade" fact, you should invest in color-preserving shampoo and conditioner, which are often more expensive than regular old products. In the same Real Simple article, Shayla Crawford, head colorist at Astrids Day Spa, explains that products designed for color-treated hair are "designed to keep the hair shaft closed, thus preserving the color."
4. Re-dyeing to a new color is complicated
If your hair has already been dyed, getting a new color isn't as simple as choosing the next color you want because hair dye reacts very differently on color-treated hair compared to completely natural hair . In an article for Everyday Health, Izabela Saboski, color director at Salon Ziba in New York, stresses that when dyeing or re-dying your hair at home, be sure to look for the letters and numbers on the dye box, not the pictures, as they can affect the texture of your hair. color. Gives you a better idea of what exactly dyes do to your hair (e.g., ash will reduce warm or orange tones, copper will enhance them, etc.).
5. Going blonde is a bit difficult.
In an article for SheKnows.com, celebrity colorist and blonde expert Rick Wellman states that "blond hair requires maintenance" and that "generally, blonde hair requires higher levels of ammonia or bleaching products. You will notice a change in the texture of your hair This will most likely require less shampooing and more conditioning." He also says that certain hair types can only achieve blonde color with a lot of highlights, rather than a single dye job.
I personally find that keeping dyed blonde hair free of orange and brassy tones is a constant struggle, and it's probably made worse by the fact that I already have several layers of dye underneath my hair.
6. Don’t wash your hair in advance
In an article for InStyle, hair colorist James Corbett of James Corbett Studio in New York City says not to wash your hair a day or two before coloring because "the scalp's natural oils act as a buffer to prevent irritation" and "second Day-old hair is also easier to zone, ensuring even color distribution.” So ditch the shampoo!
7. Keep hair care products on hand
Neutrogena Deep Hydration Mask, $8, Walgreens
The InStyle review also highlights the importance of preparing for hair damage in advance and making sure you have the right products on hand. Celebrity colorist Tracey Cunningham recommends using a deep conditioning mask once a week, whether or not you notice major damage.
8. Bring a photo
Hill strongly recommends bringing a photo of the color you want when you go get your hair dyed if you don't dye it yourself at home, and says it can even help to bring photos of the color you don't want. This is very critical because, for example, you might call it a "honey blonde" and your hairstylist might call it a dark blonde, or vice versa, and you might end up being completely disappointed because of a miscommunication. Seriously, nothing paints the look you want better than words and pictures.
9. Sunlight affects your skin tone
Yes - dyed hair needs sun protection if you want to preserve the color for as long as possible and prevent the appearance of brassy tones. Hats, scarves and UV spray are all helpful options, and Hill says you may want to make a touch-up appointment with your stylist after your sunny vacation.
I'm not trying to scare you into not dying your hair - then again, I've dyed my hair for years and find that the fun and enjoyment of trying different colors is totally worth the maintenance. I also just want you to have a realistic idea of what you're getting into, because knowledge is power - even when it comes to hair.
Photo credit: milorad kravic/E+/Getty Images ; Jiffy (7)
