how to mix your own hair color
1. The Basic Steps to Mix Your Own Hair Color at Home
Mixing your own hair color at home can be a fun and cost-effective way to achieve the desired look without having to visit a salon. However, it’s important to follow the basic steps to ensure successful results.
Step 1: Prepare Your Workstation
Before you start mixing your hair color, it’s essential to set up a clean and organized workstation. Gather all the necessary tools and materials, such as gloves, an applicator brush or bottle, clips for sectioning your hair, and a timer. Lay down some old towels or newspapers to protect surfaces from any potential spills.
Step 2: Read and Follow Instructions
Always read and carefully follow the instructions provided with your hair color kit. Different brands may have specific guidelines for mixing ratios and processing times. Make sure you understand the instructions before proceeding.
Step 3: Measure and Mix the Hair Color
Using a measuring cup or scale, measure out the required amounts of hair color dye and developer according to the instructions. Pour them into a non-metallic bowl or applicator bottle and mix thoroughly until you achieve a smooth consistency.
Step 4: Perform a Patch Test
Prior to applying the mixed hair color all over your head, it’s crucial to perform a patch test on a small section of your skin. Apply a small amount of the mixture behind your ear or on your inner elbow, following the instructions provided. Leave it on for the recommended time and check for any adverse reactions like redness or irritation.
Step 5: Apply Hair Color Mixture
Once you’ve completed the patch test and determined that it’s safe to proceed, you can begin applying the hair color mixture. Section your hair using clips and start applying the color from the roots to the ends, making sure to saturate each strand evenly. Use an applicator brush or bottle for precise application.
Step 6: Follow Processing Time
After applying the hair color, set a timer according to the recommended processing time mentioned in the instructions. This is crucial as leaving the color on for too long or rinsing it off too early can affect the final result. Use this time to relax and let the color develop.
Step 7: Rinse and Condition
Once the processing time is up, rinse your hair thoroughly with lukewarm water until it runs clear. Apply a conditioner provided in your kit or a deep conditioning treatment to nourish and hydrate your hair after coloring. Rinse again and style as desired.
Remember, if you’re unsure about any step of mixing your own hair color at home, consult a professional hairstylist for guidance.
2. Gathering the Ingredients for Mixing Your Own Hair Color
What You’ll Need:
- Hair color dye in your desired shade
- Developer (the volume will depend on the brand and desired result)
- A mixing bowl
- A tint brush or applicator bottle
- Gloves to protect your hands
- An old towel or cape to prevent staining
- Clips or hair ties to section your hair
- A timer to keep track of processing time
Gathering the Ingredients:
Before you start mixing your own hair color, it’s important to gather all the necessary ingredients and tools. Make sure you have the specific hair color dye in your desired shade, along with the appropriate developer. The developer volume will depend on the brand and the level of lift or coverage you want to achieve.
In addition to the hair color and developer, you’ll need a mixing bowl to combine them. A tint brush or applicator bottle will help you apply the mixture evenly onto your hair. It’s also crucial to wear gloves throughout the process to protect your hands from staining.
To avoid getting any dye on your clothes, use an old towel or cape that you don’t mind getting stained. Lastly, have some clips or hair ties ready so you can easily section off your hair during application. And don’t forget a timer to keep track of how long the color should process!
3. Determining the Right Shade of Hair Color for Your Desired Look
Understanding Hair Color Levels:
Hair colors are categorized into levels ranging from black (level 1) to lightest blonde (level 10). Understanding these levels will help you choose the right shade for your desired look.
For example, if you have dark brown hair (level 4) and want to go lighter, you’ll need to choose a hair color that is a few shades lighter than your current level. On the other hand, if you want to darken your hair, select a shade that is a few levels darker than your current color.
Considering Undertones:
In addition to levels, hair colors also have undertones such as warm (red or gold), cool (ashy or blue), or neutral. Consider your skin tone and personal preference when selecting an undertone. Warm tones can add warmth and vibrancy to the hair, while cool tones create a more muted or ashy appearance.
It’s important to do some research and possibly consult with a professional hairstylist if you’re unsure about which shade or undertone will suit you best. They can provide valuable advice based on their expertise and knowledge of color theory.
4. A Step-by-Step Guide on Mixing Permanent Hair Color at Home
Gather Your Supplies
Before you begin mixing your own hair color at home, it’s important to gather all the necessary supplies. This includes the hair color dye, developer, gloves, a mixing bowl and brush, clips or hair ties to section your hair, and an old towel or cape to protect your clothing. Make sure to read the instructions on the hair color box carefully to determine the correct ratio of dye to developer.
Prepare Your Work Area
Next, prepare your work area to avoid any mess or damage. Lay down some newspaper or plastic sheets on the floor or countertop where you’ll be mixing and applying the hair color. This will make cleanup much easier later on. Additionally, ensure good lighting in the room so that you can see what you’re doing clearly.
Mixing the Hair Color
Once you have everything ready, it’s time to mix your permanent hair color. Start by putting on your gloves to protect your hands from staining. Pour the desired amount of hair color dye into the mixing bowl, followed by an equal amount of developer. Use a brush or a whisk to thoroughly mix the two together until they form a smooth and consistent mixture. Avoid using metal utensils as they can react with certain chemicals in the hair dye.
5. Precautions and Safety Measures for Mixing Your Own Hair Color
Patch Test
Before applying any new hair color mixture all over your head, it’s crucial to perform a patch test first. Apply a small amount of the mixed hair color behind your ear or on a small section of skin and leave it for 24 hours. If you experience any allergic reactions such as redness, itching, or swelling during this time, do not proceed with the hair color application.
Protect Your Skin
To prevent staining your skin, apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly or a barrier cream along your hairline, ears, and neck before starting the hair color application. This will create a protective barrier and make it easier to remove any accidental dye stains later on.
Ventilation
Ensure that you’re working in a well-ventilated area while mixing and applying hair color at home. Open windows or turn on fans to circulate fresh air and minimize exposure to strong chemical odors. If possible, avoid using ammonia-based hair dyes as they tend to have a stronger smell.
6. Common Mistakes to Avoid When Mixing Your Own Hair Color
Skipping the Strand Test
One common mistake people make when mixing their own hair color is skipping the strand test. This test helps determine how the color will turn out on your specific hair type and shade. By skipping this step, you risk ending up with unexpected results or uneven color distribution.
Incorrect Developer Volume
Using the wrong volume of developer can lead to undesirable outcomes. Higher volumes of developer lift more pigment from your natural hair, resulting in lighter shades, while lower volumes are better for darkening or toning without significant lightening. Make sure to choose the appropriate developer volume based on your desired outcome and follow the instructions provided with your chosen hair dye brand.
Rushing Through Application
Taking your time during the application process is crucial for achieving even and professional-looking results. Rushing through sections or not fully saturating each strand can lead to patchy or uneven color distribution. Take small sections of hair at a time, apply the mixture evenly from root to tip, and ensure thorough coverage before moving on to the next section.
Remember, practice makes perfect when it comes to mixing your own hair color at home. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t achieve your desired results on the first try – with time and experience, you’ll become more confident and skilled in achieving the perfect DIY hair color.
7. Ensuring Even Distribution of Color During Hair Color Application
Using Sectioning Clips
One technique for ensuring an even distribution of color during hair color application is to use sectioning clips. These clips can be used to divide the hair into smaller, more manageable sections, allowing for more precise application of the color. By working in smaller sections, you can ensure that each strand of hair is coated evenly with the color, resulting in a more uniform and professional-looking result.
Applying Color from Roots to Ends
Another important tip for achieving an even distribution of color is to start applying the color at the roots and work your way down to the ends. This ensures that the color is applied more heavily at the roots, where it is often needed most, and gradually becomes lighter towards the ends. By following this technique, you can avoid any patchiness or unevenness in the final result.
8. Techniques and Tools for Achieving Professional-Looking Results with DIY Hair Color Mixing
Balancing Ratios
When mixing your own hair color, it’s crucial to pay attention to the ratios specified in the instructions. Using too much or too little of certain components can lead to undesirable results. To achieve professional-looking results, carefully measure out each component according to the recommended ratios and mix them thoroughly until they are well blended.
Investing in Quality Tools
To ensure a successful DIY hair color mixing experience, it’s worth investing in quality tools such as a tint brush and mixing bowl specifically designed for hair coloring. These tools allow for precise application and thorough blending of colors, resulting in a more professional finish. Additionally, using high-quality gloves will protect your hands from staining and make it easier to apply the color evenly.
9. Recommended Processing Time for Different Types of Hair Color and How to Determine it Accurately
Consulting the Instructions
The recommended processing time for different types of hair color can vary depending on the brand and specific product. It’s important to carefully read and follow the instructions provided with your chosen hair color. These instructions will typically indicate the recommended processing time based on factors such as desired color intensity and hair type.
Performing Strand Tests
To determine the accurate processing time for your hair, it’s advisable to perform strand tests before applying the color to your entire head. Take a small section of hair, apply the color as directed, and monitor how it develops over time. This will help you gauge how long it takes for the desired result to be achieved without over-processing or damaging your hair.
10. Best Practices for Maintaining and Prolonging Vibrancy After Applying Your Own Hair Color
Using Color-Safe Shampoo and Conditioner
To maintain and prolong the vibrancy of your DIY hair color, it’s essential to use a shampoo and conditioner specifically formulated for colored hair. These products are designed to be gentle on the hair while preserving the color pigments. Look for sulfate-free options that won’t strip away the color.
Avoiding Excessive Heat Styling
Excessive heat styling can cause your hair color to fade more quickly. To preserve its vibrancy, try to minimize the use of hot tools like straighteners or curling irons. If you do need to style with heat, always use a heat protectant spray beforehand and keep temperatures at a moderate level.
<h3-Regularly Using Color-Enhancing Treatments
To boost and maintain the vibrancy of your hair color, consider incorporating color-enhancing treatments into your hair care routine. These treatments, such as color-depositing masks or glosses, can help revive and intensify the color between touch-ups.
In conclusion, learning how to mix your own hair color allows you to have more control over your desired shade and saves you money on salon visits. With proper knowledge and practice, you can achieve professional-looking results from the comfort of your own home.
