As the coronavirus lockdown looks likely to continue well into the foreseeable future, women (and men) are being compelled to choose between dyeing their own hair at home whilst quarantined or sitting it out until they can go to their hairdresser once social distancing restrictions are lifted.
The latter course of action is recommended by hair experts from the point of view of getting more professional results (eventually!). But with mental health in the spotlight currently, greying hair and growing-out roots can contribute to negative feelings of self-esteem. Home dyeing, then, is seen by some less as a last resort and more as an integral part of maintaining mental wellbeing during this difficult period.
For those individuals dyeing hair themselves, we’ve collated these tips to help you avoid any unnecessary (and, let’s face it, unwelcome) colour disasters:-
Consider touch-up kits instead: Available in a whole multitude of colour options, these brush-on temporary dyes cover the greys or roots and simply wash out in the shower.
Contact your stylist: The person best suited to advise on your mixing ratio or colour number is your regular colourist. If you have your stylist’s number, call and ask about your ideal-fit colour match.
Bear in mind your skin tone: Ashy tones work well for fair skin and mocha tones work well for darker skin. You get the idea?
Perform pre-dye tests: Apply a small amount of dye to a patch and few strands of hair, behind the ear typically, 48 hours before the main event to ensure you don’t experience an allergic reaction.
Buy a back-up box: If using a box dye kit, have a second, spare box to hand in case you run out part-way through (for long hair) or miss any sections (for correction afterwards).
Protect your hairline: So that you don’t end up staining your scalp around your hairline, rub some Vaseline to your skin which will keep it clean.
Brush and section hair: Before, brush your hair to get out any knots. During, part your hair into four sections, and use clips to separate for a more even finish.
Begin at the roots: The top of your hair will need longer to develop so start here at the roots and work down to the ends.
Follow instructions: Don’t stray from the manufacturer’s guidelines so you don’t suffer any mishaps. In saying that, you could empty the bottle’s contents into a plastic bowl and use a small brush (perhaps a toothbrush) for better application overall.
Avoid self-highlighting or balayage: This is a tad too ambitious to do on your own. Save these more complicated techniques for a professional effect.
Remember most dyes contain chemicals: This includes ammonia in some cases. Be mindful of the need to take care handling dye products as bad reactions are a possibility.
Select permanent or semi-permanent: There’s no going back with permanent dye so make sure you’re committed to the shade. Semi-permanent is easier to correct but the colour does fade over time.
Use conditioner: Always add conditioner during the washing phase. This closes the cuticles and stops the colour continuing to develop.
Look after your dyed hair: Read our earlier blog posts titled ‘6 essential hair care tips’ and ‘How to care for damaged hair’ to keep your hair in shape.
Know what to do should things go wrong: Unfortunately, serious hair dyeing errors do happen including scalp burns, weakened hair and even hair loss in the worst cases. Turn to your trusted Hairdressing Claims team for assistance.
Stay safe and healthy in these challenging times. Should you need our legal services, please get in touch. Email enquiries@hairdressingclaims.co.uk, call 0800 970 9102 from a landline for free, phone 0333 202 6560 from a mobile or complete our online enquiry form.
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