However, you couldn’t go from black hair to brown hair. You can buy dye in a kit, or you can buy the dye and developer separately. Most boxed hair dyes include 20 volume developer. The developer is what helps process the dye and allows it to stick to your hair. If you are buying the developer separately, stick with a 10 or 20 volume developer since it is safe to use at home for beginners. It is less-damaging and easier to work with than 30 or 40 volume. If you’re trying to cover up gray hairs, use a 20 volume developer.
Unless you are starting with light brown hair, it’s unlikely that you will end up with blonde hair. Some types of blonde hair dye have lightener added to them. This means that they may work even on dark brown hair. Your hair may turn brassy, so buy a packet of hair toner or purple shampoo as well. This product will help remove brassy tints.
Some brands that make such hair dye include Lime Crime and Splat. Look for labels that say “For Dark Hair” or “For Brunette Hair. "
Most dyes will have a W or C after the number. The “W” stands for “Warm” while the “C” stands for “cool. " Some dyes will have an “A” instead of a “C. " This stands for Ash, which denotes a cool undertone.
This also goes for bright shades, like neon pink or yellow. You don’t have to make your hair white, but a bleached-blond base will give you better results. [4] X Research source You may be able to color your hair a pastel color using hair chalk, but this is not permanent.
When you do wash your hair 24 to 48 hours prior, make sure that you only use shampoo. Conditioner will prevent the dye from adhering. [6] X Research source
Make sure that the old towel is a darker color. Work in an area that is easy to clean, such as a bathroom or kitchen. If you are worried about staining the counters or floors, cover them with newspaper, paper bags, or plastic bags.
Secure the bun with a claw-clip. It’ll be the easier to remove and replace. If you have very thick hair, you may want to part it even lower so that you are working with thinner sections. If your hair is too short to pull into a bun, use clips. If you have chin-length or shorter hair, you may not have to do this step at all.
You can mix the dye in the squeeze bottles that came in the kit, or you can mix it in a non-metal bowl. [9] X Research source If you are lightening your hair, add 1 to 3 packets of toner. The more packets you use, the ashier the final color will be. [10] X Research source If you can’t find packets of toner, don’t worry; you can wash your hair with purple shampoo afterwards to remove brassy hints.
You don’t have to use conditioner for this since this is just a strand test. Although not absolutely necessary, strand tests are highly recommended because the color may come out differently from what you expect. If the dye did not turn out the way you wanted it, you’ll have to buy a different color.
Work in 1 to 2 in (2. 5 to 5. 1 cm) sections so that you get everything covered. If you are lightening your hair, start applying the dye from the ends first. If you are using regular dye, or if you are dyeing it darker, apply it starting from the roots.
If you are lightening your hair, try to work quickly so that it doesn’t over-process. Even though the dye doesn’t have bleach in it, it may still damage it.
If you need to, apply more dye to the short hairs around your hairline, temples, and nape.
Letting blonde dye sit in your hair longer than the recommended time won’t make it lighter; it will only damage it. Pull all of your hair up into a loose bun, then cover it with a shower cap. This will help keep your surroundings clean.
Make sure that the conditioner is sulfate-free or formulated for dyed hair. You can also use the conditioner that came with your dye kit.
If you added packets of hair toner into blonde hair dye, you probably won’t run into this problem. It would be a good idea to wear plastic gloves for this step. Purple shampoo has a small amount of dye in it, and it can stain your hands.
Make sure that you use shampoo and conditioner made for dyed hair. If you can’t find any, use sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner. Afterward, be sure to take proper care of your dyed hair to make the color last longer.
