Basic Tips for Dyeing Your Hair at Home

As women, we generally like to experience the freedom of changing our hair on a regular basis. And this includes the color of our hair as well. The good news is that there are a number of dye kits available at stores that can allow you to try out a wide variety of color options.

Unfortunately, just picking a box with the hair color we want does not always work. For the novice as well as the experienced colorist, there are a number of things to consider. Are you planning a drastic change such as turning a dark hair color (brown, black) to a light blonde? Is your hair very coarse and difficult to dye such as those of African descent? Do you have a bunch of pesky grey hairs? These are all important things to consider. So let's first begin by making a general rule: if you are seeking to make a dramatic change, it is best to see a professional because this will prevent unwanted colors (orange, green) and will keep you from accidentally over-processing and severely damaging your hair.

As a good rule of thumb, when looking at hair colors, first find your current natural color in the box, then you can safely go up or down (lighter or darker) two or three levels. Additionally, have you chosen a warm or cool tone? This makes a difference because the dyes used for cool tones have a green tint in them, whereas warm colors will have a red tinge. This is important to know because these underlying colors will become evident in your hair when you dye it.

As you look at DIY kits, you will notice there are numbers assigned to each product - 1, 2 or 3. One is non-permanent; it washes out quickly and is best when you want to keep the same color you already have and you are simply trying to freshen it up for a special event. Two is semi-permanent and will require a few washes to get rid of the color effects. It is also primarily used to embolden the color you already possess. Three is permanent; this does not wash out and has the most potential to cause damage to your hair.

Here are a couple of random tips to follow. First, never color your hair after washing it. Give your hair at least 24 hours between shampooing and coloring. When you shampoo your hair, it strips the natural oils and leaves it susceptible to damage. You will also want to color your hair before you have it cut. The slight damage to the ends of your hair when you dye it will quickly be snipped off and leave you with nice, clean lines.

The actual process of dyeing your hair is simple, and your box will come with instructions to follow. First separate your hair into four areas, as this makes dyeing easier. Once you have mixed your color solution, begin applying it to the first section of hair, and once it is saturated move on to the next section. Continue with all sections until you are done, and remember to always wear the protective gloves you are provided with in the box. Never leave the processing solution in your hair for longer than the recommended time. Rinse the dye solution out completely and be sure to use the conditioner provided, leaving it on for the full time required. Finally, dry your hair and enjoy!

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Salon Hair Coloring - Four Basic Rules For Perfect Results

Have you ever colored someone's hair and were disappointed with the end result?

You probably did not follow at least one of the four basic rules of salon hair coloring used in the hairdressing business. Read more to find out what to do next time.

The first thing to do is to find the person's natural hair shade. You can find this by looking at the hair near the scalp. If you have salon hair swatches that show examples of color, lay these on the scalp hair and find the match to the scalp hair. Note exactly what the hair shade is. Is it light brown or medium brown? Is it dark blond or medium blond?

Second, determine the desired hair shade. The best hairdressing color results happen when the desired hair shade is within two shades of the natural hair. If the desired shade is more than two shades lighter or darker than the natural hair color, the result can be more difficult to achieve. For example, if the client has a natural hair color of medium brown, the best results would be to use a shade no lighter than a dark blond or darker than a darkest brown.

Third, determine the desired tonal value. Tonal value is the gold, ash or red tones in the hair. If the client wants light brown hair, determine if that client wants a golden light brown, ash light brown or a red light brown result. In the hairdressing business, the understanding of tonal values is what makes the difference of mediocre looking shade and absolutely beautiful salon results.

Lastly, determine the level of salon developer to use. Twenty volume of developer is not always the correct choice. If the desired shade is one shade lighter than the natural shade, use ten volume of salon developer. If the desired shade is two shades lighter than the natural hair color, use twenty volume of color developer. If the desired shade is three shades lighter than the natural hair color, use thirty volume of salon developer. For a desired darker shade than the natural hair color, always use ten volume of salon developer. In the hairdressing business, this is generally where the mistake is made. Do not forget to follow this simple step.

So, in review, the four basic hairdressing steps to perfect hair color every time is to first determine the natural hair shade. Second, determine the desired hair shade. Third, determine the desired tonal value. Fourth, determine the level of salon developer to use.

When you begin following these four basic hairdressing rules for hair coloring, you will find that you can achieve perfect salon color results every time. The more times you follow these four salon rules, the easier coloring someone's hair, with perfect results, will be. Finish the hair service with salon shears to achieve a trendy haircut and you will have a truly satisfied color client.

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Using Hair Straighteners to Style Your Hair - Some Basic Tips

Hair straighteners come in a wide array of shapes and models, and while most of them use heat to help you style your hair, they all have their advantages and disadvantages. If you have never used a hair straightener or are getting poor results, read on in order to find out which type is the best and learn how to make the results last longer.

Keep in mind that even when you use the best hair straightener, you are still subjecting your hair to stress, so you should go ahead only if your hair is perfectly healthy. Dry and exhausted hair should be nurtured back to good state before being subjected to any form of straightening; if you happen to be blessed with natural curly hair, then a few simple steps will help you keep it lively and moisturized. Avoid using alcohol based hair product (read the labels), try combing your hair only when it is still slightly wet, and switch from brushing to combing if you feel that your hair is too dry. The second most important tip is to use always the best hair straighteners - sure, they do not come cheaper, but they are an investment that would easily pay off in long-lasting results. If in doubt which type is the best for your type of hair, speak to your stylist.

Here are just a few tips that would help you get the perfect style that you are after and keep it for longer:

Once you straighten your hair, do not use any water or water-based liquids since they would quickly reverse the achieved. Rainy days and high humidity will also make the result last less and cause your hair to return to its natural look.Do not use more heat than necessary and do not use hair straighteners too often as this would exhaust your hair quickly. If the hair straightener allows you to adjust the temperature, always start with lower heat until you find the optimal settings.Use heat protecting spray since it would let you keep the new style for a few days.Do not straighten wet hair as it breaks easily.Straighten your hair only when you have the time, preferably at weekends or late in the evening. The process could take a long time and you would achieve better results if you are not in a rush and when there are fewer distractions.Avoid brushing or shampooing your hair too often. Moderation will give you healthy hair, which is easy to straighten and style.This article has been viewed 15 time(s).
Article Submitted On: April 20, 2011

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