Dyeing for a Change

Written by: Brianlam

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So, changing hair colour always brings up the debate about DIY or go to a salon.  Here’s my take on both:

1)  The Salon

Pros:  First of all, the professionals can stop you from dyeing your hair some weird colour that doesn’t work for you.  A good stylist will give you what you want.  A great stylist will give you what’s best for you, and persuade you that it’s what you want.  This is more important than you may realize, since DIY can lead to weird weird colours.  Like tiger stripes.

Second, they use better products that are more likely to colour your hair successfully.  Still, dyeing your black hair blue is prone to failure.  Also, their dyes won’t damage your hair as much as DIY can–people tend to not follow instructions and leave the dye in their hair for longer than is healthy. *cough cough* not that I’ve ever done it.

Third, their technique is likely to be better than your own.  Therefore, you are more likely to have even colour all around.  Did you know that the heat from your scalp causes the dye to process into your hair faster?  This is why professionals either use a lighter dye on your roots (and a darker dye on the tips), or time the application of dye so that it dyes evenly all over.  This is also why your hair is almost never even after DIY, and also why your roots will be so glaringly ugly when they grow out.

Cons:  The cost.  Most salons charge around $80 for colour and cut.  Since a haircut costs around $30-40, the colour costs $40-50.  But remember, if you have long hair the salon reserves the right to charge more.  Also, in the unfortunate occasion that they mess up… well, you should demand your money back.  Seriously.

2) Do It Yourself

Pros:  The cost.  A box of dye costs $10 at your local drugstore, as low as $5 on sale or with a coupon.  You can then dye your hair in the convenience of your own home.  You also get complete control over the colour you will attempt to dye your hair.  Some pointers:  if you have dark hair, aim one shade lighter than the colour you really want (to compensate for the resilient black hair).  If you have light hair, aim two shades darker.

Cons:  Unless you have someone else to do it for you, you could fail epically while applying dye to the back of your head.  Also, the cheaper dye usually doesn’t work well on black hair if you leave it in for the recommended time.  You can leave it in longer for better results, but it will also do way more damage to your hair.  Also, highlights are not a good idea if you DIY.  You will look silly.

Some final thoughts:

• Don’t change your hair colour by more than two shades.  If you’re going lighter, it won’t work without bleach.  And when the roots grow out, you’ll want to strangle yourself.
• If you DIY, buy L’Oreal.  It’s the least damaging to your hair.
• Make sure your hair is in good condition before dyeing it–weak hair is porous and absorbs dye unevenly, giving you weird stripes and bands.
• Use a quality, deep-cleansing shampoo two days before dyeing to get out all of the build-up in your hair (residue that would prevent even dyeing).
• Don’t become one of those blondorexics.  It’s easy to get addicted to dyeing your hair to get rid of the roots, but by dyeing already-dyed hair you’re just making it drier.  But if you do go blonde, please, go to a salon.

Next time:  How to pick an appropriate colour for your hair without the help of a professional

Originally posted on faire.Hair blog