Coloring your hair for the first time can be exciting, but also a bit nerve-wracking. There are so many colors to choose from, countless techniques you've heard about, and, of course, deciding which brands to use. It can quickly feel overwhelming. But with the right preparation, knowledge, and help from friends who have done it before, you can achieve a new hair color while keeping your hair healthy and shiny.
This guide is for those who want to learn how to color their hair in the safest and most effective way.
Note: If you've previously dyed your hair with henna, we do not recommend using other permanent hair dyes. Find out why here.
What types of hair dye are there?
Before diving into the hair coloring process, it’s important to understand the differences between hair dyes. Each type of hair dye has different properties, ingredient compositions, and durations:
- Temporary hair dye or rinse
Rinse hair dye is perfect for those who want to experiment with a specific color without committing to it long-term. This type of dye coats the surface of the hair and typically washes out after a few shampoos. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for a bold, vibrant color or a special hue for a particular event.
- Semi-permanent hair dye
Semi-permanent hair dye lasts longer, usually washing out after 6–12 shampoos. These dyes often don’t contain ammonia or peroxide, making them gentler on the hair. However, the color fades more quickly because the dye particles don’t fully penetrate the hair strands but rather coat them. It’s ideal for giving your hair color a boost and adding shine. However, you generally can’t go from very dark hair to platinum blonde, as that requires a much stronger chemical formula.
- Demi-permanent hair dye
Demi-permanent hair dye falls somewhere between semi-permanent and permanent dyes. It typically lasts around 20–28 shampoos. Demi-permanent dyes often don’t contain ammonia but do have peroxide, which allows the color to penetrate the hair strands more effectively. This type of dye is perfect for covering gray hair. It’s recommended to stick within three shades of your natural hair color for the best results.
- Permanent hair dye
Permanent hair dye lasts the longest, contains the strongest chemicals, and allows for the most drastic color changes. It can achieve any color tone but also tends to damage both the hair and scalp in the process.
Choosing the right color
Choosing the right hair color is crucial for getting the best results. There are several factors to consider when dyeing your hair for the first time.
What is my skin tone? Does it have warm or cool undertones?
In general, it’s said that people with warmer skin tones look best in golden shades. This could include golden blonde, honey blonde, warm brown, and copper brown colors.
On the other hand, if you have a cool skin tone, cooler shades will complement you better. Think ash blonde, ash brown, and platinum blonde hair.
Choose a hair dye similar to your current color
If you’re coloring your hair for the first time, choose a color that’s closest to your natural hair color. This way, you can learn how to dye your hair without ending up with a drastic result. It’s generally recommended that if you’re unsure which shade to choose, go with the lighter of the two.
Preparing for hair coloring
Great, you’ve chosen your hair color, and it’s ready for pickup. What’s next?
1. Do a patch test
A patch test involves applying a small amount of the hair dye mixture to your hair, preferably behind your ear near the hairline. This way, you can ensure you don’t have an unexpected allergic reaction to the product. Always follow the instructions that come with your hair dye box.
2. Be careful not to spill
If you’re unlucky, you might get hair dye on your skin or clothes. Hair dye can be difficult to remove from fabric and can leave a slight stain if not removed from your skin quickly. That’s why it’s always a good idea to apply a bit of petroleum jelly around your hairline. To protect your clothes during the process, drape a towel over your shoulders.
3. Follow the instructions
When you buy a hair dye box, it typically includes:
- Instructions
- Gloves
- Color Cream
- Activator
- Color Treatment
The coloring process
Now you are ready to color your hair.
1. Section your hair
By dividing your hair into several sections, you ensure that the color is applied more evenly. Use hair clips, for example, and divide your hair into four parts: top left, top right, bottom left, and bottom right.
2. Mix the color cream with the activator
Mix the color cream with the activator and shake well.
3. Apply the hair color
Put on the gloves and start applying the hair dye. Begin at the roots and work your way down to the ends. It’s helpful to use a comb to ensure that the dye is evenly distributed across the hair strands.
4. Wait 30 minutes
Wait 30 minutes once the dye has been applied throughout your hair. Avoid leaving the color in for too short or too long.
5. Rinse the color and apply Color Treatment
After 30 minutes, rinse the dye out with water that isn’t too hot. Then, apply the Color Treatment, letting it sit in your hair for 2 minutes before rinsing it out again.
Good tips for caring for your hair after coloring:
Proper care is essential to maintaining shiny and vibrant hair.
1. Use moisturizing hair products:
Consider investing in shampoo and conditioner specifically formulated for colored hair. These products are often enriched with vitamins and nutrients that your hair and scalp need after coloring.
2. Skip a wash
Washing your hair too often can cause the color to fade quickly. Right after coloring, your hair strands need time to close properly. Try to limit hair washing to 2–3 times a week, and when you do wash it, make sure the water isn’t too hot.
Or use dry shampoo between washes.
3. Heat protection
Heat styling tools can damage colored hair and cause the color to fade faster. Minimize the use of hair dryers, curling irons, and other heat styling tools. Alternatively, use heat protection sprays, such as Heat Protection Spray, to help shield your hair from heat damage.
NATURIGIN Breakage Stop Thermal Protector has a unique formula designed to protect your hair from UV rays and heat. It prepares and protects your hair before styling with blow dryers, straighteners and curling irons. The formula is made with organic beetroot, which forms a natural protective shield around the hair and helps prevent damage during styling.
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4. Use argan oil
Argan oil can nourish and moisturize your hair while helping to restore its natural balance and health.
NATURIGIN Hydrating Multi-Use Argan Oil Serum contains a rich combination of vitamins and nutrients such as vitamin E, fatty acids and antioxidants that leaves your hair softer, shinier and more manageable. Our Argan Oil also contains chamomile and broccoli oil to help treat split ends, tame frizz and give your hair a healthy, shiny look.
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