Quarantine hair—totally care? We’ve got you and your rebellious roots completely covered!
Whether salons have yet to reopen in your area, or you just aren’t comfortable visiting one at this time, there’s a simple solution to your hair color conundrum: at-home natural hair dye.
Believe it or not, coloring your hair at home doesn’t have to be difficult or time consuming. You might even enjoy the process—and the extra green in your wallet!
Following are some tips for dyeing your locks in the comfort of your home:
Select the proper shade.
Experts recommend choosing the shade that best matches your current hair color or going one to two shades darker or lighter. Keep in mind that it’s best to reference the color chart on the box, not the hair on the model, which may depict darker-than-average results.
Don’t go all mad scientist.
It’s safest to stick to a single, all-over shade when dying your hair at home. Leave the color blending to the professionals who are more adept at creating custom colors!
Double up on dye.
If your hair is thick and/or hits your shoulders (or beyond), it’s a good idea to buy two boxes of dye. After all, you don’t want to risk running out halfway through the coloring process. Worst case scenario: you end up with an extra box of hair dye you can use at a later date.
Perform a strand test.
You may be tempted to skip this important step, but you really should test a new type/shade of hair color on a small, hidden section of your hair before committing to dying your entre main. You’ll thank us should the color not meet your expectations!
Wear old clothes.
There’s a chance you could stain your clothing, so wear an old button-down shirt or robe (or nothing at all) when dyeing your hair. Also be sure to cover your counter, floor and other surfaces with newspaper or garbage bags so you don’t accidentally dye them, too.
Protect skin from stains.
You don’t want excess hair color bleeding onto to your forehead. To prevent this hair don’t from happening, simply glide a clear solid lip balm or some petroleum jelly along your hairline and ears prior to application. Also, keep some makeup remover on hand to wipe away streaks and splatters as they occur.
Enlist the aid of a buddy.
If possible, have a partner standing by to help apply hair dye or point out any areas you may have missed. Or, use two mirrors so you can view the back of your head to ensure you are dyeing every single strand.
Follow package directions.
When you’re ready, open the box and make sure all included items are accounted for (e.g., gloves, developer, conditioner). Then carefully read and follow the directions for application. Directions typically include recommendations, such as dividing the hair into sections and starting at the roots and working your way down to the tips. After you apply the dye, you may opt to don a disposable shower cap so you’re free to move around your home while the color is setting.
Natural hair dye kits to try
Ready to revive your dull, lifeless locks (and cover those roots)? Try these top-notch, all-natural dyes—available in a variety of attractive shades:
BioKap Nutricolor Delicato Natural Brown Permanent Hair Dye 4.0
This nourishing, long-lasting formula is fragrance free and dermatologically tested. Plus, it contains argan oil and TRICOREPAIR, “a complex with rice proteins for a restructuring action, willow derivative to protect the hair color, and lipophilic fruit acids to protect the scalp during color application.”
Naturtint 10A Light Ash Blonde Permanent Hair Color
Seeking intense, radiant color and long-lasting gray coverage? Try “the first naturally better permanent hair color formulated with active plant-based ingredients that provide optimum color and care for healthy hair.”
Tints of Nature 6R Dark Copper Blonde Permanent Hair Colour
This must-try hair dye is specially formulated to protect and nourish the hair while coloring. Its “highly unique and patented salon professional formula contains 95% naturally derived and over 75% enriching certified organic ingredients.”
Surya Brasil Henna Cream Black Hair Coloring
Ready to try henna hair dye? This semi-permanent solution offers “a safer and more natural way to cover your grey or change your hair color, while simultaneously coloring, conditioning and strengthening your hair.”
Naturigin Permament Hair Color Medium Blonde Deep Red
This hair color is ideal for those concerned about health and the environment. Its advanced formula is “100% SLS-free, ammonia-free and paraben-free” and contains a special blend of extracts and essential oils to protect, nourish and add shine to the hair.
