Dye Hard: Tips for Coloring Your Hair

Nearly 40% of men use some form of hair color, according to the research firm Mintel, with the vast majority of those eager to get rid of the gray in their hair. However, some men dye their hair for reasons other than looking more youthful.

To help men obtain the best dye job possible at home, Salute gathered some of the top tips from coloring experts.

Make room

For the do-it-yourselfer, the best place to color your hair is right in front of your bathroom mirror. Therefore, experts advise you to clear away any razors, toothbrush holders, or mouthwash containers, so that the only thing in front of you is a clean basin and countertop.

Wash your hair

Your hair should be clean before you dye it. Avoid washing your hair for 48 hours before dyeing and rub lotion across your hairline before applying the dye. The day before you dye your hair, wash your hair without using any shampoo/conditioner. The aim is to remove dirt without washing away your hair’s natural oils. These oils play a big part in protecting your scalp from harsh hair dye; they ensure that the color doesn’t penetrate your hair strands too deeply.

Remember, hair dye is strong stuff. Without proper protection, your skin can become irritated by the dye and begin to crack. Avoid this at all costs.

In the day or two before dying, wash your hair with water and let it air dry. Avoid any hair products during this time to avoid unwanted build-ups on your scalp.

Protect your skin

You should apply a small amount of petroleum jelly to the skin around your hairline. It acts as a protective barrier that stops hair dye from running onto your forehead and into your eyes.

WARNING: Do not apply petroleum jelly to your hair. It will prevent the dye from doing its job and will cause your hair color to become patchy.

Although hair dye is safe to use when applied to the skin —or worse, the eyes—it can cause chemical burns and even temporary blindness if left untreated.

Wait it out

Hair dye isn’t like shampoo—it needs to be left on for a while to have any effect. Unless you’re a trained professional, you need to follow the product-specific instructions to the letter. The worst thing you can do is wing it and hope.

Depending on the color and brand of your hair dye, you’ll have to leave it on your scalp for anywhere between 20 and 45 minutes.

Make your color last

As your hair grows, natural color will show through the roots of your hair. If you use a semi-permanent dye, your new shade will fade every time you wash your hair.

Experts advise to adjust your shampoo schedule and only wash your hair every other day. Doing this decreases the dye’s exposure to shampoo and lessens the speed at which it fades.

Conditioning is fine; however, you may wish to buy a max-strength conditioner to ensure your hair stays hydrated after being exposed to strong chemicals.

Lastly, be prepared to re-dye your hair in the future. As your hair grows out, your natural color will return. Once this becomes obvious, you should wash the dye out using a color-removing shampoo or re-dye your hair.

THE PROCESS

Hair dye methods vary slightly from product to product. However, you are likely to find a routine that looks as follows:

• Put on the protective gloves included with your hair color kit. This first step is essential to avoid dyeing your hands the same color as your hair.

• Mix your hair dye components. Some kits may provide a pre-mixed solution, and some will provide two sachets that you must mix yourself.

• Apply the hair dye to your hair. You can do this using your hands or any application tool included with your product. Ensure an even layer of dye across every hair.

• Don’t be afraid to lay it on thick and flatten your hair with your hands.

• Ensure there isn’t any excess dye on your scalp. You should be able to see the texture of your hair. If your head looks like a bowling ball, scrape off the excess.