DIY Hair Dyeing: Tips and Tricks to Look Like a Professional

It's easy to save money by dyeing your hair at home. But how do you achieve a salon-quality result without spending a fortune? Here are some practical and effective tips to make your homemade hair dye look just as good as a salon service.

1. Choose the Right Hair Dye and Bleach

For guys and gals looking to go platinum or blonde, Absolute Platinum 7 is a solid choice. However, Extreme 8 and Hyper 9 should be avoided due to excessive use of bleach, which can damage your hair. Of course, this advice applies to those who already have dark hair; for natural blonde, you might consider using a high-quality shafty blonde dye.

2. Timing is Everything

For best results, wait for your hair to rest before dyeing. For example, if you dye your hair on January 1st, do not use toner until January 15th. This allows the dye to set properly and reduces the risk of damage. Proper timing is crucial for achieving vibrant and long-lasting results.

3. Maintain Your Hair with Special Shampoos and Conditioners

To make your dye last longer, use specialized hair care products. If you're dyeing blonde, use a premium blonde shampoo and conditioner. For red dye, opt for a red shampoo. These products help maintain the color and prevent it from fading too quickly. Additionally, ensure your hair is in good condition before dyeing to help prolong the life of the color.

4. Gradual Touch-ups

Wait 6-8 weeks to re-dye your roots as they grow out, rather than dyeing all over again every 8 weeks at a salon. This gradual approach saves time and money. For instance, if a salon costs $250 every 8 weeks, you can offset this with two toner treatments at $20 each. The total cost is $40 for toners, plus $65 for shampoo and conditioner, making a total of $105. This is the equivalent of two haircuts, eyebrow waxings, and a haircut and waxing at a barbershop. It comes to $145 every two months, including everything. Remember, even if you go to the salon, you still need to get a haircut, so consider the full package of services you're saving.

5. The Value of Experience

Professional stylists are not just skilled; they're educated and trained over the years. Even trained professionals like me wouldn’t cut my own hair if I could avoid it. While you can learn to trim bangs and fringe by watching YouTube videos, you can’t see the back of your head! Adding color, not removing it, is also not something trivial. Therefore, it's generally wise to leave color work to professionals.

While DIY hair dyeing can save you money, the value you gain from professional experience can be worth it. Everyone can benefit from a bit of extra money in their pocket. If you multiply your savings over a year, the difference can be significant.

Conclusion

DIY hair dyeing is a practical option to save money, but achieving a professional look requires careful planning, the right products, and patience. Remember, the education and training of a professional add immense value, making it worth the investment in the end.