Hair dyes are translucent. They are thus superimposed on the existing color, without eliminating it. If you have blonde hair, then you can dye it any color you want, without bleaching it. Despite this, red hair dyes often don't give a dark enough result on blonde hair, especially if you are starting with platinum hair and looking for a dark red shade. You just might end up with pink hair! With the right technique, however, you will be able to achieve the color you want, without fear of hair disaster.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: picking the right shade
Step 1. Pick a color that matches your skin tone
You will be able to choose the shade of red you want, but there are some tips that will allow you to choose the shade that will look best on you. In general, the darker your skin, the darker you should look for.
For example, if you have very pale skin, try a Venetian blonde or a light red. If you have dark skin, a darker shade, such as auburn, will look better on you
Step 2. Choose the shade according to the undertones of your skin
Like the skin, red hair can have warm or cool undertones. If a red color doesn't look right on you, it's probably because you're not picking the right shade. Start by determining your skin tone, then choose a shade of red that highlights your skin tone. See the following examples.
- If your skin has a cool undertone, choose a cool red, with a hint of purple. Bordeaux is a very good example.
- If your skin has a warm undertone, choose a warm red, with warm highlights, such as a copper shade for example
Step 3. Try the color on your skin
Red hair can look dull against fair skin, especially if you choose a dark red. Find something the same color you want your hair to be, such as a piece of cloth or a wig. Arrange the fabric or wig on your head and see if you like the result or not.
- If the color is too intense, choose a lighter shade.
- You can usually try on a wig at a specialty store or costume store. However, you will need to buy a special cap, which will cost you around 1 or 2 euros.
- Disregard the style of the wig. Concentrate only on the effect of color on your skin.
- You could also use photo editing software, like Photoshop or a makeover application.
Part 2 of 4: prepare the dye
Step 1. Buy a red tincture
You can use a dye kit or purchase the dye and developer separately, at a hair salon or cosmetic store. If you buy the dye and developer separately, you will also need to purchase a bottle of conditioner for colored hair, plastic gloves, a plastic bowl for mixing, and an applicator brush.
You won't need a powerful developer. A 10 volume developer will be the most efficient
Step 2. Buy a brown dye to dye a light blonde to dark red
This step is important. If you have platinum blonde hair, classic hair color won't be dark enough to completely dye it - you will end up with pink hair! You will then need to start by dyeing your hair brown.
- For the best result, choose a medium brown color. Avoid browns that are too dark or the red will not be visible.
- You will need to repeat the coloring process twice: once with the brown dye and once with the red dye.
Step 3. Mix the stain and developer in equal doses
In a non-metallic bowl, pour enough developer 10 to saturate your hair. Add an equal amount of stain to the developer, then mix with a non-metallic spoon, until there are no more streaks of color.
- If you start by dyeing your hair brown, only prepare the brown dye. Do not touch the red coloring yet.
- If you are using a kit, follow the product instructions.
Step 4. Add a protein filler if you have bleached your hair
If this is not necessary, this product will help achieve hair color. It will also help to adhere the color. For best results, choose a red protein filler and use the amount of product indicated on the product insert. In most cases, this will be half of the vial. You can buy this type of product in a hairdressing salon or cosmetic store.
- If your hair is naturally blonde, you won't have to apply filler.
- If you start by dyeing your hair brown and then red, you will only need to add the filler to the brown coloring.
Step 5. Bleach your hair if it is dark and you want to lighten it
Blonde hair can range from very pale (platinum) undertones to very dark blonde undertones. The lighter the starting shade, the easier it will be to achieve the shade that appears on the box. If your hair is very dark blonde, almost brown, you may need to bleach it first. The stain is translucent and it will simply overlap with the existing color.
- If your hair is dark blonde and you are looking for a dark red, it will not be necessary to bleach your hair. Dark coloring will cover them.
- If your hair is dark blonde and you are looking for a rather light Venetian blonde, you will need to bleach your hair first or the dye will not be visible.
- Since your hair is fairly light, you probably won't need to use a bleach stronger than 10 or 20 volumes. Follow the product instructions and never leave the tincture on for longer than indicated.
Part 3 of 4: dye your hair
Step 1. Protect your skin, clothing and work surface
Cover your work surface with newspaper or plastic bags. It might be better to cover the ground as well. Then put on a hairdressing cape or place an old towel over your shoulders. Apply petroleum jelly to your skin, all around your face, the back of your neck, and the tips of your ears. Finally, put on a pair of plastic gloves.
Step 2. Brush your hair, then draw a horizontal parting
With your thumbs or the tip of the applicator brush, draw a horizontal line across the back of your head, approximately at the level of your ears. Gather all the top hair into a bun and secure it with a clip. Leave the rest of your hair loose.
- If you have very short hair, try a half ponytail.
- If you have very thick hair, draw the part a little lower, because you will have to work thinner layers.
Step 3. Apply the stain starting from the ends
Gather a wick of 2 to 5 cm, on one side of your head. Apply the dye to the tips, then work your way up to the roots. Reapply more dye if necessary, when you reach mid-length. Walk all the way around your head, to the other side.
- If you prepared the dye in a bowl, apply it to your hair with the applicator brush.
- If you are using a kit, apply the product with the applicator bottle, then work it into your hair with your fingers or the applicator brush.
Step 4. Detach another section of hair and repeat the operation
The thickness of these sections doesn't really matter, as long as you can saturate the hair with the dye. When you get to the top of your head, don't forget to apply the dye to your parting and around your face.
You can roll up and tie up previous sections of hair, so they don't get in the way or let them hang loose. You should be able to tell the difference between your dyed (wet) and undyed (dry) hair
Step 5. Leave the dye on for the time indicated on the package
Gather all of your hair and roll it up into a loose bun. Cover your head with a plastic shower cap and wait the time indicated on the product instructions.
- The shower cap will protect your surroundings from dye stains, while helping the dye to work faster.
- Exposure time will vary from brand to brand, but it will typically be 20-25 minutes.
Step 6. Rinse off the stain with cool water and apply conditioner
Do not use shampoo or you will wash off the dye. Apply the conditioner contained in the kit. If you are not using a kit, use a conditioner formulated for colored hair.
- Remember to put the plastic gloves back on for this step, to prevent any stains from staining.
- If possible, allow your hair to air dry. If you must use a hair dryer, apply a heat protector first.
- Wait at least 3 days before washing your hair with shampoo. These 3 days will allow time for the scales to close on the pigments of the dye.
Step 7. Repeat the process with the red dye
If you dyed your hair brown first, rinse off the brown dye and conditioner and let your hair dry completely. Then repeat the entire process with the red tincture. Leave the color on, rinse it with cold water and apply the conditioner. Rinse again and let your hair air dry.
You can do this right after dyeing your hair brown. It will not be necessary to wait 3 days
Part 4 of 4: maintain the color
Step 1. Wash and rinse your hair with cool water
It won't be necessary to use ice water, but use the lowest temperature you can handle. Hot or lukewarm water will wear off the dye faster and all your labor will go up in smoke.
Step 2. Use hair products suitable for colored hair
Look for the label for colored hair on shampoos and conditioners. If you cannot find this type of product, use products without sulfates. This information will usually be indicated on the vials, but check the ingredient list carefully.
- Sulfates are harmful cleansing agents found in many shampoos. They remove pigments from the hair.
- Every 2 to 3 washes, use a coloring shampoo instead of your usual shampoo. This will revitalize the color.
Step 3. Do not wash your hair more than 2-3 times a week
Even using cold water, the dye will fade slightly each time you wash your hair. To do this, wash them 2 to 3 times a week at most. You can use the co-washing method on days you are not shampooing.
- If your hair tends to get greasy, use dry shampoo.
- Co-washing is the method of washing your hair only with conditioner
Step 4. Limit the use of heated tools
Heated tools include hair dryer, straightener, and curling iron. Let your hair air dry as soon as possible, and try heat-less straightening or curling methods. Or better yet: learn to appreciate the natural texture of your hair. The heat damages the hair and fades the coloring more quickly.
If you must use a blow dryer, straightener, or curling iron, apply a good heat shield first
Step 5. Protect your hair from the sun and chlorine
The sun blurs hair color, especially red dyes. Always wear a hat, scarf or hood when going out in the sun. Above all, never let your hair come into contact with chlorine. If you want to go for a swim, hide all your hair under a bathing cap.
- If you don't like to cover your head, apply UV protective spray. This product is like a sunscreen, but for the hair.
- Dyed hair is fragile and chlorinated water will damage it even more. Chlorine could also change the color of your hair.
Advice
- Touch up your hair every 4 to 8 weeks. If your color starts to fade before this, apply a hair gloss.
- A gloss will touch up your color, but beware of kits sold in the store. They tend to leave residue. Rather, go to a professional.
- Rinse your hair with apple cider vinegar. Use about 15 ml of apple cider vinegar per 4 liters of water. This rinse will help remove residue and add shine.
- When you are done, you will be able to make blonde locks. This will bring out the undertones of your hair and the result will be more natural.
- If you get the dye on your skin, wipe it off with an alcohol-based makeup remover.