Hair coloring INSTRUCTIONS

Disclaimer: The following information is intended to be a GUIDE. If ever you need a professional opinion, please refer to your trusty stylist or salon professional.

PREPPING FOR THE DYE
If you’re doing this at home, prepare the necessary tools. You will probably need:
  • Newspapers, old clothes, protective cape – to protect you and your area from any dye stains
  • A plastic bowl – for mixing and holding the dye
  • An application comb/brush
  • Ear covers to cover your ears while dyeing – easily available in salon supplies outlets
  • Baby oil or petroleum jelly - to cover skin areas you don't want colored (like edges near hair, ears, etc.)
  • Rubbing alcohol, makeup remover, or calamansi juice – to remove accidental dye stains on skin
  • Aluminum foil - if you intend on creating streaks of dyed hair and not the whole head
  • Hair clips - useful in parting hair and keeping hair up while dyeing

DYEING/ COLORING INSTRUCTIONS
  1. Shampoo hair thoroughly with shampoo. Do NOT condition or use other hair products. The dye will stick to the hair product rather than your hair, thus causing faster fade and weaker coloring result.
  2. Rinse then dry hair thoroughly. Advisable to blowdry to ensure hair is completely free from moisture. Hair must be completely dry before applying the dye to allow maximum absorption.
  3. Use petroleum jelly or baby oil around hair line and on ears to prevent color from staining skin.
  4. Wear protective plastic or rubber gloves for application.
  5. Empty desired amount into a plastic bowl (or you can dunk the brush directly in the jar).
  6. Using a plastic spoon or a tint brush, scoop some dye on hair beginning 1/2 inch from the scalp, then comb it thoroughly and evenly to the tips. As you comb, some pale or whitish foam or cream will gather on the comb. This is normal - this means your hair is absorbing the dye. Keep combing. 
  7. Add more dye and comb through as needed onto hair as needed. You can easily observe when the hair has been evenly and thoroughly covered. Lighter dye shades may require more combing to obtain maximum penetration and a longer lasting effect.
  8. Allow color to set in hair for 1-3 hours for long-lasting effect. Put on a shower cap or a heating cap. Heat will allow the dye to be absorbed deeper into the hair. 
  9. Rinse hair with cold water until water runs clear. This is important to prevent the color from bleeding when you sweat. No need to shampoo or condition.

DYEING TIPS
  • Your hair might color your towel and pillow cases within the few days of dyeing your hair, so prepare some old towels to prevent unwanted transfer of color to other cloths or linens.
  • Manic Panic, Special Effects, and Punky instructions both say to leave the dye in for 30 minutes (or less), but if you want the dye to last longer, let it sit in your hair longer. For dark colors, minimum of 1 hour. For light colors, minimum of 3 hours. For better results, let it stay in your hair overnight! Throw on a shower cap, sleep with it, and rinse it off when you wake up in the morning.
  • Heat helps the color stick better to your hair. It might help to put on a shower cap, and briefly blow dry to add heat for a few minutes.
  • Using a vinegar rinse to clean off the dye from your hair can help seal the color in. 1 cup vinegar + 1 cup cold water will do fine.
  • Do not color your scalp, and do not color the roots. It doesn't do any harm, but coloring your skin is not the objective!