How to Color Natural Hair - smartesthairstyles.com -Natural hair is African textured hair that has not been straightened, relaxed or chemically treated in any way. The curl pattern can range from loose to tightly coiled. Although beautiful, natural hair requires special care when dyeing. The process is tough, and if you don't do it right, you can damage your hair. Knowing what products to use will also help the color show up better.
- Ready to color your hair
Wash your hair 3 to 4 days before coloring it. You want your hair to be clean but not too clean. Washing it 3 to 4 days before will ensure your hair is free from dirt and debris but has developed enough oils to protect it during the coloring process.
Avoid using too many hair products 3 to 4 days before coloring your hair. These include mousse, gel and cream.
Condition your hair on the day you want to color it. You can use a leave-in conditioner cream or spray. Allow your hair to air dry or use a blow dryer to speed up the process on a cool setting. Once your hair is dry, you can dye it. The conditioner helps nourish your hair throughout the process.
Bleach and tone your hair if you want a vibrant, pastel or blonde hue. Separate your dry hair into 4 equal sections. Apply the bleach to 1.31/4 inch wide partings within these sections, starting at the ends, to ensure each strand is saturated. Leave on for the time recommended on the pack, but check your hair every 5 to 10 minutes if it's developing faster. Rinse out the bleach and then follow with shampoo. Apply purple hair tonic, then follow the directions on the bottle.
Do not lighten your hair more than 3 levels at a time. If you want to go lighter, see a trained stylist and prepare for multiple sessions.
You can tell how many levels you lift your hair based on the amount of developer you use, from 10 to 40. A 30 volume developer usually lifts 3 levels.
Consider balayage. This way you don't have to touch up your hair as often because your roots are already their natural color.
Purchase a dye box that is specifically designed for natural hair. The packaging says it is "Natural Hair" or "Women of Color". This type of dye differs from other box dyes in that it is much gentler. It's also designed for darker, more porous hair.
If you have long hair, buy 2 to 3 packs of hair dye in case you run out.
If your hair is short, 1 pack of hair dye should be fine.
Dye a thin strand of hair to test the color and porosity. Mix your color according to package directions, then apply to a thin strand of hair behind your ear. Wait the recommended time on the package and watch the strand closely. Rinse out the dye, then note the following:
If the strand isn't dyed well, your hair isn't porous. Perform 2 coloring sessions to avoid over-treating your hair.
If the strand is dyed faster than the recommended time, your hair is very porous. They should reduce the processing time.
If the strand is the right color in the recommended time, your hair is medium porosity and you're good to go!
- How to hair color
Protect your clothing, skin and work area. Wrap an old towel or dye robe around your shoulders. Apply shea butter or petroleum jelly to the skin around the hairline, ears, and nape of the neck. Put on the plastic gloves that came in your kit, then cover your floor and counter with newspaper.
Divide your hair into 4 sections. Start by parting your hair vertically down the middle, from the forehead to the nape of the neck. Next, part your hair horizontally at eye level from ear to ear. Secure each section with a clip or hair tie. Don't worry if the sections are too thick at this point; You will further divide them as you color them.
Prepare the paint according to the package directions. In most cases, you need to pour or squeeze the paint (small bottle or tube) into the developer (large bottle), then close and shake the developer. Sometimes the kit also includes a conditioning oil that you should also add with the paint.
You may also find a tube or bottle of conditioner in your kit. Save that for later.
Add a packet of color corrector if you choose a much lighter shade like blonde to prevent it from becoming too brassy. Read the directions on the pack to find out how much to add.
Apply the color to your hair from the middle to the ends. Separate your hair sections into 1,3Part one inch wide like you did when bleaching to ensure the color is saturated throughout your hair. Start with a small parting in the back and apply the color to the middle of the shaft. Work the color towards the ends and then move on to the next section. Do the back sections first, then the front.
Be sure to tie or clip the sections as you finish them.
Do not apply the color to the roots just yet.
Repeat the process, then comb the color through your hair. Use the same technique as in the previous step: apply the color to the middle of the shaft and then work it down towards the ends. Do the sections at the back of the head first, then those at the front. If you dyed your hair, remove the clips/scrunchies, then comb the dye through your hair with a wide-toothed comb.
Do not apply the color to the roots just yet. Your roots will be processed much faster, so save that for last.
Comb your hair properly: Start combing at the ends and then work your way up to just above mid-shaft.
Apply the color to the roots of the hair, starting with the lower layers. Use the applicator bottle's nozzle to apply a line of color to your roots near the scalp. Rub the color into your hair, away from the scalp and towards the mid-shaft, using an applicator brush if necessary. Continue in this way, starting with the hair at the back and ending with the hair at the front.
Coming to the front, do the bottom layers first. Save your front hairline and middle part for last.
Wrap pieces of aluminum foil around your hair. Wrap squares of aluminum foil around sections of hair, making sure to fold them over the ends. Don't worry if your roots are exposed. The aluminum foil will help trap the heat and help your hair absorb the color better.
Consider wrapping a larger piece of foil around your head, and then a towel. This further traps the heat. You can also use a plastic shower cap to get the same effect.
Allow your dye to develop for the time recommended on the package. How long this takes depends on the brand used. It can take between 20 and 45 minutes. To do this, use the timer on your phone, stovetop or microwave; You can even use an egg timer or clock.
Rinse the color out with cool or warm water, then condition your hair. When the time is up, remove the towel and aluminum foil. Rinse your hair under cold water until all of the color is gone and the water is clear. Apply the conditioner from the kit to your hair, leave it on for two to three minutes and then rinse with cold water.
Do not use shampoo or hot water. Both of these can cause the color to wash out completely.
If your kit doesn't include conditioner, use a color-safe or sulfate-free conditioner instead.
- Maintaining the Color
Wash your hair with cold water to keep its color and health. Not only does hot water damage hair, making it frizzier and drier, but it can also cause the color to fade faster. If you want softer, healthier hair, wash with cold water. This also helps the color last longer.
Stick to sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners. Products made specifically for color-treated hair would also work. However, avoid using shampoos and conditioners that contain sulfates as they strip the color from your hair.
Moisten your hair with oils, butters, and creams. You can use store-bought oils and butters, or you can use natural ones like coconut oil and shea butter. Apply the oils, butters and creams to your hair when it feels dry.
Condition your hair with a deep conditioner at least once a week. The deep conditioning mask can be homemade or store bought. Apply the mask to damp hair. Cover your hair with plastic wrap, wait 20 minutes, and then rinse.
If you're using a store-bought mask, make sure it doesn't contain sulfates.
Limit heat styling and chemical treatments. Bleaching and dyeing is very harsh on hair, so give your hair a break. Do not relax your hair after dyeing. If you want to straighten your hair, use a good heat protectant and a low heat setting on your flat iron. If possible, let your hair air dry.
