How to Change Your Hair Color at Home

So, you've decided that you want a new look-one that requires your hair to be a slightly different color. Dare you try this procedure at home? Why not! With a few simple instructions and safety precautions, you could be flaunting your new look in no time at all-even if you're not a professional stylist.

Before you color your hair, especially if it's thick, you should prepare your hair for the coloring process by making sure your hair is thoroughly conditioned. Using hot oil treatments, or conditioners with jojoba or Aloe Vera can help to maintain the proper moisture balance of the hair, and will make your color brighter and longer-lasting.

Once you decide on the color you want to use, shop around a little before making your purchase. Don't be fooled into thinking that very expensive dyes will automatically be better for your hair; pay special attention to dyes that are formulated for thick hair or hair that has been color treated before. Products like these will help you to retain your new color longer. You should also condition your hair quite often if it's curly, since curly hair tends to be thick as well, and may not take to color as well. Reddish hues are best for curly hair, since it gives the illusion of form and symmetry; auburn and blond hues tend to make hair that already has a tendency to be frizzy look more unruly.

Making sure that you maintain a healthy lifestyle is also a great way to make sure that your at-home hair dying experience goes well. Eating a balanced diet, taking a multivitamin with Vitamin E and Calcium, and taking additional supplements like Castor Oil and/or Fish Oil will give you hair a healthy shine and make each shaft stronger. So, a few weeks before you dye your hair, trying to eating especially healthy; you'll see a significant change in your hair, and you'll be much happier with the dying job.

You should also make sure that you're not allergic to any of the ingredients in the hair dye by performing a skin test on the inside of your arm before putting the dye in your hair. Wait a few hours to see how your skin reacts, after that, it's usually safe to continue with the dying process. If you're using peroxide to significantly lighten your hair or go blond, make sure that you have extra conditioning available, besides what may be included in the hair dying kit. You may also want to get your ends trimmed a couple of days before dying your hair to prevent breakage.

If you're the type that likes to change hair colors often, using a permanent or even semi-permanent dye is not for you. It's recommended that you dye your hair every six months or so to prevent split ends and breakage, so a temporary rinse will help to switch up your look while you keep your hair healthy. Many store-bought dyes can be very abrasive on the hair, so it's important not to overdo it. Using natural hair dyes with ingredients like henna and almond oil are best when you want to change hair colors several times a year.