Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 4: Choosing a color
• Part 2 of 4: Divide your hair and mix the hair dye
• Part 3 of 4: Applying the paint
• Part 4 of 4: Finishing the job
• Tips

Brown hair is easy to dye and the process is much the same as with blonde hair. You may need to use certain products depending on your starting color and what color you want to dye your hair in. The most important thing to remember is that hair dye is translucent, so it is easier to dye your hair darker than dye it lighter. Fortunately, there are products especially for brown hair that make dyeing easier.

To step

Part 1 of 4: Choosing a color

1. Buy regular hair dye if you want a similar shade or darker color. Hair dye is translucent, so it only adds to an already existing color. That means you can dye your hair any color you want, as long as the new color isn't too different from the old one or is darker. For example, if your hair is medium brown in color, you can dye it medium red or even dark brown.
   • You can buy hair dye in a kit, or you can buy the dye and developer separately.
   • Most hair dye boxes contain a 20 volume developer. The developer will help process the dye and get it absorbed into your hair.
   • If you buy the developer separately, choose a developer with volume 10 or 20. Such a developer is safe for beginners to use at home. The product does not damage your hair as much and is easier to work with than a developer with volume 30 or 40.
2. Choose blonde hair dye if you want to dye your hair lighter. It is possible to lighten brown hair, but your hair will not get the color stated on the package. Instead, opt for light blonde, medium blonde or dark blonde hair dye. The lighter the blonde color is, the lighter your hair will be.
   • Unless you start with light brown hair, you are unlikely to get blonde hair.
   • A bleaching agent has been added to some types of blonde hair dye. That means they can work on dark brown hair too.
   • Your hair can get a copper tone, so buy a pack of hair toner or purple shampoo as well. These products help to remove copper tones from your hair.
3. Try hair dye specially formulated for brown or dark hair. There are several types of hair dye for sale that are especially intended for darker hair colors. This means you can dye your hair a brighter color like red or blue without having to bleach it first.
   • Lime Crime is an example of a brand of hair dye especially for brown and dark hair.
   • Check the packaging to see if the hair dye is intended for dark hair or brown hair.
4. For best results, make sure the color matches the undertone of your skin. Hair, just like the skin, can have a warm or cool undertone. That means that if your skin has a warm undertone, you should also buy paint with a warm undertone. If your skin has a cool undertone, buy hair dye with a cool undertone.
   • Most hair dyes have a "W" or "K" after the number. The "W" stands for warm and the "K" stands for cool.
   • Some hair dyes have an "A" instead of a "K". This stands for ash, which means a cool undertone.
5. Understand that you cannot dye your hair a pastel color without using bleach. To get a pastel color, start with white hair that has been toned to turn silver. To get white hair you will have to bleach your hair.
   • This also applies to bright colors such as neon pink and yellow. You don't have to bleach your hair white, but a light blonde base will give a better result.
   • You may be able to dye your hair a pastel color with hair chalk, but the color will not be permanent.

Part 2 of 4: Divide your hair and mix the hair dye

1. Start with dry, brushed hair that hasn't been washed for 24-48 hours. This is important because the oil in your hair helps protect it from damage.
   • Only use shampoo if you wash your hair 24-48 hours in advance. Conditioner prevents the dye from penetrating your hair.
2. Protect your clothes and skin from stains. Put on a shirt that you don't mind staining and wrap an old towel or plastic cape around your shoulders. Cover your hairline, the top of your ears, and your neck with petroleum jelly. Finally, put on plastic gloves.
   • Work in an area that is easy to clean, such as a bathroom or kitchen.
   • If you are concerned about staining a counter or the floor, cover the surfaces with newspaper, paper bags, or plastic bags.
3. Pin your hair up, leaving only the bottom layer hanging down. It is easier to dye your hair in 1 - 3 centimeter layers than in tufts. Part your hair at the height of your ears at the back. Pull up all the hair above the part and make it into a bun.
   • Secure the bun with a hair clip. This will make it easier to untie and reattach your hair.
   • If you have very thick hair, it is a good idea to make the part even lower so that you are working with thinner layers.
   • Use clips if your hair is too short to make it into a bun. If your hair is up to your chin or shorter, you may not need to do this step at all.
4. Prepare the hair dye according to the directions on the package. Some hair dyes are sold as a set with hair dye and developer. With other varieties you have to buy the developer separately. Follow the directions on the hair dye package so that you mix both substances well.
   • You can mix the paint in the squeeze bottles included in the kit, or you can mix it in a non-metal bowl.
   • If you are dyeing your hair a lighter color, add 1-3 packs of toner. The more packs you use, the more your hair will turn the color of ash.
   • If you can't find packs of toner, don't worry. You can wash your hair with a purple shampoo afterwards to remove copper tones.
5. Test the paint on one section to see how the color turns. Grab a thin section of hair from an inconspicuous area, such as the bottom of your neck, and apply the dye. Cover the area with plastic wrap and let the hair dye set according to the directions on the package. Rinse the paint with cool water and let your hair dry.
   • No need to use conditioner now as this is just a test.
   • A test like this is not necessary, but is highly recommended as your hair may turn a different color than you expect.
   • If your hair is not the color you want, you will have to buy a different color.

Part 3 of 4: Applying the paint

1. Use your fingers or a hair dye brush to apply the dye to your hair. If you left the hair dye in the squeeze bottle, it is easier to just squeeze the dye onto your hair and then massage it in with your fingers. Once you have prepared the paint in a bowl, use a hair dye brush to apply the dye to your hair.
   • Work with 3-5 centimeter strands so that all of your hair is dyed.
   • If you dye your hair lighter, start applying at the ends.
   • If you are using regular hair dye or dye your hair darker, start applying at the roots.
2. Lower a thin layer of hair. Untie the bun on top of your head and let a layer of hair fall down. Make a half ponytail in your hair at a distance of 2-3 inches above the first part. Pull your hair up into a bun and secure it with a hair clip.
3. Apply more paint to the next layer of hair. Use your fingers or a hair dye brush to apply more dye to the dry, unpainted areas of your hair. Don't worry if some hair dye accidentally gets on the areas you have already painted.
   • If you are dyeing your hair a lighter color, try to work quickly so that your hair doesn't get too light. The hair dye does not contain any bleaching agent, but it can still damage your hair.
4. Repeat the process until you get to the top of your head. Keep grabbing and painting new layers until you get on top of your head. It is now a good idea to treat your hairline and parting and see if you have applied the paint evenly all over.
   • If necessary, apply more dye to the short hairs along your hairline, at your temples, and at the bottom of your neck.

Part 4 of 4: Finishing the job

1. Let the paint soak in for as long as recommended on the packaging. This can take 25-60 minutes, depending on the brand and type of hair dye you are using. Do not leave the hair dye in your hair for longer than the time recommended on the package, especially if you are dyeing your hair lighter.
   • Leaving blonde hair dye in your hair for longer than the recommended time will not lighten your hair. It will just get damaged.
   • Pull all of your hair up into a loose bun and then cover it with a shower cap. This way your environment stays clean.
2. Rinse the paint from your hair with cool water and then use conditioner. Do not use shampoo. Simply rinse your hair with cool to lukewarm water until the rinse water runs clear. Then apply a little bit of conditioner to your hair. Leave the conditioner on for 2-3 minutes, then rinse it out of your hair with cool to lukewarm water.
   • Make sure to use a sulfate-free conditioner designed for dyed hair. You can also use the conditioner from your hair dye set.
3. Dry your hair and style it as desired. If possible, let your hair air dry. If you can't do that, use a hair dryer on a low setting. According to some people, it works best to partially dry the hair and then blow dry it.
4. Treat your hair with toner if it has turned a copper color or turned yellow. Wet your hair and apply purple toner shampoo to it. Leave the shampoo on for as long as stated on the packaging. Usually this is 5-15 minutes. Then rinse your hair with cool water and dry it as usual.
   • If you put toner packs into blonder hair dye, you probably won't have this problem.
   • It's a good idea to wear plastic gloves for this step. Purple shampoo contains a small amount of paint and can stain your hands.
5. Wait 72 hours before shampooing your hair. This is very important as your hair is still porous at this stage. If you wash it too early, you can wash out the dye and your hair color may fade. Leave your hair alone for 72 hours so that the hair cuticles can close and absorb the hair dye.
   • Make sure to use a shampoo and conditioner for dyed hair. If you can't find those, use a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner.
   • Afterwards, make sure you take good care of your dyed hair so that the color lasts longer.

Tips

• If you are not sure which color to choose, ask a hairdresser for advice.
• Hair dye can stain your pillowcase for the first few days, especially when it comes to unnatural colors like purple and blue. It may be a good idea to sleep on an old pillowcase.
• The darker your hair is, the more difficult it is to get a bright color.