Do a color test before dyeing your hair

Video: How to do a hair dye patch test? - Dr. Amee Daxini

Content

To step
Part 1 of 3: Preparing the paint for the test
Part 2 of 3: Applying the paint to a lock of hair
Part 3 of 3: Determining the results
Tips
Necessities

When you dye your hair yourself with a paint set from the store, it is very important that you do a color test first. You can determine the final color result by means of a color test, so that you will not be faced with surprises when you paint your entire head of hair. In addition, you can test whether you do not react allergic to the ingredients of the paint. Just keep in mind that these are general guidelines for doing a color test, and that you always follow the specific instructions that come with the paint set.

To step

Part 1 of 3: Preparing the paint for the test

Put on disposable gloves. Put on the plastic gloves included in the paint set to protect your hands from the chemicals in the paint. You must keep these gloves on throughout the color test.
- If there are no gloves with the painting supplies, purchase disposable latex gloves or an alternative to latex at the store.
- It is important that the paint does not come into contact with your skin. Many products contain dyes that are toxic and can stain the skin. If paint does get on your skin, rinse it off with warm water as soon as possible. For stubborn stains, you can use olive oil, baby oil, or a mild soap or detergent.
Mix the developer and the paint in a bowl. Place 6g of hair dye and 9g of developer cream in a plastic bowl and mix well with a plastic spoon or brush if you have one.
- Preferably use a disposable bowl or cup and spoon as the paint can leave permanent stains on the bowl and utensils.
- If different amounts of color and developer are prescribed, follow the specific dyeing instructions. You only need a small amount for one strand of hair.
Replace the caps on the vials and keep them. Screw the caps back on the bottles and keep them in a cool, dry place to use them later for dyeing your hair.
- Do not mix the rest of the paint beforehand. Mixed paint should be used on the hair right away and not stored.
- Clean any stains with warm water and soap or oil to completely remove drips of paint on the sink, counter, or other nearby surfaces.

Part 2 of 3: Applying the paint to a lock of hair

Take an inconspicuous lock of hair from your hair. Part a strand of hair that is not as visible in the hairstyle you wear your hair in most often. Clip the surrounding hair aside so it doesn't get in the way or accidentally get dyed.
- Take a lock by your ear for easy access and which is often hidden from view. You can also choose a lock on the back of your head, as long as it is not too noticeable, such as on top of your head.
- Take a strand of hair at least an inch wide to get a better idea of what a larger strand of hair will look like once dyed. Choose a section that also contains some gray hair if you want to cover gray hair with this paint.
- You can perform this test by cutting and dyeing a smaller section of hair, but note that this is only to test for color and not for allergic reactions.
Apply the mixed hair dye to the strand of hair. Use a brush, a comb or your fingers (with gloves on) to apply the mixed hair dye from the bowl to the lock of hair.
- Apply the hair dye thoroughly from roots to ends as you normally would when dyeing, and according to the directions for use. Try to apply the paint as close to the scalp as possible without getting the paint directly on it.
- If this is your first time dyeing your hair, apply the dye in the center of the strand and leave it on for 15 minutes before dyeing the roots and ends. The hair dye is processed more quickly at the roots due to the heat of the scalp and at the ends due to the dryness, so this method of application can help to achieve a more even color.
- If you've dyed your hair before, apply the current hair dye from the roots to where the previous color shows and leave it on for 15 minutes before dyeing the rest of the hair. This smooths out any color differences between previously dyed hair and unpainted roots.
Leave the paint on the strand for about 30 minutes. Wait about half an hour or however long the instructions recommend.
- Make sure that the dyed strand of hair does not touch the rest of your hair, skin, or clothing during this time.
- If desired, you can wrap the dyed lock of hair in aluminum or plastic wrap to protect the hair. Keep in mind that this can also speed up the dyeing process and result in a stronger color due to the insulated heat inside.
Rinse and dry the hair strand. Rinse the hair dye with warm water until the water runs clear and blow-dry or air-dry the hair.
- Don't use shampoo on your hair right away, but you can use a little conditioner after rinsing if you want.
- Try to keep the lock separate while rinsing and drying so that you can compare and determine results more accurately.

Part 3 of 3: Determining the results

Wait 24 hours for best results. Wait an additional 24 hours after the strand of hair has dried to determine the results of the test. This allows any allergic reactions to develop fully and you can view the color of the dyed lock in different light. Pay attention to the color of the hair as well as its quality after it is dyed.
- Once you know that you are not allergic to the ingredients in the hair dye, you can fully dye the rest of your hair right after the color test, although waiting a full day can be helpful to get a better picture of the color that way. to get.
- During the 24 hour period, you can test the condition of your hair by feeling the texture compared to the non-dyed hair and stretching an individual hair to see how it behaves. Damaged hair feels dry or coarser than normal and does not return to normal shape or length after stretching.
- To do a more accurate allergy test, do a separate patch test by applying a little paint to your elbow cavity and observing your skin after 48 hours. If you notice any redness, itching, swelling or pain when testing a lock of hair or the patch test, you should wash off the hair dye immediately and stop using it.
Check if the color is too dark. Look at the dyed section when the hair is completely dry. If the color is darker than you wanted it to be, leave the dye on for a shorter time or choose a lighter shade if you are dyeing all of your hair.
- The color on the hair strand may turn out darker if your hair is dry and brittle from overexposure to heat or previous dyeing. It is wise to treat dry hair for a few weeks or months before dyeing it completely.
- The color may also turn out darker if your hair is currently a lighter shade or if you have had it bleached or permed before.
See if the color is too light. Look at the completely dried strand of hair to see if the new color is lighter than you want or expect. If so, leave the hair dye on for longer or choose a darker shade of hair dye for dyeing the entire head of hair.
- Your hair may not absorb the color as well after it has just been washed or if you have previously dyed your hair with henna, which can leave a residue that stops the dye from working as well. You may want to let the dye sit for longer and don't apply it until your hair hasn't been washed for a few days.
- It is also possible that the hair dye will not adhere well to your hair if you are taking certain medications, such as thyroid treatments, certain hormone therapies, or chemotherapy. If possible, apply dye when not using these medications and consult a doctor or pharmacist to make sure the hair dye does not interfere with the action of a medication.
Determine if the color is different than expected. Look at your dyed hair when it is dry to see if it is a different shade or color than you expected. In that case, you will probably have to buy a different color to dye your hair completely.
- If the color is too red, yellow, or "coppery", try a hair dye with "ash" in the shade name (such as "ash blonde" or "ash brown") to neutralize it. You can mix the ash color with your current color to get the color you want. You may want to do another test after mixing the two shades.
- If the color does not cover gray hair, you may need to leave the hair dye on longer (see specific dyeing instructions) or cover or heat your hair while the dye is on.
Continue to dye your entire hair or do another color test. Do exactly the same as for the color test when using the full amount of dye on the rest of your hair.
- If you are not satisfied with the color of the hair strand, do another color test with a new shade, a mix of shades, or a different length of time and / or heat application to achieve the desired result.
- If you are doing a second color test, take a different strand of hair than the one you used for the first test.

Tips

Do this test every time you dye your hair, even if you are using the same color as before. The hair and color change over time, as does the sensitivity to allergies.