by Robyn Lines

Created on: November 02, 2009   Last Updated: November 03, 2009

Before Dyeing:

Do Not Wash Hair

Do not wash your hair for at least 24 hours before dying. The natural oils help protect your scalp from the chemicals in the dye and help the colour cling to the hair better. Your hair doesn't have to be greasy, just not perfectly clean.

Deep Condition

Deep condition your hair a few weeks before dying. Dry hair does not let the colour cling. However, don't condition your hair too soon before dying since the conditioner will act as a barrier & prevent the colour from clinging.

During Dyeing:

Heat

While the dye is in your hair, blow it with hot air using a hair dryer. The heat help open the hair shaft to let the dye molecules penetrate deeper. If your hair is resistant to dye or if you are dying it red you could put a shower cap or tinfoil over your hair to improve the heat process.

Dry Hair

Dye applied to dry hair clings better. Having wet hair can dilute the colour and prevent the molecules from clinging well. You are told to wet your hair before swimming so they have a barrier to prevent the chemicals in the water from damaging it. Think the same for chemicals in dye. Apply dye to dry hair.

After Dying:

Wait Before Washing

Wait at least 2-3 days after dying your hair to wash it. If you wash it too soon it will strip the colour out and the fading will start. Preferably, wait 5 days before washing your hair to give the colour plenty of time to settle in. If you don't want to wait this long then wait at least 48 hours.

Shampoo

Shampoo will strip the colour from your hair faster. Wash your hair less often; every other day at the most, 2 or 3 times a week is ideal. Instead of washing your hair with shampoo just rinse it with water. For when you do shampoo, use once for coloured hair. One specifically for your hair colour is most ideal. Some shampoo for specific hair colours has colour molecules in it to help top up the colour. You can also use talcum power (best on blonde hair) to clear grease from the roots.

Conditioner

Condition your hair often. Conditioner seals the hair shaft to keep the colour in. Conditioned hair keep colour much better than dry hair. Again, like shampoo use conditioners specifically for your colour hair. Using an intensive conditioner for coloured hair once a week can also help. Find a conditioner which is also a 'revitalizer' for your hair colour. There are also 'light' leave-in conditioners which you can use daily before styling your hair to add extra condition and strength to your hair. Avoid hot oil treatments.

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