DIY is short for “do it yourself”.

Will you take the chance and learn how to dye your hair at home, or will you dish out hundreds of dollars at the salon? The right hair color can enhance your natural beauty and appearance. With salon services costing $100 plus, trying the DIY route may be a great option. Here are a few pros and cons of DIY hair coloring to help you decide:

Pros – Affordability: Dyeing your hair at home costs a fraction of the amount you would pay at the salon. The starting cost for dye at a salon is $60.

• Convenient: You don’t have to leave the comfort of your own home, and wait time is minimum.
• Simple: Dye kits have an easy step by step guide to help you DIY.

Cons – Limitations: Your color choice is limited. You only get one formula for a single color. You can’t add highlights, unless you purchase another kit. The kits come in one strength, so the color may not come out exactly as you hoped. With a professional stylist, you can achieve any color because they are able to combine pigments. Most stylists have been trained, have had lots of practice, and have passed certification tests. With a stylist, you are paying for their expertise and handiwork.

• Messy: With DIY dye, there is a risk of getting your clothes, floor, countertops, and shower stained. A dye stain is very hard to remove.
• Things can go wrong: You are not a professional stylist, so you may mix the dye incorrectly. The color may not develop the way it looks on the box or kit. You may make a few mistakes before you get it right.

What you will need:

• Dye Brush – for easy application of color.
• Hair Color Mixing Bowl – this is essential for accurate and complete mixing of hair color.
• Hair Clips – these are used to hold back the rest of your hair as you work the dye through each section.
• Rattail Comb – the narrowly pointed handle is used to divide hair into sections.
• Dark Towel – drape this over your shoulders to protect your clothes and clean up drips.
• Alcohol – Based Facial Toner – helps clear away stains from skin, floors, and countertops.
• Timer.
• Color Box/Kit
• Coconut or Almond Oil – used to protect your skin from irritation. Spread along your hairline before applying your color.
• Shower Cap.
• A Friend – to help with sections of hair that you can’t see.

*Most of these supplies can be purchased at your local Sally’s Beauty Supply.

Steps:

• Protect and cover and surface where the dye may drip or spill.
• Drape your shoulders with a dark towel and secure it around your neck with a Hair Clip.
• Coat your hair line, neck, and ears with the Coconut or Almond Oil.
• Put on the gloves that come with the Dye Kit.
• Combine the dye ingredients in the Dye Bowl.
• Use the Rattail Comb to divide your hair into four sections.
• Use the Hair Clips to hold the sectioned hair.
• Apply the dye to your hair in sections with the Dye Brush. Break each section of the hair into smaller sections to as you work. Use your gloved fingers to work the dye into your hair.
• Set the timer for how long the dye should remain in your hair.
• Put on shower cap. (It may help to sit under a heated dryer).
• Wipe excess dye off of your neck and forehead with the Alcohol – Based Facial Toner.
• Rinse the dye out of your hair after the timer goes off.
• Shampoo and condition your hair.
• Dry your hair and style it.

DIY is great if you want to create a subtle tone on tone change or simple highlight. Try to stick to one or two shades lighter or darker than your natural hair color. Before committing to dyeing your full head, do a strand test. Collect a small section of hair and leave the color on it for about 15 minutes. Check the results to make sure you like the color. If you are wanting to achieve a drastic change, like transitioning from jet black to blonde or vice versa, you may want to schedule an appointment with a stylist.

Whether you decide to DIY hair coloring or seek a professional stylist, maintenance is going to be key. Your hair tends to dry out after dyeing it. Be sure to use conditioner after washing your hair. Use protein treatments to restore shine, improve strength, and prevent brittleness. Hot oil treatments are also great to maintain colored hair.

Another great option to change your look is to give human hair extensions a try and see how they work for you. PureAllureHair is a company offering luxury virgin hair, they carry multiple kinds, from brazilian to afro kinky human hair they are the best source for your extension needs.

Now it’s time for you to make a decision! What will you decide? To DIY or not to DIY?