Altering the colour of your natural hair might look like such a drastic step but sometimes that change is needed alongside— perfectly manicured nails, and tailored clothes— to switch things up and take your confidence to the next level.
That one bold step can either transform you to be a blonde, redhead, or even the subtle but daring shade burgundy. Whether your next stop is the salon or you prefer to “Do it yourself”, there are some things you need to look out for before getting a hair dye so consider this your absolute checklist before getting a hair dye.
What is hair dyeing?
Hair dyeing is changing the colour of your hair for reasons that are largely cosmetic like covering greying or white hair, or altering the hair colour to achieve a specific look.
Colouring of hair did not just start today. It is an ancient art. For instance, Assyrian herbals which date back to 2177 BCE, contained some of the oldest recipes for cosmetic preparations including hair dye.
Different types of hair dyes exist. There are permanent hair dyes, which penetrate deep into the hair shaft and last until new hair grows out. If you are looking for a temporary change, temporary dyes that just coat the hair surface and wash out after one or two wash days are the perfect alternative.
If you do not want to introduce any form of chemicals into your hair, then natural hair dyes like henna and indigo are the best chemical-free options for you.
Know your hair’s current condition
Before making that salon appointment, it is important to assess your hair and ask yourself questions like: Is your hair dehydrated? Are you battling multiple knots and split ends?.
Hair that is weak or damaged may not react well to chemical treatments like bleaching or permanent dye and taking this step without proper hair assessment can worsen existing damage— if your hair has already gone through treatments like relaxing, heavy heat styling, or keratin treatments, then taking a break before dyeing your hair would be best for you and your hair.
Choose a colour that suits your skin
Your hair colour can either break or make your entire look, choosing the perfect hair colour that not only matches your skin tone but also your wardrobe is essential.
If you are light-skinned, colours like ash blonde or light brown would be the perfect colour match and if you are dark-skinned, warmer colours like Auburn or chestnut would further complement your skin tone and the perfect way to be sure you are making the right decision is consulting a professional colourist who will properly consider your skin tone and overall style.
When it comes to your wardrobe, your hair colour should suit your personal style. If you are an outdoorsy person, picking a hair colour that won’t fade in the sun can elevate your entire look even more.
Health risks behind hair dye.
Allergies and reactions differ from person to person.
As much as hair dyes provide a means of change—temporarily or permanently, it is important to be aware of the potential health risks and long-term implications of their usage.
According to a 2022 study, some of the health risks associated with hair dye are respiratory issues, as fumes from hair dye may irritate the lungs, especially if you live in a poorly ventilated area.
Other health risks include scalp & hair damage, swelling or rashes due to ingredients like paraphenylenediamine(PPD), and cancer concerns from repeated use over a long time.
First, you must conduct a patch test on a small portion of your hair just behind your ear and observe it for 24 hours before dyeing your entire hair.
Pro tip: Choose ammonia-free products and go for gentler formulas to reduce scalp irritation or hair damage.
You can seek professional help to recommend the best product for your hair type.
Understanding the commitment
Hair dye is rarely a one-time event—usually when you give in and try a colour, the curiosity to experiment with other colours grows but many colours require maintenance, touch-ups, and specialized care.
Darker dyes fade gradually but lighter ones— especially the ones that require bleaching often need frequent touch-ups particularly at the roots.
Colours like burgundy, copper, and pastel colours also fade quickly so before taking the step to colour your hair, do your research and be sure you are ready for the regular maintenance and touch-up routines required. While hair dyeing can be beautiful, it requires commitment.
Consider Your Hair History
Knowing your hair history will help you make better decisions when it comes to product choices, as well as prevent colour failures or scalp damage.
Has your hair been dyed before? Relaxed? Treated with henna? These factors can affect how a new dye interacts with your hair.
Previously colored hair may react differently to new pigments, sometimes leading to unexpected tones. For example, bleaching over certain dyes can result in brassy or uneven color.
Colour your hair with care
Colouring your hair can be an exciting and empowering experience. It can be transformative allowing you to express yourself, your style and identity in creative ways—but the best colour results come with careful planning, researching, and preparations.
So, by understanding your hair’s condition, knowing your possible allergies, and picking scalp-safe products you can achieve that transformative colour with confidence and precision.
