Tips & Tricks; Box Hair Dye Edition

Okay, let's face it... we've all done stuff we were told specifically not to do. In today's case, we're talking about box hair dye. I know, even the thought of it probably kills you hairdressers and self-proclaimed beauticians. But today I'm going to give you a few helpful tips on how to get the best result using a drug store bought box hair dye. I've got to be honest, I started dying my hair out of the box when I was in college. Before that, I had my hair chemically altered one time, and that was highlights for my senior year book picture. 

Once I was in college, I started to experiment... okay get your mind out of the gutter, I mean with hair dye. I went from my natural dark brown to light brown, to blonde, to jet black. Needless to say, this really took a toll on my hair. I hit a road block though, when I wanted to get my jet midnight black hair back to my natural brown. That's where my friend Lela came in. She is literally a hair GODDESS. She helped me get back to my natural brown but we had to lift the black out, then deposit the brown. It was a long process, and it really killed my hair. Shortly after, I wanted to go red, not fire engine red. But, burgundy. We tried that, and it was hard to maintain, so I decided to go back to dark brown, but with caramel highlights. Oh my God did I love it!! However, life happened and I wasn't able to keep having her touch up my highlights, so I decided to take matter into my own hands.  *Cue dramatic music*

In the beginning of December, on an unexpected snowy day off, I was browsing pinterest and came across a color I just HAD to have; it was a brown-reddish-pinky color. Makes no sense, I know. So without further consideration, I hopped into my car and drove to my local CVS, where I found a color so similar to the one I had seen on pinterest. It was only $3.99 (Revlon Colorsilk - Shade Burgundy), and I have long hair so I bought two boxes and went home and died it. I was in love with the color, but it only lasted a whole 3 days. So, a week later, I bought it again, and dyed it again. The same thing happened. 

So I waited a few weeks and tried a different brand ($8.99 Garnier Olia - Shade Dark Red Garnet). And, before I dyed it, I researched some stuff (on google, and reviews on the products I was using). I did what I had read, and OH MY GOD. It made such a huge difference. Dying so many times has caused me so much frustration, and so much damage to my hair, I thought I would share some helpful tips and tricks with my readers to help make your experience a little more pleasant.

** I will post pictures and costs of the products I recommend at the end of this post **

For starters, when it comes to box dye, it's true, the more expensive, the better. In all honesty, I favor the new Garnier Olia. Also, remember, if you have long, thick hair, you will probably need two boxes. 

ATLEAST 24 HOURS PRIOR TO DYING: Wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo to get rid of the buildup your products have left behind over time. I noticed this really makes a difference in how well the color takes to your hair. I bought Suave Daily Clarifying Shampoo for $1.94 at Walmart. If you don't want to use a clarifying shampoo, do not wash your hair 24 hours prior to coloring.

Prep: If you're anything like me, you'll make a mess. Make sure you have on crappy clothes, and have towels or bags laid out to catch any dye that might escape your locks. Also - use vaseline around your hairline, on your ears, and the back of your neck to help with your skin getting dyed. Section your hair into at least 4 equal parts to better ensure coverage. 

During Application: Make sure you shake the mixture (away from your face) really well. Work on only one section at a time. If you have color treated hair already, I suggest you start with mid-shaft to ends, and then go back and cover all your roots. I also like to leave the dye on for 10-15 minutes longer than directions suggest. Then, I put a plastic grocery bag on my head. Before rinsing, I like to massage the dye into my hair without adding water.

RINSING: Be sure to use cool water, and rinse until the water runs mostly clear. DO NOT SHAMPOO THE DYE OUT. Use the conditioner that came in the box. (If you got two boxes, I recommend using the second tube of conditioner after washing your hair for the first time after dying.) REMEMBER TO RINSE WITH COOL WATER, COLD IF YOU CAN TOLERATE IT

AfterCare: This part is SO important to maintain color, especially reds. Towel dry your hair (be mindful of the color of the towel so your hair doesn't bleed all over your brand new white towels). While it is still damp, use a leave-in conditioner. Only a small amount (dime sized, usually). Apply to mid-shafts and ends only. If you use it on your roots, your hair will look greasy faster. Try not to go to sleep with wet hair. And, don't put your hair up in an elastic while it is wet. Both of these things will make your hair more prone to breakage. If you're going to blow dry and/or straighten - I highly recommend using a heat protection. And, finish it off, (once it is dry) with a smoothing serum. 

It is important that you DO NOT wash your hair everyday. And after dying, be sure to use a sulfate free or color safe shampoo and conditioner. Also, I seriously suggest you guys do a deep conditioning treatment once a week. And when washing; ALWAYS RINSE WITH COOL WATER. Hot water can be very damaging to your hair, and also fades color super fast! 

These are SOME of the products I use and highly recommend! (Photos are below descriptions)

Shampoo & Conditioner: Refer to my last post. I switch between Clear, Vidal Sassoon Color Care, and Suave Keratin Infusion Color Care. None of which are expensive. 

Deep Conditioner: I use ApHogee Intensive 2 Minute Keratin Reconstructor, Which can be found at Sally's for roughly $10-12. It literally works wonders! 

Leave-In Conditioner: I use Suave Professionals Keratin Infusion Heat Defense Leave -In. It costs $3.99 at Stop and Shop. I LOVE IT. 

For Heat Protection: John Frieda Heat Defeat Protective Styling Spray. I got it at CVS on sale for $6.99. I wouldn't straighten my hair without this!

Smoothing Serum: TRESemme Keratin Smooth- Keratin infusing smoothing serum. This was on sale at stop and stop for $3.99 and I absolutely love it. Smells and works incredible!

---* Well guys I hope this was helpful. Feel free to leave comments with your suggestions and/or opinions!