Dyeing your hair can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. Learning how to dip dye hair is a little easier. There is undoubtedly a learning curve, and you have to be comfortable learning as you go. I only dye my hair at home, but never had any problems. But I always make sure to have a helper. In other words, I get all the supplies and give the directions, but I like to have someone else to apply the product. That way we don’t miss any spots.
So many people have been asking how to dip dye hair. It’s such a gorgeous hairstyle. Most people think that dip-dyed hair must be complicated. That’s because if you aren’t careful, it could end up looking patchy or have a blunt line. But in all reality, it is straightforward. Plus, it’s such a fun style because you can do whatever color you want! Not to mention it is an effortless style to do on your own, even if you don’t have help! So I want to give you the rundown on what dip dye is, how to dip dye at home, and even how you can add some fun colors!
What Is Dip Dye Hair?
When it comes to two-tone hair color, most people are familiar with ombre hair dye. Dip dye is a similar idea. The two styles can be easily confused, but there are a few subtle differences. When someone wants ombre hair, it is a very natural and gradual change in color. Usually starting with brown or black on top and gradually fading to a lighter tone. It doesn’t necessarily have to go from black to blonde, it could also be a warmer tone. Ombre can be done on any length of hair.
Dip dyeing your hair is more drastic. No matter what shade your roots are, your ends are super light. So it doesn’t look nearly as natural as balayage or ombre because the dip-dyed ends are so light. It’s the perfect way to add some fun colors!
How To Dip Dye Hair
Overall, learning how to dip dye hair isn’t hard. I was going to give you a step by step breakdown, but it’s honestly very straightforward. You can get your hair bleached at a salon unless you’re comfortable with bleaching hair at home. If you would like to learn how to bleach your hair at home, you could check out these tips for bleaching your hair. It is also possible to lighten your hair without bleach. For instance, blonde box dyes could work too. They are ammonia based instead of bleach. The downside is that you may have to treat your hair a few times. That could end up being just as damaging as using bleach and may take longer.
I used a high-lift dye to lighten my hair. But that will only work if you already have light brown or blonde hair. I chose this method because I have very dry hair and bleaching can be brutal. The high lift dye was similar to a box dye, and my hair was much healthier by the end of the process.
Tips For How to Dip Dye Hair
Keep in mind that dip dyeing works best on long hair if you want to try for a gradual fade. If your hair is short, it will most likely be a very dramatic fade. While that isn’t a bad look, I just think you should know. All you have to do is lighten the bottom portion of your hair. You only need to dye the bottom ⅓ or ½.
There are ways to lighten your hair without bleach. Using a box dye or a high lift dye is very effective. Or you can stick with bleaching your hair, which will lighten your hair quickly. If you’re doing it yourself, you could check out tutorials. There are a lot of great tutorials for lightening your hair with bleach or without bleach.
Once you figure out how to dye your hair blonde, you’ll need to tone your hair. It’s best to shoot for a cool blonde. Unless you have naturally blonde hair. But if your hair is a warm blonde, you don’t want to go for an ashy blonde on the bottom. Instead, shooting for a cool, white blonde is more complimentary.
Once your hair is light enough you could add a fun color! Or if your hair is already bleach blonde, you could just add a colored hair dye to the bottom.
How to Dip Dye Hair and Add a Splash of Color
Dip dyeing doesn’t need to be limited to only dark hair with light ends. Adding color to the bottom is another gorgeous look. I know bright colors aren’t for everyone, but there are a few different approached you could take.
If you’d like to learn how to dip dye hair with a color, there are a few great products I can recommend. Manic Panic is a fantastic brand I’ve used a few times. They have vivid colors. I’ve used their Pillarbox Red, Electric Amythist, and the Hot Hot Pink. N’Rage is another amazing brand that lasts so long. I used their Cobalt Blue, and it was one of the longest lasting hair colors I’ve used. It even faded nicely, which was a huge perk because blue tends to fade to an odd grey. But this one faded to a turquoise and green, which I didn’t mind.
Tips For How to Dip Dye Hair and Add Pastel Colors
A little secret I’ve learned, which most people know if they’ve tried pastels, is the fact that they don’t last long at all. But you can use a regular colored dye. The best part about doing that is the fact that you can make the dye last much longer. So if you would like to learn how to dip dye hair and make the color last, I have a tip. You won’t need to keep buying more every time you want to touch up your hair. All you have to do is mix the dye into conditioner until it’s the pastel color you’re looking for. Apply that instead, and you will achieve a subtle pastel color!
Conclusion
Learning how to dip dye your hair isn’t hard. If you have long hair it is easy to do it all on your own. You only need to do the bottom half of your hair, so it’s much easier than coloring all of your hair on your own. Since you will also have your natural color on top, any mistakes will still blend in.
If you would like to learn how to dip dye hair and add a color, it is just another step. It isn’t complicated at all. There are lots of tutorials you could check out if you’d like to do your hair at home. But if you aren’t comfortable dyeing your hair, just go you your favorite salon! Either way, if you want to try a new color, learning how to dip dye hair is perfect. You will still have your natural hair on top. So it’s a fun but classy style that isn’t a total change. Let us know your favorite dip dye hair color in the comments below!
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