Dying your hair is a significant decision and should be carefully considered. Choosing a shade that complements your skin tone, style goals, and hair health is essential. Luckily, techniques now allow you to add vibrant hair color without damaging your locks. Here are several coloring methods to make you feel beautiful and confident!
Henna
Henna is a natural hair dye that can create beautiful designs on the scalp and hands. It contains an organic compound called lawsone, which oxidizes when exposed to air and sunlight, resulting in a reddish-orange stain on the skin and hair. Henna paste can last from four days to two weeks, depending on application and washing. Over time, the color gradually fades. To use henna, mix the powder with water to form a thick paste and apply. Keeping the temperature warm and protected is essential; gloves are recommended to avoid staining hands.
Balayage
Balayage is a technique where freehand highlights are created with bleach, gradually increasing saturation at the ends. This results in low maintenance as the subtle placement of lightened strands prevents noticeable regrowth. Balayage can look great on brunettes, providing a more natural contrast than ombre. However, brunettes may need touch-ups more frequently to maintain the desired lighter hues. Use nourishing shampoos and conditioners to keep hair healthy, and try purple toning shampoos to prevent brassiness.
Dip-Dyed
Dip dyeing creates a dramatic contrast between dark roots and lighter ends. Your stylist will determine the desired difference and blend it naturally with your current color. Revive the dip dye trend by trying colors like pink, lavender, or purple for a truly unforgettable look. For an at-home attempt, you’ll need a comb, gloves, an old towel, foil, and a semi-permanent dye product that doesn’t involve bleaching.
Highlights
A “full head of highlights” technique uses foils or the balayage technique to lighten every inch of hair with highlights. Highlights add depth and dimension to your hair, creating an eye-catching sun-kissed effect. Foils can be used for more structured applications, which may require more frequent touch-ups than balayage. Deep conditioning treatments are essential to maintain healthy locks after highlight application, as highlights can cause more damage.
Lowlights
Lowlights are strands of hair dyed in a darker shade than your natural color. By adding contrast, lowlights provide depth and dimension to your locks. They’re a great alternative to all-over bleach jobs, which can damage hair and require costly touch-ups. Your stylist can strategically paint in dark dye to achieve an organic and textured effect. Lowlights are also a safer option for going blonde without excessive bleaching. Your colorist will recommend suitable lowlight shades based on your hair type and tone.
