10 Things You Should Know Before Using Box Dye
Box dye can be the secret to a great new look if you’re trying to keep thing low-cost and simple. However, there are some important things you need to know before using box dye.
Box dye can be the secret to a great new look if you’re trying to keep thing low-cost and simple. However, there are some important things you need to know before using box dye.
Box dye comes in two main types: temporary and permanent color. The difference between the two lies in how long they last on your hair—temporary dyes wash out after one or two washes whereas permanent dyes require bleaching (usually bleach powder) to remove them from the strands of your hair. While both work similarly when applied by mixing with developer and applying it to your locks, there are several key differences between using these products that you should be aware of before getting started!
1. Choose the right color
When choosing your box dye, make sure you choose a color that is at most two shades lighter or darker than your natural hair color. Choosing a color that is more than 2 shades lighter or darker than your natural hair can be hard to achieve and cause damage to the hair. If using a darker shade, be cautious when applying the product because if it is too dark for your natural tone, it may result in breakage.
If using a lighter shade of box dye, remember that lightening gradually over time will yield better results than trying to go from dark brown to blonde in one sitting (or even over several sessions).
2. Read the directions carefully
Read the directions carefully. This is important for several reasons:
- You don’t want to apply this dye to hair already dyed with another color or bleach. If you’re looking for a drastic change in color, it’s best to do so by going from dark to light or vice versa.
- You shouldn’t use this product if your scalp is irritated or if you have any other conditions that make applying the dye dangerous for you (such as dandruff, psoriasis, eczema). If you are unsure whether using box dye is safe for you and/or your hair type, consult with your doctor before using any kind of chemical on your head.
- The same goes with eyebrows and eyelashes: Don’t use this product on these kinds of hairs because they’re sensitive areas of the body and can be easily damaged by chemicals. Similarly, if there’s ever been any sort of chemical treatment done on them (such as perming), then don’t apply box dye either!
3. Prepare yourself and your environment
The next step is to prepare yourself and your environment. First, wear old t-shirts and old pants. You don’t want anything you’re wearing to get stained by the dye, so be sure it’s something you don’t mind getting messy. Also make sure that any furniture in the area has been covered with an old towel or drop cloth in order to avoid any stains on it as well.
Second, make sure everything you need is within reach. This includes having a towel nearby that can be used both for wiping up spills and soaking up excess water when rinsing out clothing afterward; also keep a timer or watch nearby so that you know how long each piece of clothing has been left in the dye bath (this will help ensure even coloring). Finally, make sure no one will interrupt your project during this time; this means keeping children away from the bathroom while dyeing clothes!
4. Put on gloves as soon as you open the box
- As soon as you open the box, put on gloves and don’t touch the dye with your bare hands. Box dye contains peroxide, and peroxide is a bleaching agent that can cause chemical burns if it comes in contact with skin (according to the American Academy of Dermatology). So be careful not to get any box dye on your skin or clothes! Also pay attention when handling other products that come in contact with your newly colored hair—some beauty products use peroxide too. If a product has an ingredient ending in “cide” (like sodium hydroxide), it may contain some form of bleach or peroxide.
One more thing: avoid getting any colorant on surfaces where people eat food or drink beverages; this includes countertops and spoons!
5. Use a bowl and brush to mix so you don’t waste any product or get too much on your hands
- Use a bowl and brush to mix so you don’t waste any product or get too much on your hands.
Mixing the color in a bowl will allow you to get every last drop of product out of the bottle, and it makes sure that you don’t have to worry about getting any excess dye on your hands as well. It’s much easier than pouring directly from the bottle, which can cause some spills or splashes if not done properly. Using a brush makes the process even less messy by allowing you to apply more control over how much dye gets onto your hair, instead of having it drip down onto your scalp (and clothes).
6. Apply the dye to clean, dry hair, starting at your roots and working down toward your ends, leaving about 1/4” between the ends and color
- Apply the dye to clean, dry hair, starting at your roots and working down toward your ends, leaving about 1/4” between the ends and color.
- Let it set for 10-30 minutes depending on what kind of color you want.
- Rinse out with cool water until the water runs clear (or as close as you can get it). Do not use shampoo!
- Use a conditioner designed for colored hair after rinsing out all traces of box dye (this will help prevent fading).
7. Be careful not to apply any product to your skin or clothing- it stains!
The main thing you want to avoid is applying the dye directly to your scalp or skin. This can cause staining and skin irritation. To prevent this, wear a cape or hat while applying the dye. You could also apply Vaseline around your hairline just to be extra safe!
To help prevent the product from getting on your clothes, use a plastic bowl that’s bigger than needed, so that if anything spills over it doesn’t reach the edge of the bowl and drip onto other things like towels or clothing. When using box dyes it’s best not to mix colors either because some colors will stain each other so be sure not mix these together either!
8. Keep track of time
It’s important to keep track of time when you’re dyeing your hair so that you don’t worry about forgetting the color for too long and end up with a harsh black or green hue. Use a digital kitchen timer or a stopwatch to help you keep track of how long your dye has been on. It’s better to leave the color on for a little longer than it says on the box than to wash it out too soon.
9. Rinse thoroughly – never use shampoo and conditioner from the sample packet provided! Use a shampoo that is sulfate free and color safe; salon brands are best
- Rinse thoroughly – never use shampoo and conditioner from the sample packet provided! Use a shampoo that is sulfate free and color safe; salon brands are best
If you want your hair to be healthy, it’s important to choose an appropriate shampoo. The reason why the “conditioner” provided in most box dye kits is so often ineffective is because it contains harmful chemicals like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). This ingredient can cause dryness, itching, flaking and skin irritation when used regularly on your scalp or body. SLS has also been shown to cause cancer in animals in some studies, while other research indicates it may increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease later in life when used by pregnant women during pregnancy.* While there is no conclusive evidence yet linking SLS exposure with cancer or Alzheimer’s disease in humans (nor do we suspect that using box dye will result in these conditions), we recommend using a sulfate-free product instead if possible since there are many options available now that don’t contain this ingredient.*
10. You don’t have to live with an unfortunate dye job if something goes wrong! Schedule a consultation with a professional stylist who can correct the problem
- You don’t have to live with an unfortunate dye job if something goes wrong! Schedule a consultation with a professional stylist who can correct the problem
The number one thing you should do if your hair dye turns out differently than expected is contact your local hairdresser or salon. They’ll be able to assess what went wrong and recommend steps necessary to fix it. For example, using the wrong products could result in brassy tones or dullness, but this can often be corrected by using a different shampoo and conditioner that are formulated for your specific shade of blonde.
With the proper knowledge, using box color can be simple and fun!
You can make box dye a fun and cost-effective option if you’re willing to do a little research. The most important part of the process is choosing the color that’s right for you. If you want to go lighter than your natural hair color, or if you have bleached ends, then it’s important to know how much bleach and toner you will need in order to get the shade that best suits your style.