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Okay, let’s be real for a second—changing your hair color can feel like a big deal. Maybe you’re thinking about covering those sneaky grays that keep popping up, or perhaps you’re itching to try out that vibrant shade of red you’ve been eyeing on Instagram. Whatever the reason, coloring your hair at home can be both exciting and a little nerve-wracking.
I’ve been there. You’ve got the box of Ion Permanent Hair Color sitting on your bathroom counter, and while a part of you is ready for the change, another part of you is wondering, “Am I about to totally mess up my hair?” Trust me, you’re not alone. We all want to look in the mirror and love what we see without the anxiety of a DIY disaster.
The good news? With the right steps and a bit of patience, you can totally nail that new color and feel like a hair pro while doing it. I’ll walk you through the process, step by step, without the stress.
Before you even open the box of hair color, there are some important steps to take to ensure your color turns out just the way you want.
1. Choose the Right Shade
Choosing the right shade is half the battle. If you’re new to hair coloring, stick with shades that are no more than two shades lighter or darker than your natural color. This will ensure a more natural transition and minimize the risk of unexpected results. Ion offers a wide variety of shades, so take your time browsing through the options.
Consider your skin tone as well: warmer skin tones often pair well with warm colors, while cooler skin tones look great with ashy or neutral shades.
If you’re unsure about a color, always do a strand test first. This involves applying the color to a small, hidden section of hair to see how it turns out before committing to your whole head.
2. Gather Your Supplies
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Ion Permanent Hair Color: Obviously! Make sure you have enough product for your hair length.
- Developer: Ion Permanent Hair Color needs to be mixed with a developer to activate it. The developer’s strength (10, 20, 30, or 40 volume) will depend on your desired level of lift.
- Applicator Brush: For precise application.
- Mixing Bowl: Non-metallic to avoid reactions with the dye.
- Gloves: To protect your hands.
- Old Towel or Cape: To protect your clothes.
- Sectioning Clips: To help section your hair for even application.
- Vaseline or a Protective Cream: To apply around your hairline and ears to avoid staining your skin.
Always perform a patch test 48 hours before coloring to ensure you don’t have an allergic reaction!
3. Prepare Your Hair
@manesbymell Replying to @Hope.Joy.Life! PSA before your hair color appointment this fall, use a clarifying shampoo 2x the day before and come in CLEAN!
Dry hair is best for coloring. Wash it 24 to 48 hours before coloring to remove oils and product buildup, but avoid using conditioner as it can create a barrier that prevents the color from penetrating. The natural oils your scalp produces at this time will help protect your scalp from irritation during the coloring process.
The Application Process
Now that you’re all set up, it’s time to get down to business.
Mix the Color
Follow the instructions that come with your Ion Permanent Hair Color carefully. Typically, you’ll mix the color with the developer in a 1:1 or 1:2 ratio, depending on the desired intensity and lift. Use your applicator brush to mix until the consistency is smooth and creamy.
Don’t use metal bowls or utensils when mixing hair dye, as they can oxidize the color and affect the outcome.
Section Your Hair
Sectioning your hair makes the application process much easier and ensures even coverage. Use your sectioning clips to divide your hair into 4 parts: 2 in the front and 2 in the back. Start with the bottom sections and work your way up.
Apply the Color
Starting at the roots, use your applicator brush to apply the color. Work in small sections, moving from the roots to the ends. Be sure to saturate your hair thoroughly to avoid patchiness. Once the roots are covered, apply the color to the mid-lengths and ends.
If you’re just doing a root touch-up, apply the color to your roots first, then pull it through to the ends for the last 10–15 minutes of processing.
Apply Vaseline or a protective cream around your hairline and ears before you start coloring to prevent the dye from staining your skin.
Processing Time
Once the color is applied, it’s time to let it process. The processing time will vary depending on the color and developer used, typically between 30 and 45 minutes. Follow the instructions on your specific color for best results.
To avoid over-processing, don’t leave the color on longer than recommended. Set a timer to help keep track of the time.
Rinsing and Aftercare
Once the processing time is up, rinse your hair with lukewarm water until the water runs clear. Avoid using hot water as it can open the hair cuticle and cause the color to fade faster. Skip the shampoo—just rinse and follow up with the conditioner provided in your color kit or a color-safe conditioner.
Rinse your hair with cold water for the final rinse. This helps to seal the cuticle and lock in the color.
After rinsing, apply a deep conditioner or the conditioner that comes with your color. Leave it on for a few minutes to help restore moisture and seal the cuticle. Rinse thoroughly, then style your hair as usual.
Maintaining Your Color
Coloring your hair is just the beginning. To keep your color looking fresh and vibrant, it’s important to follow a good aftercare routine.
Use Color-Safe Products
Invest in a good color-safe shampoo and conditioner. These products are formulated to be gentle on color-treated hair and help prevent fading. Avoid shampoos with sulfates, as they can strip your hair of color.
Limit Washing
Washing your hair too often can cause the color to fade more quickly. Try to wash your hair no more than two or three times a week. On non-wash days, use a dry shampoo to keep it looking fresh.
Protect Your Hair from the Sun
UV rays can cause your color to fade, especially in the summer months. When you’re out in the sun, wear a hat or use a UV-protectant spray to shield your hair from the sun’s damaging rays.
Touch Up as Needed
Even the best hair color will need a touch-up eventually. Typically, you’ll need to refresh your color every 4-6 weeks, depending on how fast your hair grows and how much fading occurs.
For a quick touch-up between full colorings, use a root touch-up kit or a tinted dry shampoo to disguise any regrowth.
The Bottom Line
Your hair is a big part of your personal style, and by taking control of your color, you’re expressing a little piece of who you are. And sure, it might take a bit of practice to get everything just right, but hey, that’s part of the fun.
