How To Do Dip-Dye Hair At Home
ICYMI: Dip Dye Hair Is Staging a Comeback
Although I never joined the band of cool kids who dyed their hair bright orange or green during middle school, I did convince my mom to let me test drive pink tips in 7th grade. With Avril Lavigne dominating the airways in 2002, her fuschia streaks served as the ultimate beauty inspiration. Now that '00s nostalgia is at its peak in both the fashion and beauty worlds — including a comeback from Miss Lavigne — I'm not surprised to see that dip dyed hair is seemingly popular again, and not just for teens.
These days it's not uncommon to witness a celebrity or two walking a red carpet at a premiere or awards show with brightly colored hair. Ruby red, forest green, smokey lavender — they've all had their moment in the spotlight over the last few months, and I doubt I'm the only millennial (or eager Gen Zer) who is curious about testing out the burgeoning trend. Of course, altering your hair to a non-traditional color does require plenty of TLC, especially if you're not visiting a salon.
"If [you] bleach [your hair] at home, I'd recommend someone helping so it's evenly saturated," says master colorist Colleen Flaherty, who is known for taking many of her clientele to vivid shades of pink, orange, and more. "If you get bleach on areas of your hair you don't want, it will shift that color to either red-orange or yellow based on your natural level." When in doubt, phone a friend to join you for an at-home dip dye session and help keep your bleach application as even as possible.
Flaherty also suggests avoiding dip dye if you already have your hair colored, as opposed to virgin hair. "If you try to bleach it, it will most likely not lift to the color you need [in order] to dip dye it," she says, since vibrant hues will only show up on light blonde hair. However, if you've never colored your hair, or you've chopped the remaining color from your ends, you can absolutely execute this hair look at home.
So, if dip dye 2.0 sounds like the perfect hair refresh for your fall aesthetic, keep scrolling for everything you need to successfully color your ends at home.
Step One: Bleach
Revlon Color Effects Platinum ($12)
Color theory 101 — you need to have as light a base as possible before reaching for your choice of color. If your hair is a darker brunette then this is especially important, since many dyes will end up looking ruddy on dark ends, or not show up at all. This lightening kit is ideal for bleaching your hair safely, with zero ammonia, and will allow your future color to look incredibly vibrant.
Step Two: Color
Revlon ColorSilk Digitones Hair Color in Pastel Pink ($6)
Flaherty is a fan of pink colored ends, which will absolutely require you to bleach them to achieve this particular shade of pastel. But she says pink and purples will look the best as they inevitably fade, ensuring that your ends will look stylish and cool for as long as possible.
Bleach London Bruised Violet Super Cool Hair Colour ($12)
If you want a more vibrant tone for your ends, this electric purple dye is a must for all former emo kids.
Step Three: Shampoo
Pureology Strength Cure Shampoo ($36)
To keep your ends from fading faster than you'd like, a quality color-safe shampoo is non-negotiable. This sulfate-free formula is super gentle on the hair and keeps your choice of color brilliantly vibrant for weeks.
Step Four: Weekly Mask
Virtue COLORKICK Color-Illuminating & Hydrating Mask for All Hair Shades ($70)
Bleached hair is damaged hair, so be sure to incorporate a weekly hair mask into your shower routine to prevent breakage. With UV protection and proprietary alpha keratin to maintain strength, your hair is guaranteed to feel as good as your color looks.
