Updating your look or covering up grays? Dyeing your hair can be a great option for men. However, navigating the world of hair dye and figuring out which color works best can be tricky. This guide provides comprehensive information on choosing the right hair dye, applying it at home, and maintaining your new color.
Before diving into the world of hair dye, there are several factors to consider, including:
For a subtle change, opt for natural tones that resemble your original hair color. As a rule, use a hair dye that's a shade or two darker or one shade lighter than your natural hair.
If you want to conceal gray hair, your best option is a permanent dye. However, you can use a demi-permanent dye, though it will fade with every shampoo. Most gray hair can be dyed at home, especially if it is short.
Bold hues stand out and can accentuate your features. Some popular options include:
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Regardless of the color you’re going for, here are some general tips and guidelines for dyeing your hair at home.
Generally, going more than two shades darker than your normal hair - or one shade lighter - is not recommended, especially when doing it yourself at home. Going lighter is a more intense process than going darker because it often requires bleaching first.
Ensure your space is set up so that dye doesn’t get all over your bathroom. Consider putting plastic or old towels on the floor and arranging everything you’ll need, like a timer, gloves, brush, and bowls, somewhere that’s easy to reach. You may also want to wear an old t-shirt - or dye your hair shirtless - so you don’t ruin your clothes.
Every brand of dye is slightly different, so make sure to read the directions on the box, even if you’ve dyed your hair before. You’ll likely mix together a developer and a dye, though the exact way to do this varies, so make sure you’re clear before starting.
You want your hair to be completely dry and clean, but not freshly washed before dyeing it. Generally, it’s a good idea to wash your hair one or two days before dyeing, as some natural oil on the scalp is a barrier and protective against stains and potential irritation.
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Apply a stain barrier (something like Aquaphor or Vaseline) to your hairline, the nape of your neck, and your ears, which helps keep the dye from staining your skin.
Now it’s time for the main event. Pay careful attention to the directions, but generally, you’ll section your hair if it’s longer and apply the dye from root to end using your fingers (in plastic gloves) or a brush provided with the dye. It can be helpful to enlist the help of someone else to help you get the back and harder-to-reach spots.
Make sure you’re not in a rush when you’re dying your hair, as the product will likely have to sit for at least 20 minutes. Most brands will give a range of time (25 to 30 minutes), for example, and you may want to wipe the dye off a small section of hair using an old towel after the earlier time limit. This will help you determine whether you like the color or if you want to let it sit for the recommended time. Don’t go longer than the box advises.
Now it's time to hop in the shower and rinse out the dye. The instructions will advise whether or not to use shampoo or just water. Generally, permanent dye requires shampoo, while for demi or semi-permanent dyes it’s not recommended.
Gray blending involves semi- or demi-permanent hair color which “just deposits, and doesn’t lift, so it’ll probably get the closest to your natural color. Using this color to “spot treat” areas like the temples where groups of gray hairs show up quicker and leave the top alone is recommended. Look for a dye that’s specific to grey hair, which is semi-permanent but also slightly stronger to since grey hair can be resistant to dye. Instead of starting at the front of your head, it is recommended to start in the back to create a more natural look.
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The shorter your hair, like if you have a buzz, the easier it is to bleach. If you have dark or longer hair, it may take multiple applications of bleach to achieve the look you want and you can’t do them back to back because bleach is highly damaging. If you have short hair and you want to bleach it, use a bleaching kit specifically designed for home use. If you have dark or long hair, it is advised to wait till you can see a professional or, at the very least, setting up a virtual consult so a professional can walk you through the process.
To dye your hair a super bright trendy color like pink or blue, first you have to bleach it. Bleaching you hair removes the natural pigment so that your new candy color can be as bright as possible. Second, you need to wait a few weeks. Bleached hair is majorly damaged, so turning right around and adding more dye is a recipe for disaster. Instead, spend a few weeks focused on deep conditioning and repair before going back in with the dye. Once your hair is ready, you’ll follow the same steps as above, just with a dye the color of Skittles.
Men can highlight their hair at home, but like bleaching, it’s way complicated. Choose a dye that is one shade lighter than your natural color and “use a tool like a small paintbrush” to gently paint the dye on where you like it. Paint incredibly fine highlights into your hair so it reads more natural. Then, let the dye sit on those strands for the proper amount of time and rinse it off as usual.
Unless it’s specifically designed for use on facial hair, don’t use hair dye on your beard. That’s because hair dye isn’t usually tested on facial hair; it could potentially be irritating to the skin and may not work as well on coarse facial hair. To dye your beard, use a specific beard dye and keep in mind that you’ll need to touch it up more often, because your beard grows really fast.
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