If you don’t have any clothing that you’re OK getting dye on, you should consider using a poncho or a hair styling cape to cover yourself and block any spattered or dripped dye. However, this solution does not guarantee that dye won’t somehow still get onto your clothes. [1] X Research source
It may help you to use a hair color wheel to better determine how much the base color of your hair will affect your dye job. [2] X Research source This resource can be found easily online through a keyword search for “hair color wheel. " It’s very likely that if you’re a brunette, redhead, or even a darker shade of dirty blonde, you’ll need to bleach your hair before applying any dye to it. [3] X Expert Source Charlie AdamsProfessional Hair Stylist & Board Certified Haircolorist Expert Interview. 21 July 2021. Green dye can change the hue of naturally brown hair, but the color won’t stand out unless you lighten the hair first. [4] X Expert Source Charlie AdamsProfessional Hair Stylist & Board Certified Haircolorist Expert Interview. 21 July 2021.
Hair bleach should be mixed and applied according to its directions. Generally, this involves mixing a powder with water in a squirt bottle or bowl, and applying the mixture directly to your hair with either the squirt bottle or a brush applicator. Avoid washing your hair before bleaching it. That oils that build up in your hair naturally over time will help protect your hair from the harshness of the bleach. To this end, you may want to soak your hair in coconut oil over night before bleaching. [5] X Research source You may want to give you hair as much as five to seven days without washing before attempting to bleach it. Dye can also be harsh on your hair. To prevent your hair from getting damaged, you may want to wait one to three months if you’ve recently dyed your hair before attempting to bleach. If you have a lot of hair or especially thick hair, you’ll likely want to buy a second bleach kit. This way, if you run out of bleach partway through the process, you have more bleach on hand. [6] X Research source
For most kinds of bleach, it is recommended that you cover you head with a shower cap while the bleach sets in. This way the bleach saturates your hair, resulting in a uniform end color. [7] X Research source
The low temperature water during your rinse will prevent additional heat damage to your already chemical treated hair. Depending on the darkness of your hair, you may need to bleach you hair several times to reach the lightness necessary for your dye to work effectively. You should wait about two weeks between each application of bleach.
If your dye did not come with a mixing bowl, a plastic bowl or small tupperware container may work. However, the dye may permanently stain your mixing container, so only use those you’re comfortable staining/tinting green. [10] X Research source You may want to blend two separate dyes, one blue and one green, together to modify the hue of your green dye. The more blue you add, the more the intensity of your green will be diminished. [11] X Research source Be thorough in your dye mixing, whether mixing a single color or two separate ones. If you fail to mix the dye thoroughly throughout, your hair may end up being dyed inconsistently.
Have whoever is applying the dye massage the product into your hair to ensure the dye saturates your hair and dyes it consistently throughout. Be sure whoever is applying the dye to your hair is wearing latex, rubber, or vinyl gloves when dyeing. Hair dye can sometimes take many days to fade from your skin. To prevent dye from staining the skin along your hairline or around your ears, you may want to spread Vaseline or lip balm along these parts. This will make the dye easier to remove.
Keep in mind that brightly colored dyes, like green, only sit on the surface of your hair and won’t go into the actual hair cortex. [14] X Expert Source Charlie AdamsProfessional Hair Stylist & Board Certified Haircolorist Expert Interview. 21 July 2021.
You should use an old towel or one that you don’t mind getting dye on. Residual dye will likely stain your towel when drying.
To prevent damage to your hair from frequent exposure to chemicals, you should give your hair two weeks minimum before bleaching. For color applications, you may want to wait as long as a month. Each person’s hair is different, and some hair holds up to chemical treatments better than others. If you are unsure your hair is ready for another treatment, you may want to consult a professional. [16] X Research source
You should also avoid chlorinated pools. This chemical can sometimes alter the hue of your hair color or cause it to fade rapidly. You may want to try using dry shampoo so that your hair feels clean but is spared the color sapping effects of water. When you do wash your hair, you should use cold water to prevent dye from leeching from your hair as much as possible. You may also want to change your shampoo to one that is formulated to protect green hair from fading after dyeing. These can be found at most salons or pharmacies. [19] X Research source
Touching up your hair with conditioner and remaining dye works best with intense and vibrant colors. Pastel colors don’t usually stick very well when only washed through your hair. [20] X Research source
