Question: Can you share the secrets of colouring hair?

The Expert’s Answer: Secret 1: Only apply dye to the deep, undyed roots. Salon dye is not better; it is just skillfully applied by a master. The fact is that repeated dyeing changes hair’s structure.

The more layers of dye you apply on the same area of hair, the harder it is on your hair (the first time – by 10%, the second time – by 20%, the third time – by 40%, and so on).

Even using the best hair dye, the process of colouring hair still disrupts its nature. The mechanism of every permanent hair dye is the same: it opens the hair shaft, introduces the dye into the hair, and fixes it to the hair.

Therefore, apply dye to your roots, wait 20 minutes, and then emulsify dye along the length of your hair. By emulsify, we mean slightly dampen the hair with water, lather dye onto all your hair, then leave for another 10 minutes. Rinse well and under all circumstances – use conditioner. The dye mixture has an alkaline reaction which must be negated to avoid irritation after drying hair.

Secret 2: Follow proper colouring technique. Make small parts, starting at the nape of your neck or with the grayest areas of your hair. Try to apply the dye strand by strand, applying the dye as close to the roots as possible. The more precisely you do it, the more time it will take for anyone to notice your regrown roots. You will be happier for at least a week longer than those who don’t know this secret!

Secret 3: Remove dye from your skin after colouring hair. This problem is familiar to those using dark or bright shades. Our new hair dyes make it not as critical, but everyone can still benefit from knowing a few secrets. If you have traces of dye on your skin after colouring hair, use a qtip to absorb the remnants of developing cream from the inside of the bottle and rub the dyed areas of skin. You can apply lines of rich, fatty face cream along the hairline before colouring – it will help protect skin from dye stains. This is especially relevant if you should go to a meeting right after colouring your hair.