With summer inbound it’s tempting to switch up your look and try a brand- new colour! However, hair dye is full of harsh chemicals that can damage your precious locks, leaving them looking dry, dull and lifeless. Over time, continuous colouring will lead to permanent damage, leaving you spending a small fortune on salon treatments for life.
But don’t let this put you off trying something new. Not only will Asgar Saboo’s expert tips leave your hair looking rich, smooth and glossy, these simple DIY techniques will save you time and money.
Prep Your Locks
When it comes to colouring your hair, preparation is key. Following the right steps means the dye will take better, last longer and, most importantly, look and feel healthier.
The first step is to ensure your hair is in the best condition possible. Trim a few days before to rid your hair of any damaged ends. In the days leading up to the treatment, apply a daily deep-conditioning mask to restore your hair’s moisture and natural pH balance. Deep conditioning can make the difference between dull, mousey hair and gloriously shiny results, full of colour!
For the best results, avoid washing your hair the day of your treatment. Freshly shampooing will mean your locks lose their natural oils, which not only serve to protect your hair, but also help the colour soak in and spread more evenly.
TO DARKEN
It’s a commonly held belief that only bleach-based treatments will damage your hair. Wrong! Chemically based brown or black dye can also leave your hair dry and damaged. Try out these natural alternatives for healthier locks!
• Henna
Henna has long been a popular way to colour hair. It’s free from harsh chemicals, meaning it boosts your hair’s natural shine and vitality without damage. The plant-based dye stains rather than penetrates your locks, meaning you’ll get the perfect reddish brown colour without any lasting effects. Be careful, as dying with henna can get messy! Always wear gloves, old clothes and have a towel to hand when handling the dye.
• Coffee
Coffee is the perfect natural way to darken your locks or hide pesky greys! Not only does it leave your hair looking glossy and shiny, studies have shown that the caffeine in coffee stimulates your hair follicles, promoting rapid, thick hair growth! Brew a strong coffee and let it cool before mixing with a cup of leave-in conditioner and two tablespoons of ground coffee. Apply to freshly washed hair and leave in for an hour before rinsing with warm water or apple cider vinegar for long-lasting results.
TO LIGHTEN
• Cinnamon
The health benefits of cinnamon are endless, but don’t forget it can also do wonders for your hair! Not only can a cinnamon mask lighten and nourish your hair, it will also leave your locks fragrant and sweet smelling!
Mix an equal amount of powdered cinnamon with conditioner and massage gently into damp locks from top to bottom. After application, brush your hair a few times before tying it into a tight bun and covering with a shower cap. Leave it overnight before rinsing with cold water in the morning.
Cinnamon is far gentler than bleach, so don’t expect your locks to be blonde straight away! Repeat once a week for a month to see the most noticeable results.
• Chamomile
Brew a strong cup of chamomile tea and leave it to cool completely. Then, simply pour the tea over your locks for one block colour, or rub into individual strands for highlights. Leave the treatment to dry before washing normally with shampoo and conditioner. Each treatment will make a subtle difference to the colour of your locks, so repeat as many times as you want! Chamomile is a much gentler treatment than lemon juice and other leave-in formulas, meaning repetition will not cause any damage.
After-Care
Post dye, it is important to take care of your hair, ensuring the colour doesn’t fade. Always use colour-protecting shampoo and conditioner that doesn’t contain sulphate. Sulphate shampoos contain salt, which will dry out your locks and strip the colour.
Try shampooing your hair only two or three times a week rather than every other day. Washing too often will cause your hair to lose its natural oils and dry out. On days when you aren’t washing your hair, always wear a shower cap. Getting your hair even the slightest bit wet in the shower will cause the colour to fade.
Dyed hair is always more sensitive than natural locks. Avoid blow drying, curling and straightening irons as much as you can to minimise damage. If you are using heat-styling tools, use the lowest setting possible and always use protectant spray!
If you are spending time in the sun, spritz your hair with SPF spray and replenish throughout the day. Hot sun will react with your colourant, leaving it looking bleached and lifeless.
