Blondes should try a deeper shade of blonde or a light brown. Most store-bought coloring advertises these shades as caramel, coffee and honey colors. Brunettes should choose rich brown and red shades. These may appear on the box as cinnamon or auburn. Brunettes with pale skin should avoid color that is too dark, as you need to compliment your skin tone. Choose gold or copper tones instead. Red heads should choose red shades. However, if your hair is dark, try golden brown or brunette tones. Black haired people should choose dark shades that are tinted with other colors, such as a blue-black color. Also, keep in mind that if your hair is black or very dark brown, then lowlights may not work for you.
Avoid conditioning your hair the day before you dye it. Conditioners disrupt the natural oils your hair produces.
It is a good idea to have paper towels nearby, just in case there is a dye spill.
Most dyeing kits come with gloves to use during the dyeing process. If your box doesn’t, you can purchase latex and rubber gloves at your local drugstore.
Some dye boxes come with a conditioner made specifically for protecting your skin from the dye. If your dye comes with this, use it. You can also use lip balm instead of vaseline, but vaseline is recommended.
If you do not have a dye brush or your dye box didn’t come with one, you can purchase a dye applicator brush at a beauty supply store.
If you are using dye that is much darker than your hair, you should only use 10% developer.
It also helps to brush your hair thoroughly so that you do not have any tangles that make sectioning off the hair harder.
For a more noticeable look, plan your lowlights close together. Or, you can also “slice” hair sections for a bold look. For a more natural look, plan your lowlights further apart and weave them in. Blondes should avoid adding too many lowlights in the back of the hair, as these may not look natural, especially when they are exposed to direct sunlight.
If you plan to do many small sections of lowlights, use small strips of foil to section off hair as you dye it with different colors. Place the foil under the hair. Brush the dye from root to tip and fold the foil. Keep the dye on the strands for the indicated time, then remove and rinse.
If post-dye conditioner did not come in your dyeing kit, purchase some at a beauty supply store. It should be a conditioner specifically made for dyed hair. Do not use normal shampoo and conditioner for at least 24 to 48 hours. If you used very temporary shampoo, dye will wash off of your hair every time you shower.
