INTRO

I made this website because I am always getting asked by strangers how I got my hair to look so great. I have been dyeing it for over 25 years using the below process, so I thought I would share it with the curious public. I plan on writing MUCH more explanation, putting up pics of my hair, and giving links to where to buy my recommended products, but for right now I wanted to just throw up the basics to get this website started. SO! See below. MORE TO COME!

DISCLAIMERS

Quick Instructions/Overview

YOU WILL NEED: (Click here for my detailed list with links - in progress)

• bleach
• developer
• the hair dye - vegetable dye such as Directions by La Riche or Manic Panic
• plastic mixing bowls
• plastic brushes
• disposable latex or nitrile gloves
• hairdressers' capes (x2)
• old clothes (2 sets)
• processing caps (multiple)
• an old hairdryer
• one or more old towels
• a plastic wide-toothed comb
• color remover (for excess on unwanted surfaces like the sink, or your neck)

HOW LONG IT TAKES:

STEPS:

1. mix bleach and developer *in a well-ventilated room*!
2. don old clothes, cape #1, gloves.
3. apply bleach. don a processing cap.
4. clean bowl, remove gloves and cape #1. discard gloves, set aside cape for washing later.
5. wait 15-45 minutes until hair is as light as possible without burning your scalp too much. check it frequently!
6. don new pair of gloves. remove cap and wash hair thoroughly using mild shampoo until all bleach is out. Do NOT condition.
7. dry hair thoroughly using the old hairdryer. it may feel slightly fried, this is what you want.
8. don old tshirt #2, cape #2, new gloves.
9. pour dye into mixing bowl #2.
10. apply dye until hair is fully saturated. comb through with a wide-toothed comb until it is frothy.
11. don processing cap #2. clean up excess dye around hairline and ears, sink, etc.
12. use old hairdryer to heat hair with cap on.
13. place old towel over pillowcase. go to sleep.
14. wake up, remove cap, and thoroughly wash out dye using lukewarm water. you can condition at this point using Feria or other good strong conditioner with lots of slip.
15. enjoy!

AFTERCARE:

DO NOT WASH FOR 2-4 DAYS AFTER DYEING! It will "settle" during that time. The first day after dyeing it will feel strange, like a thicker texture than usual, and look coarse, frizzy or mottled in color. This is because the dye is actually a stain, and it has to soak into the hair shaft. If you wash it off too soon, you will not achieve as good results. However once you let your natural hair oils come back, your hair will feel smoother and look much more shiny, and the color should even out a little. To maintain, wash with lukewarm water. This should last 2-3 months if you followed instructions. It will change colors as it washes out but the results will be equally beautiful, if not better than fresh.