We've all heard horror stories about how an at-home color with box dye went wrong, from uneven color to breaking hair. If you don't know what your hair color level is or what undertones it has, using a chemical can quickly turn into a bad situation.
Continue reading to understand hair color levels and underlying pigments better, choose the right color goals, and avoid becoming a box dye horror story.
An Overview of Hair Color Levels
The first thing you must understand before coloring your hair is the different levels of color. Natural hair colors are classified, ranging from 1 (darkest) to 10 (lightest) (blonde). Determine your starting point by determining how close your hair is to black or blonde. For example, if your hair is a medium brown, you could be a level 5, as it falls between black and blonde. If you have dark blonde hair, you may be a level 7.
Tone Definition
Remember that we discuss color levels (depth/lightness), not hair color itself! Take a photo of your hair and convert it to black and white if the colors distract you from determining your hair level. This simple hack will tell you whether your current hair color is dark or light.
Staying within two levels of your current hair color is the healthiest and most reliable option. However, there are some significant complexities here as well. Consider temporary hair dyes, for example, if you don't need a drastic color change. However, keep in mind that these cannot achieve any hair lift. This means it will be most visible on hair levels seven and up. It doesn't mean you can't use it on your hair if it's darker than level 7, It just won't be as noticeable (or at all) if your hair is darker.
With all that in mind, you should also consider your current hair color and your desired hair color. But first, what color is your hair? The tone is the color that lies beneath the pigment. Hair has four primary tones: red, orange, yellow, and pale yellow. Level 4 and darker hair has more red underlying pigment, levels 5–7 have more orange underlying dye, drops 8 and 9 have yellow stains, and levels ten and above have pale yellow pigments.
That is why, when you lighten your hair color; warmth comes through. Unless you want a warm desired result, you should know how to neutralize the underlying pigments as you lift through them. If you want to go darker or cover gray, you must add the dye that your hair may be lacking at the moment, or you will end up with ashy or green undertones—l or two higher (or lighter) than the desired outcome
Also, if you've previously colored your hair and want a lighter overall look. Remember that hair dye will not lighten previously dyed hair. The only way to achieve a softer overall appearance is to use a lightening product such as hair bleach. Hair bleach is potent and should only be used with extreme caution!
To avoid uneven lift when using bleach, wait until the last 10-20 minutes, depending on your starting level, to apply it to your hair closest to your scalp and where you have hair that has not been previously colored. Natural, or virgin, hair will process faster because there is no artificial color to work with. Because heat accelerates the processing time, it is critical to apply to your scalp last. To safely lighten dark hair, only go one or two shades lighter in a single session.
Consider your overall hair health before dying your hair at home. If your hair is dry and damaged, it may be more porous, affecting how the dye adheres to your hair. Porous hair typically absorbs more, resulting in uneven or darker colors. If you intend to dye your hair while it is porous, make sure to use a levee.
With all that in mind, you should also consider your current hair color and your desired hair color. But first, what color is your hair? The tone is the color that lies beneath the pigment. Hair has four primary tones: red, orange, yellow, and pale yellow. Level 4 and darker hair has more red underlying pigment, levels 5–7 have more orange underlying dye, drops 8 and 9 have yellow stains, and levels ten and above have pale yellow pigments.
That is why, when you lighten your hair color; warmth comes through. Unless you want a warm desired result, you should know how to neutralize the underlying pigments as you lift through them. If you want to go darker or cover gray, you must add the dye that your hair may be lacking at the moment, or you will end up with ashy or green undertones—l or two higher (or lighter) than the desired outcome.
How to Choose the Right Tone
Knowing what works best with your skin tone is essential when selecting the right style and level. Before you consider coloring your hair, you should determine your skin's color.
Don't worry if determining your skin tone by looking at it is difficult for you. We have a trick for you. Determine whether your veins are more green or blue/purple on the top of your hand. If you notice more green, you most likely have a warmer undertone. You most likely have a cool undertone if you see more blue or purple. You have a neutral skin tone if your skin appears to be a mix of blue and green.
Any golden or warmer tones, such as golden blondes or mahogany red, complement cool-toned skin. Her hair, for example, has a naturally calm manner. Her warm and rich coloring helps to balance out her skin tone.
Warm-toned skin is complemented by anything that helps neutralize the pink in the skin, which is essentially anything ashy. The ashy highlight, for example, can do the trick!
Hair Color Schemes
Most lines have their color chart that you can look at before deciding on a color; look at the color chart from the line you're using before deciding on a color. Usually, the colors are divided into sections based on the underlying pigments or tones. If you have naturally dark hair and want a medium warm brown, choose a color with a little red and a natural undertone.
If you can't find a color that matches exactly what you're looking for and decide to create your own by mixing tones, proceed with caution! Browning out can occur when a variety of contrasting styles are mixed. Browning off indicates that the hair color has become muddy and may appear dull.
Fortunately, box dye is designed for home use, so most lines carry a variety of tones in varying levels, and you shouldn't have to mix the colors yourself. Clairol, for example, organizes its colors into different groups based on the color of your ends. A chart like this would be handy for someone who wants to use color only on their roots to match their ends.
However, consider that colors can vary from line to line, so consult the color chart before making a purchase. It is also strongly advised to seek the assistance of a professional when attempting to achieve something specific or multidimensional, and not to box dye your hair if you have a long chemical history or want to stray far from your current color.
Have you noticed the color box's number and letter sequence? Consider these factors when selecting your shade to ensure success. As you may have guessed, the numbers on the box dyes indicate hair levels. A hair level number is frequently placed before a dot or a slash, while other numbers placed after it indicate color shade and reflection.
Occasionally, you will see letters that represent hair color. The letter N is probably the most common. It is natural and essential if you want to cover gray or transition your hair from light to dark.
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