Mixing your hair dye with conditioner can be a game-changer. If you’re using semi permanent color, adding conditioner not only helps moisturize your luscious locks but also dilutes the dye, making the color softer and more natural-looking.
I’ve found that this method works best with green, blue, or magenta shades. Mix the ingredients in a white bowl, pour the dye, and add conditioner.
Use a brush to apply, rinse with cool water, and enjoy long-lasting results. It’s crucial to understand the process to avoid damage and an uneven, patchy look.
Why Should You Mix Conditioner With Hair Dye?
Mixing conditioner with semi permanent hair dyes is effective because these are direct dyes without an oxidation agent, meaning they don’t need bleach or a developer. This makes them less damaging to your hair.
Unlike permanent dyes that come in tones like blonde and require peroxide to activate and open the cuticles, which can lead to an inconsistent, patchy, or uneven look, semipermanent dyes fade gradually and provide a more natural color.
Kindly choose semi permanent dyes for a gentle coloring process without a harsh chemical reaction.
What Are the Benefits of Mixing Semi Permanent Hair Dye With a Conditioner?
The advantages of blending semipermanent hair dye with conditioner include the following.
- It gives a subtle and natural-looking color
People often mix hair dye with conditioner to achieve a subtle, natural-looking color. This technique creates an effect where the color doesn’t grab the hair too fast or strongly.
Instead, the dye deposits gently, avoiding a solid, opaque pigment and preserving the hair’s structure without an unnatural look.
- It gives a long-lasting, even color
Mixing hair dye with conditioner acts as a sealant, locking the color into the hair shaft. This method saves money on routine touch-ups by maintaining your desired shade for a long time. Diluting the dye ensures it spreads evenly without oversaturation, giving a consistent color.
- It moisturizes and conditions your hair while coloring it
Mixing hair dye with conditioner helps hydrate and nourish your hair, making it soft and shiny. The conditioner also curbs damage from developer or bleach, protecting your hair from harsh chemicals while preserving its health during the coloring process.
What Are the Drawbacks of Mixing Hair Dye With a Conditioner?
Combining hair dye with conditioner can lead to scalp buildup and may not rinse completely. It can also weaken hair with frequent use, cause streaks, and make color less vibrant.
Additionally, removal becomes complex due to the barrier effect. While discussing hair care, a common question is, “Can you bleach wet hair?” This practice isn’t recommended as it can further damage your hair.
How to Mix Semi Permanent Hair Dye With a Conditioner?
- Properly mix semi permanent hair dye with conditioner using a plastic container.
- Pour 79 ml (1⁄3 cup) of white conditioner into a clear plastic bowl.
- Add 1 tbsp (15 ml) of your preferred semipermanent brand of hair dye.
- Mix well with a brush until there are no lumps.
- Adjust the color by changing the ratio; more conditioner makes it lighter or pastel.
- Apply the mixture evenly with gloves.
- Use clips to secure sections of your hair.
- Cover your hair to prevent dripping and staining of clothes.
- Leave it on for 15–30 minutes.
- Wash with cold water.
- Skip the shampoo.
- Style as usual.
If you’re curious, a common question is, “What is a hair glaze?” It’s a treatment that adds shine and enhances color without the commitment of dye.
Application
- Wash your hair like you normally would.
Start by washing your hair with shampoo to remove any buildup that might strip the color. After you rinse, apply the dye for a touch-up or first-time dyeing. If your hair isn’t light enough for pastel shades, consider a bleach bath for hair to achieve a light blonde at level 9 or above for the best results.
- Apply the dye + conditioner to your wet hair.
Rub the conditioner mixture into your hair from ends to roots. Coat your locks as you would with a normal conditioner to hydrate and moisturize. If you’re worried about staining your skin, wear gloves and rinse your hands right away. For best results, consider the levels of bleached hair before applying the dye.
- Let the dye sit for 5-30 minutes.
If it’s your first time using the dye, let it sit for 30 minutes. For a touchup, leave the mixture on for 3 to 5 minutes. The longer it sits, the stronger the color will be.
- Rinse the dye out with cool water.
After rinsing with cool water for a minute, ensure the water runs clear. This helps the dye last longer. Wash out all the conditioner to avoid leaving your hair dry, sticky, or slimy.
- Use your color conditioner anytime your hair needs a refresh.
Apply color conditioner to wash your hair when it looks dull. It may not be as vibrant as an overall color, but it helps the dye last longer between dye sessions. Washing with cool water also helps semi-permanent dye last longer and protect your hair.
Tips for Mixing Conditioner With Hair Dye
Consider these factors before applying the dye.
- Follow the Manufacturer’s Instructions
When mixing hair dye with conditioner, especially if you’ve had a Korean hair perming treatment, remember you’re using two different products. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and leave the dye on for 15-30 minutes.
The longer it stays, the more intense the result. Think of it like a hair mask—your hair will absorb the pigment molecules and beneficial ingredients in the conditioner.
- Choose a Good Quality Conditioner
When mixing hair dye with conditioner, remember the conditioner acts as a carrier. Oxley advises not to purchase the most expensive product on the shelf but avoid super cheap options with non-hydrolyzed silicone. These can coat the hair and cause patchy results.
- Opt for Medium Consistency
Oxley suggests avoiding thick, heavy masks when mixing hair dye with conditioner as they are harder to spread. Also, don’t choose anything too runny, as it might end up flinging color on your walls. Instead, spring for a medium-creamy texture.
Conclusion
Mixing hair dye with conditioner is an effective way to achieve a softer, more natural-looking color while also nourishing your hair. By diluting the dye, you can avoid harsh results and maintain healthy locks. Remember to follow the recommended guidelines, choose a good-quality conditioner, and opt for a medium consistency to ensure even application. This method is particularly useful for those who want to extend the life of their color between dye sessions without causing excessive damage.
FAQ’s
What happens if you mix hair dye with conditioner?
Mixing conditioner with hair dye offers the benefit of a subtler, more natural-looking result. It dilutes the color intensity, avoiding a solid, opaque look like doll hair. According to Bradford, it also weakens the deposit on your hair.
Can I mix hair dye with conditioner instead of developer?
You cannot use conditioners instead of developers. For semi-permanent hair dyes, you can find developer-free options. However, for permanent hair dyes, using a developer is necessary, as there are no developer-free options available.
Can I mix directions hair dye with conditioner?
you can mix Directions Hair Dye with conditioner. People often do this to create a lighter color or shade. It’s a simple way to customize your hair dye.
What conditioner to mix with dye?
When applying, mix any white conditioner with your dye. It won’t impact the color result. For a lighter color, use more white conditioner to achieve the desired result.
