To use split dye, you'll apply different hair dye colors to separate sections of your hair, creating a distinct two-toned look. Here's a breakdown of the process:
1. Preparation is Key
- Gather your supplies: You'll need two different hair dye colors, gloves, a mixing bowl, a dye brush, hair clips, petroleum jelly (like Vaseline), an old towel, and shampoo/conditioner safe for colored hair.
- Protect your skin and clothes: Wear an old t-shirt and use petroleum jelly along your hairline and ears to prevent staining.
- Strand Test: Perform a strand test with both colors on a hidden section of your hair to ensure you like the results and don't experience any allergic reactions. This is crucial!
2. Section Your Hair
- Create a clean part: Decide where you want the color split to be. A middle part is common, but you can experiment with side parts or even diagonal splits.
- Divide and conquer: Use hair clips to separate your hair into two distinct sections, one for each color. Ensure the part is neat and even.
3. Apply the Hair Dye
- Mix the dye: Follow the instructions on the hair dye boxes to mix each color in separate bowls.
- Apply generously: Starting at the roots, apply one color to one section of your hair, ensuring every strand is covered. Use the dye brush to distribute the color evenly.
- Repeat on the other side: Apply the second color to the other section of your hair, using the same technique.
- Comb through: Comb through each section with a wide-tooth comb to ensure even distribution of the dye. This helps prevent patchiness.
4. Processing Time
- Wait patiently: Follow the processing time specified on the hair dye boxes. Typically, this is 45 minutes to 1 hour. For thicker hair, you may need an additional 15 minutes.
- Check periodically: Keep an eye on the color development.
5. Rinse and Condition
- Rinse thoroughly: Rinse each section separately with cool water until the water runs clear. This is important to prevent the colors from bleeding into each other.
- Condition: Apply a conditioner safe for colored hair to each section and let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing again.
6. Drying and Styling
- Gently dry: Gently towel-dry your hair.
- Style as desired: Style your hair as usual. Be mindful of the heat settings on your styling tools, as excessive heat can fade colored hair.
Important Considerations:
- Hair Health: Split dyeing can be damaging, especially if you're using bleach. Ensure your hair is healthy and strong before you begin.
- Color Choice: Consider complementary colors or contrasting colors that will create a striking split dye effect.
- Maintenance: Use color-safe shampoos and conditioners to prolong the life of your split dye. Regular touch-ups will be needed to maintain the vibrancy of the colors.
