How to Dye Your Hair Blue (A General Guide)
This process can be a bit involved, especially if you're starting with dark hair. It's generally best to have done professionally, particularly if you want a vibrant, even result.
1. Assess Your Hair:
* Starting Color: Darker hair needs to be lightened (bleached) significantly to achieve a true, vibrant blue. Lighter hair will be easier to dye.
* Hair Health: Bleaching can be damaging. Assess your hair's strength and elasticity. If it's already damaged, you might want to hold off or seek professional advice.
* Desired Shade: Do you want a bright, electric blue, a deep navy, or a pastel blue? The desired shade will affect the lightening process.
2. Gather Your Supplies (If you are doing it yourself):
* Bleach Kit: (Developer and bleach powder) Choose a volume developer appropriate for your hair type and desired lift. 10 or 20 volume is less damaging, but 30 or 40 may be needed for dark hair.
* Toner: To neutralize any yellow or orange tones in your hair after bleaching. (purple shampoo can work for some)
* Blue Hair Dye: Choose a semi-permanent, demi-permanent, or permanent dye, depending on how long you want the color to last. Semi-permanent is the least damaging.
* Gloves: Essential to protect your hands.
* Mixing Bowls and Applicator Brush:
* Old Towels and Clothes: Bleach and dye can stain.
* Hair Clips: To section your hair.
* Petroleum Jelly (Vaseline): To protect your hairline and ears from staining.
* Deep Conditioner: To use after bleaching and dyeing.
3. Lighten Your Hair (If Needed):
* Strand Test: *Absolutely crucial!* Test the bleach on a small, hidden section of your hair to see how long it takes to lift to the desired level and how your hair reacts.
* Application: Follow the bleach kit instructions carefully. Apply evenly, starting at the roots (if they are virgin hair) or avoiding the roots if they are already processed.
* Processing Time: Monitor your hair closely and check it frequently. Do not exceed the recommended processing time on the bleach kit.
* Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse the bleach out completely with cool water.
* Toning (If Needed): Apply toner according to the product instructions to neutralize any unwanted tones.
4. Dye Your Hair Blue:
* Strand Test: Again, test the dye on a small, hidden section to check the color and how it takes to your hair.
* Application: Apply the dye evenly to clean, dry hair. Section your hair to ensure full coverage.
* Processing Time: Follow the dye's instructions for processing time.
* Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse with cool water until the water runs clear.
* Condition: Use a deep conditioner to help restore moisture.
Important Considerations:
* Bleaching is Damaging: Be prepared for potential damage, especially if you have dark hair.
* Color Fading: Blue dye is notorious for fading quickly. Use color-safe shampoo and conditioner, and wash your hair less frequently.
* Semi-Permanent Dye: Semi-permanent dyes are less damaging because they don't require developer. They simply deposit color on the hair shaft.
Do Barbershops Dye Hair Blue?
* It Depends: Some barbershops offer hair coloring services, but not all. Many barbershops primarily focus on men's haircuts and grooming. It is less common to find blue hair dyeing services at your typical barbershop.
* Call Ahead: The best way to find out is to call the barbershop and ask directly if they offer hair dyeing services, specifically blue.
* Salons are More Likely: Hair salons are generally better equipped and experienced in handling complex color changes like going blue.
How Much Does It Cost?
* Barbershop (if they offer it): If a barbershop does dye hair blue, the cost will depend on the length and thickness of your hair, the current color, the type of dye used, and the barbershop's pricing structure. Expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $150+.
* Salon: At a salon, the price will be higher, often starting around $100-$200+ and potentially going much higher depending on the complexity of the color change (bleaching, toning, multiple shades of blue, etc.).
* DIY: The cost of doing it yourself will be lower initially (around $30-$70 for supplies), but you risk damaging your hair or getting an uneven color.
Recommendation:
* For Best Results, Go to a Salon: If you want a vibrant, even blue and want to minimize damage, a salon is the best option.
* Consultation is Key: Schedule a consultation with a stylist. They can assess your hair, discuss your desired shade, and give you an accurate price quote.
Before You Dye Your Hair:
* Consider Your Lifestyle: Blue hair is a bold statement. Make sure it's appropriate for your work or school environment.
* Research: Look at pictures of different shades of blue hair to get a better idea of what you want.
Good luck! Remember to prioritize the health of your hair.