Before You Start: The Essentials
* Read the Entire Instruction Leaflet: This is the *most important* step. Every box of Excellence Crème comes with detailed instructions, and they can vary slightly depending on the specific shade and formulation. Read it thoroughly from start to finish *before* you even open the tubes.
* Do a Skin Allergy Test (48 Hours Before): This is non-negotiable! Even if you've used hair dye before, your sensitivity can change. Apply a small amount of the color mixture to a discreet area like behind your ear or on your inner elbow. Wait 48 hours. If you experience any redness, itching, burning, or swelling, *do not* use the product.
* Gather Your Supplies:
* L'Oreal Paris Excellence Crème Hair Color box (with developer, color crème, comb applicator, gloves, and after-color conditioner/mask)
* Old towel (that you don't mind staining)
* Old shirt (or wear something you don't care about)
* Hair clips (to section your hair)
* Petroleum jelly or barrier cream (to protect your hairline)
* Timer
* Mirror (preferably one you can see the back of your head with, or use two mirrors)
Step-by-Step Dyeing Process:
1. Preparation:
* Lay down the old towel to protect your surfaces.
* Put on your old shirt.
* Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly or barrier cream along your hairline, around your ears, and on the back of your neck. This will prevent the dye from staining your skin.
* Put on the gloves included in the box.
2. Mixing the Dye:
* Important: Mix the dye *immediately* before you're ready to apply it. Don't let it sit for too long after mixing.
* Open the developer bottle (the one with the applicator tip).
* Open the color crème tube and carefully squeeze the entire contents into the developer bottle.
* Close the developer bottle tightly.
* Shake the bottle vigorously until the mixture is completely blended and has a smooth, uniform consistency.
* Twist off the applicator tip of the developer bottle.
3. Application: There are usually two ways to apply the dye, depending on whether you're covering grays/touching up roots or doing a full head of color:
* For Root Touch-Up/Gray Coverage:
* Use the applicator tip to apply the dye directly to your roots, focusing on areas where you have the most gray hair or where your roots are most visible.
* Massage the dye into your roots with your gloved fingers to ensure even coverage.
* Let the dye sit on your roots for the amount of time specified in the instructions (usually around 20-25 minutes).
* *After* the root processing time, apply the remaining dye to the rest of your hair, starting about 1/2 inch away from the scalp and working your way down to the ends.
* Massage the dye through your hair to ensure even distribution.
* Leave the dye on your hair for the remaining time specified in the instructions (usually around 10 minutes). The total application time (roots + lengths) should be what the box specifies.
* For Full Head Application (Virgin Hair or When Changing Color Significantly):
* Section your hair into four quadrants (down the middle of your head and then from ear to ear). Use hair clips to hold each section in place.
* Apply the dye to each section, starting about 1/2 inch away from your scalp and working your way down to the ends.
* Massage the dye through your hair to ensure even distribution.
* Once all sections are covered, apply the dye to your roots.
* Massage the dye into your roots with your gloved fingers to ensure even coverage.
* Leave the dye on your hair for the total time specified in the instructions.
4. Rinsing and Conditioning:
* Once the processing time is up, rinse your hair thoroughly with cool water until the water runs clear. This can take a while, so be patient.
* Apply the after-color conditioner or mask that came with the dye. This will help to seal in the color and add moisture back to your hair.
* Leave the conditioner on for the amount of time specified in the instructions (usually 2-3 minutes).
* Rinse your hair again with cool water.
5. Drying and Styling:
* Gently towel-dry your hair.
* Style your hair as usual.
Important Tips and Considerations:
* Timing is Crucial: Set a timer and stick to the recommended processing time. Leaving the dye on for too long can damage your hair.
* Even Distribution: Make sure the dye is evenly distributed throughout your hair to avoid patchy results.
* Gray Hair: If you have stubborn gray hair, you may need to leave the dye on for the maximum recommended time.
* Previously Dyed Hair: If you've previously dyed your hair, the color may take differently. Consider doing a strand test before applying the dye to your entire head.
* Color Choice: Choose a color that's within one or two shades of your natural hair color for the best results.
* Patch Test: If you are still concerned about the color, you can also do a strand test to see how the color will look on your hair. Apply the dye to a small, inconspicuous section of your hair, such as the underside of your hair near your neck.
* Don't Shampoo Immediately: Wait at least 24-48 hours before shampooing your hair after dyeing it. This will allow the color to fully set.
* Use Color-Safe Shampoo and Conditioner: To help maintain your color and prevent it from fading, use a shampoo and conditioner specifically formulated for color-treated hair.
* Avoid Heat Styling: Excessive heat styling can also cause your color to fade faster. Try to limit your use of heat styling tools.
* If in Doubt, Consult a Professional: If you're unsure about any part of the process, or if you're trying to make a dramatic color change, it's always best to consult a professional hairstylist.
* Read the warnings: Check the box for all the warnings associated to the products you are using.
Troubleshooting:
* Color Too Dark: If your hair turns out darker than you expected, don't panic. The color will usually fade slightly after a few washes. You can also use a clarifying shampoo to help lighten the color.
* Color Too Light: If your hair is too light, you may need to dye it again with a darker shade.
* Uneven Color: If your color is uneven, you may need to see a professional hairstylist to correct it.
* Dry or Damaged Hair: If your hair feels dry or damaged after dyeing it, use a deep conditioner or hair mask to help restore moisture.
Follow these steps carefully, and you should be able to achieve beautiful, salon-worthy results at home with L'Oreal Paris Excellence Crème. Good luck!