How to Dip Dye Hair

Dip-dyed hair is a trend amongst celebrities and fashionistas. You can either dye the ends of your hair to create an ombre look or go a step further and dye it a bright color. This article will show you how to dip dye hair.

Edit Steps

Part One: Choosing the Dye

Buy a bleaching, highlighting or pre-lightening kit at your local drug store. This is to bleach the ends of your hair so the colored dye will take later in the process. If you already have blonde hair, you can skip this step.
- If you simply want to do an ombre look with lighter ends, you can buy L'Oreal Paris' Ombre lightening kit. The tones may be more subtle than what you would get with bleach.
- If you are blonde and you want to dip dye your hair a darker color, buy a box of dye in a darker shade from a drugstore.

Order or find a dye in a bright color of your choice. If you want the ends of your hair to be dyed a neon or bright color, you can get jars of hair dye from Internet stores or beauty supply shops.

Decide what section of your hair you want to dye. Dip dyed hair can include the ends of the hair or the majority of its length. However, it is a good idea to decide on the amount of dye you want to use before you start the process.

Part Two: Preparing the Area

Place yourself or the person whose hair will be dyed in a space with a mirror and a sink.

Cover the floor underneath the chair you plan to use during the dying process. Cover any counters or areas that may be in danger of contact with dye.

Find a poncho or hair cutting apron. If you do not have an apron, cut a hole in the center of a plastic garbage bag so you can get your head through it.

Wrap your neck with an old hand towel. Secure it in place and place the apron or garbage bag over your head.

Part Three: Bleaching the Ends

Mix the bleach or pre-lightening kit according to package directions.

Comb or brush your hair thoroughly. Part it like you plan to wear it in the future.

Section it into pieces so that it is easier to apply the bleach. Clip sections back until you are ready to dye them.

Use a comb or brush to apply the bleach, so that you can ensure it will be even. Ask a friend to help you apply it in the back so that it looks even.

Cover the ends of each section of hair with aluminum foil. Spread the ends evenly over a square of foil and then fold it up.
- You can also cover the ends of your hair with plastic bags. Secure them with hair bands.

Leave the bleach on according to the directions. Set a timer so that you don't leave it on too long. Check your hair to see if it is light enough before you wash it out.

Rinse the bleach out of your hair. The package directions may indicate that you should wash it or condition it.
- Repeat the bleaching process if you want to have ombre hair and it did not lighten your hair enough.

Part Four: Color Dip Dying Hair

Mix the colored dye according to package directions. In some cases, it may come pre-mixed.

Section off your hair again.

Apply the dye with a brush, being careful to apply it to the bleached section of hair.

Wrap each section with aluminum foil or plastic bags as you go around your head.

Leave the dye on your hair according to the package directions. Check the color periodically to see if it is bright enough.

Remove the foil or plastic.

Rinse and condition the ends of your hair. You should not wash it immediately, unless the directions indicate you should.

Style your hair as usual.

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Edit Tips

Buy a deep conditioner and shampoo that is formulated for color treated hair. The bleaching process damages the ends of your hair and you will need to deep condition it regularly to avoid split ends.

Really think about what colour you want it, because if you don't like it, you're stuck with it for a while.

Edit Warnings

Be careful when washing your hair in the shower. Dye can stain shower curtains and shower walls. Ask a friend to help you wash your hair with a shower head attachment to help keep the dye from splattering.