How To Dilute Semi-Permanent Hair Dye

If you are eager to add some vibrant color to your locks but worry about the commitment of semi-permanent hair dye. Fear not, in this article, how to dilute semi-permanent hair dye we’ll explore the various methods and techniques for diluting semi-permanent hair dye, empowering you to unleash your creativity while minimizing any potential color mishaps.

Is It Okay To Dilute Semi-Permanent Hair Dye?

Yes, you can dilute your hair dye. People dilute dye to make the color less intense. For example, diluting the dye is a good idea if you want a softer blue instead of a bright blue. Semi-permanent dye is safer than permanent color because it doesn’t have harsh chemicals.

It’s easy to use, so many people like to mix it with other hair products. But most dyes are not meant to be diluted.

Mixing color and developer is not recommended for two-part dyes. Box dyes should be used as they are. The best type of semi-permanent hair dye for dilution is pure dye without a developer or kit. An example is the Arctic Fox Semi-Permanent Hair Color in Virgin Pink, a cruelty-free and vegan direct dye in bright pink.

If you want something less flashy and more romantic, you can make a lighter, soft pastel pink.

Why Would One Want To Dilute Their Hair Dye?

It might seem strange if you’ve never mixed your semi-permanent hair dye. But there are good reasons to dilute hair dye, for looks or to save money.

Pastel Shade

Many people dilute their semi-permanent hair dye to create a pastel shade. Diluting a dark dye with a thick, creamy product makes the color lighter and softer. If you can’t find the pastel color dye you want, diluting a darker version of the color could be a good option.

DIY Color-Depositing Shampoo

You can dilute your semi-permanent hair dye to make your color-depositing shampoo. This way, you won’t need to buy purple or blue shampoos to remove brassiness.

“Soften The Blow”

If you worry about your hair’s safety, you can try diluting hair dye before using it. Hair color can damage healthy hair, but diluting it with another product might help reduce the damage.

Frugality

Diluting your semi-permanent hair dye can help you get more use out of it. Instead of buying many dyes, you can dilute the same dye differently to get different shades.

For example, you can dilute dark red hair dye to make an orangey salmon color, or dilute it even more for a pastel peach. This way, you can use a small amount of dye and still get a new, fun color.

How To Dilute Semi-Permanent Hair Dye

Here are three ways to lighten your semi-permanent hair dye.

Method #1: Mix It With Conditioner

Mixing your dye with conditioner can give you a lighter, softer color. This is great if you like pastel colors. It’s also good for dry hair that needs extra care when coloring.

All you need is your dye and a moisturizing, affordable white conditioner. I recommend using the Dove Nourishing Secrets Repairing Conditioner, which has coconut oil and turmeric extracts to moisturize and leave your hair soft and smooth deeply.

Step-By-Step Process

1. Pour a cup of conditioner into a bowl. Add the dye slowly, mixing it with the conditioner each time to see the color.
2. Adding less dye makes a lighter color, while more dye makes a brighter color.
3. When you have the right color, apply the mixture to your hair in sections with a brush to apply it, then use your fingers or a comb to spread it through your hair.
4. Massage the mixture into your hair and leave it for 30-45 minutes. Rinse with cold water and style your hair as usual.
5. Adding less dye makes a lighter color, while more dye makes a brighter color.
6. Apply the mixture to your hair in sections when you have the right color.
7. Apply it with a brush, then use your fingers or a comb to spread it through your hair.
8. Massage the mixture into your hair and leave it for 30-45 minutes. Rinse with cold water and style your hair as usual.

Method #2: Dilute In Hydrogen Peroxide

Many permanent hair dyes use hydrogen peroxide as an ingredient.

This strong chemical bleaches your hair by removing its natural color and replacing it with dye. Hydrogen peroxide helps the dye molecules bond better with your hair.

You can use hydrogen peroxide to make hair color more vibrant. But be careful because it’s very strong. Wear gloves and condition your hair before using it.

Step-By-Step Process

1. Protect your floors from stains by covering them with newspaper or plastic bags. Hydrogen peroxide is thinner than conditioner, so it might not hold well when applied to the hair.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine one hydrogen peroxide with two semi-permanent hair dyes. Use a brush applicator to mix the ingredients well. If the ingredients are not properly combined, your hair might have patchy color or dry spots.
3. Apply the mixture directly to your hair using the same brush. Doing this in sections is easier, especially if you have thick hair. Just make sure that every strand of hair is saturated with the dye.
4. Wait 30 minutes for the dye and peroxide to work on your hair. Then, rinse all the dye out in the shower.
5. You don’t need shampoo because the peroxide clarifies your hair. After rinsing, use conditioner and then rinse again. That’s it!

Method #3: Combine It With Shampoo To Create A Toning Shampoo

This method is great for using toning shampoo. Toning shampoos, like purple, blue, or green, help remove brassiness in colored hair. You can make your toning shampoo by mixing hair dye with sulfate-free shampoo.

Here’s how to make your toning shampoo:

1. Pour a cup of sulfate-free shampoo into a clear squeeze bottle. Use white shampoo.
2. Add a third of a cup of semi-permanent dye in your chosen color.
3. Shake the bottle until the shampoo and dye are mixed. Now, you have your toning shampoo, which will get rid of brassiness in just one wash.

Can You Dilute Hair Dye With Water?

If you’re new to diluting your semi-permanent dye, consider mixing it with water. But this is a bad idea, especially if the water contains peroxide, which can change the dye’s formula.

If you use water when dyeing your hair, the color may be uneven, dull, and patchy. Water won’t make the dye lighter; it makes the color less bright. Semi-permanent dyes are usually recommended for applying to dry hair, which means water doesn’t mix well with the dye. So, it’s best to avoid using water to dilute the dye.

What About Coconut Or Olive Oil?

Many semi-permanent hair dyes contain conditioning ingredients, like argan oil or keratin. People like using these dyes because they give their hair a lot of care while coloring it.

It’s understandable that mixing hair dye with oil, like coconut oil, shea butter, or olive oil, might work. But trust me, it won’t. It will just make hair coloring messy and less effective. If you mix your dye with oil and put it on your hair, it might make it very greasy before the dye even gets a chance to stick.

This extreme greasiness will make it almost impossible for the dye to stick properly to your hair, so it’s not a good idea.

Avoid Moisturizing With Oils

Before dyeing your hair, avoid moisturizing it with oils. Coconut oil creates a thick coating that affects how the dye is absorbed, causing uneven coloring. This wastes both the dye and the oil. Instead, if you’re concerned about drying out your hair, use a nourishing hair mask after coloring.

Don’t mix much oil with your dye because it can ruin the color. If you want to add some oil, ensure it’s pure and doesn’t contain silicones. Only use a couple of drops to moisturize the dye.

Conclusion

By following the step-by-step process outlined in this article on diluting semi-permanent hair dye, readers can achieve the desired shade and intensity of color while also ensuring a more natural and subtle look.

Experimentation may be necessary to find the perfect dilution ratio for each individual’s hair type and desired result. With proper understanding and practice, diluting semi-permanent hair dye can become a simple and effective way to personalize one’s hair color.

So, try different dilution techniques to achieve the perfect customized hue for your locks!

Frequently Asked Questions