THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO DYEING YOUR 4C HAIR
If you have great natural hair, then it’s only natural that you want to explore it. There are tons of styles that can be tried, including even haircuts and dreadlocks. But sometimes you may just want to pop some colors, you know? To match your hair to your outfit, or something. Which means you need to dye your hair.
Dyeing your hair can be tricky. No matter what type of hair you have, you can be sure it does not appreciate being attacked by any strange bunch of chemicals, even if they are meant to pop some colors into it. Because dyeing your hair involves a chemical process, you should take it seriously. Especially if you have 4C hair.
Because 4C hair is so fragile, when dyeing it, as with everything else concerning your 4C hair, you have to be very careful with it. As always, make sure you do not dive in blind. Equip yourself with enough knowledge about your hair and how to dye it, as well as with the right tools and products. In this article, you will learn how best to dye your 4C hair.
But let’s start with some important things you need to know when dyeing your 4C hair.
Tips and Tricks for Dyeing your 4C hair
When dyeing your 4C hair, it’s important to know certain things about your hair, the process, and its effect on your hair.
- Temporary dyeing vs permanent dyeing
When dyeing your hair, the choice is usually between temporary dyeing and permanent dyeing. Temporary dyeing is simply putting a layer of color on your air, which will rinse off gradually with shampoo. This is mostly a DIY process. Permanent dyeing, on the other hand, involves lifting the hair cuticles, which alters the protein that provides our natural hair color. It is advisable to leave this to a professional.
- Consult a Professional
Because dyeing your hair involves applying chemicals in your hair, it is advisable to consult a professional colorist or hairstylist before jumping into it. Whether you mean to dye your hair temporarily or permanently, a professional colorist will give you great guidance on the right tools and products to use, what to do, and what not to do. They can also do a strand check to see if your hair is strong enough to be colored. The advice of a professional on your hair is indispensable. So, go see one now!
- Dye Your Hair Dirty
Yeah, it may sound like a mess, but it is actually a lot more advisable to make sure your hair is dirty before dying it. This is because the oils in your hair when it’s dirty will help to protect your scalp from direct contact with the chemicals in the dye. So, don’t wash your hair for about two weeks before dyeing it.
- Do a Protein Treatment
If you do decide to dye your hair without consulting a professional, it is important to know that before the dye day, you need to give your hair a good protein treatment. This will strengthen your hair for the in-coming chemicals, and avoid dryness or breakage.
- Lighter is Riskier!
When dyeing your 4C hair, it is important to remember how fragile your hair is. It is also important to know that it takes multiple rounds of dyeing to achieve your desired shade. However, all that chemical is bad for your hair. Experts agree it is best to lighten your 4C hair up to 3 times. Any more could prove dangerous for your hair.
- After-Care is Essential
Dyeing your hair doesn’t just end there. It is important to continue to constantly moisturize and deep-condition your long hair after dyeing. This not only helps to maintain the color, it also prevents your from getting dry, thereby preventing breakage.
Since you know the basics about dyeing your hair, now it’s time to find out how exactly to dye your hair. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to dye your 4C hair.
How to Dye your 4C Hair
So you have decided to dye your hair at home. This can be tricky, because of course you don’t want to mess it up. When dyeing your hair, it is important to be fully prepared, so as not to flop.
But anyway, you are fully prepared. You have all the right tools and products, and your hair is ready. You have chosen the right shade of dye for you and cleared the work area. So now let’s dig in.
Step one: Part your hair into four sections
When dyeing your hair, it is best to first part it into manageable sections. Digging into it all at once, as a whole, is bound to go badly and cause a lot of damage. So, section it into four, and use a clip to hold each section in place.
Step two: Protect your hairline!
Remember, the color is all chemicals! And the chemicals are harmful both to your skin and your hair. Your hairline is where both meet, and it is very tender indeed. So, before applying the dye to your hair, make sure to first protect your hairline. You can do this by laying it all around with vaseline. This creates a barrier and prevents the chemicals from contacting your skin directly.
Step three: Follow the instructions on your dye box closely!
With your chosen dye, it is important to follow the instructions given on how to mix and apply it, to get maximum results. You have to follow the instructions on the type of developer to use, the right amount, etc.
Step four: Do a strand test
It is advisable to first try out the dye mix on a strand or a loc of hair before proceeding to apply it all around. This helps you to make sure you’re not allergic to the color and allows you to have a better idea of how to achieve the shade you want.
Step five: Apply dye
Now it’s time to apply your dye all round your hair. You have to remember that slow and steady is the best strategy. There is no need to rush. Start from the roots, and work your way up gently, section by section. When you have made it through all the sections, all you have to do is wait for as long as the box says you should before rinsing it off to reveal your hair popping its new color.
Finally, here are some hair dyes that are great for your 4C hair.
3 Best Hair Dyes for 4C Hair
This is an organic hair dye, with a unique formula to enhance toning and soothing, and also protect your hair and your scalp while providing long-lasting results. This dye has great herbal ingredients for your hair.
This is a gold-standard permanent hair dye that makes your hair shine and glow. With over 50 shades to choose from, this dye is long-lasting, and great for highlights and cover-ups.
This is a ‘cruelty-free’ and ‘vegan-friendly’, hair dye that is infused with fantastic ingredients for your hair, such as olive oil, shea butter, and baobab proteins. It helps to moisturize your hair, even with the color in it! It is a great dye for 4C hair.
In conclusion, dyeing your 4C hair should not be so much of a dread if you are equipped with the right tools and products, and the right information. After reading this article, you should have no worries about dyeing your hair. So, get out there and get popping!
English 
French