Transforming your brown hair to an ash brown shade can be an exciting change, adding depth and dimension to your locks. Achieving the perfect ash brown hue involves a few steps, from choosing the right hair dye to maintaining your new color. Let’s dive into a comprehensive guide on how to make brown hair ash brown.
Before we start, it’s crucial to understand that going from brown to ash brown is a significant color change. It’s essential to consider your skin tone and whether ash brown will complement your features. Ash brown tends to look best on cooler skin tones, with undertones like pink, red, or blue. If you have warm skin tones with yellow, peach, or golden undertones, you might want to consider a more golden or caramel shade of brown.
Preparing Your Hair for Dyeing
Before you reach for the hair dye, it’s vital to prepare your hair to ensure the best results and minimize damage.
Start by doing a strand test at least 48 hours before dyeing your hair. This will help you check for any allergic reactions and give you an idea of how the color will turn out. Also, it’s a good time to test the dye’s strength and adjust it if needed.
Cleanse Your Hair
Wash your hair two to three days before dyeing. This will allow your hair’s natural oils to build up, creating a barrier that protects your scalp during the dyeing process.
However, avoid using any hair products, such as conditioners, masks, or styling products, as they can interfere with the dye’s adhesion to your hair.
Trim Split Ends
Trimming split ends before dyeing your hair helps ensure even color distribution. It also minimizes the risk of breakage during the dyeing process.
If you’re not comfortable cutting your hair yourself, consider visiting a professional stylist. They can provide expert advice and ensure your hair is in the best condition for dyeing.
Choosing the Right Hair Dye
Selecting the right hair dye is crucial for achieving the perfect ash brown shade.
For brown hair, you’ll typically need to use a level 7 or 8 dye, which corresponds to medium to dark brown. However, the exact shade can vary depending on your starting color and the brand of hair dye you’re using.
Ash Brown Dye Options
When choosing an ash brown dye, look for shades with ‘ash’ or ‘platinum’ in the name. These dyes contain blue or violet undertones, which help neutralize the warm, orangey tones in brown hair.
Some popular ash brown hair dye options include Wella Color Charm 8/1 Dark Ash Brown, L’Oréal Paris Féria Multi-Faceted Shimmering Color in Dark Ash Brown, and Schwarzkopf Professional Igora Royal 7-88 Dark Ash Brown.
Considering Professional Help
If you’re unsure about which dye to choose or the process of dyeing your hair at home, consider visiting a professional hair stylist. They can provide personalized advice and ensure the best results.
Stylists have access to professional-grade hair dyes and tools, which can provide more vibrant and long-lasting results. They can also help you maintain your new color with professional treatments and advice.
Dyeing Your Hair at Home
Once you’ve chosen the right dye and prepared your hair, it’s time to start the dyeing process.
Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary supplies, including gloves, a hair dye brush or applicator, a timer, and old clothes or a hairdye cape to protect your clothing.
Mixing the Dye
Follow the instructions on the hair dye package to mix the developer and colorant. Typically, you’ll mix one part colorant with one or two parts developer, depending on the desired strength and your hair’s condition.
For brown hair, it’s usually best to use a 20 volume developer for even color distribution and minimal damage. However, if your hair is damaged or prone to breakage, you may want to use a 10 volume developer instead.
Applying the Dye
Starting at the roots, apply the dye mixture to your hair using the applicator brush. Work your way down to the ends, ensuring even coverage. Make sure to wear gloves to protect your hands from staining.
Once you’ve applied the dye to your entire head, use a comb to ensure even distribution. Then, clip your hair up and cover it with a plastic cap or wrap it in plastic wrap to help the dye process.
Timing the Dye
The development time will depend on the specific hair dye you’re using and the desired level of lift. Most dyes recommend leaving the color on for 30 to 45 minutes for optimal results.
Start timing the dye as soon as you’ve applied it to your hair. Keep an eye on the color in a mirror or ask someone to help you monitor the progress. If you notice any unevenness or unwanted results, you can rinse the dye off early to minimize damage.
Rinsing and Conditioning
After the recommended development time, rinse the dye thoroughly from your hair using lukewarm water. Avoid using hot water, as it can open the hair cuticle and cause color to fade.
Apply a color-safe conditioner to your hair, focusing on the ends. Leave the conditioner in for a few minutes to allow it to penetrate the hair shaft. Then, rinse it out and towel-dry your hair gently.
Maintaining Your Ash Brown Hair Color
Congratulations! You’ve successfully transformed your brown hair to ash brown. Now, it’s essential to maintain your new color and keep your hair healthy.
Here are some tips for maintaining your ash brown hair color:
Use Color-Protective Products
Invest in color-safe shampoos, conditioners, and styling products to help preserve your hair color and prevent fading. These products are formulated with ingredients that help protect your hair from environmental damage and maintain your color’s vibrancy.
Some popular color-protective hair care lines include Pureology, Redken Color Extend, and Matrix Total Results SoColor Sync.
Limit Heat Styling
Heat styling tools like flat irons, curling irons, and blow dryers can cause damage to your hair and cause color to fade. To minimize heat damage, try to air-dry your hair as much as possible and use heat protectant products before styling.
When you do use heat styling tools, make sure to use the lowest setting possible and apply a heat protectant spray or serum to your hair first.
Regular Trims
Regular trims help maintain your hair’s health and prevent split ends from traveling up the hair shaft, causing breakage. Aim to trim your hair every 6 to 8 weeks to keep it looking its best.
If you’re looking to grow out your hair, consider getting a dusting or a dry cut, which removes only the split ends without taking length off your hair.
Embracing your new ash brown hair color is an exciting journey. With the right preparation, dye selection, and maintenance, you can achieve and maintain the perfect ash brown shade. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different styling techniques and products to make the most of your new color. Happy dyeing!
