The Ultimate Guide to Choosing and Using Hair Dye from Sally’s Beauty Supply

Changing your hair colour can be a transformational experience, allowing you to express your personal style or experiment with something new. Sally’s Beauty Supply is a trusted resource for professional-quality hair dye, offering a vast range of shades and types to suit your needs. This guide will help you understand the different options available and show you how to achieve the best results safely and effectively.

Step 1: Understanding the Different Types of Hair Dye at Sally’s Beauty Supply

Before choosing a product, it’s essential to know the different hair dye types and what they offer. Sally’s Beauty Supply stocks these main categories:

1. Permanent Hair Dye

• Long-lasting results, ideal for covering grey hair or making a bold colour change.
• Contains ammonia and developer to penetrate the hair shaft for deep colour deposit.
• Brands to explore at Sally’s include Ion Color Brilliance and Wella Colour Charm.

2. Semi-Permanent Hair Dye

• A temporary dye that sits on the surface of the hair. Typically lasts 6–12 washes.
• Ideal for experimenting with new shades or enhancing natural colour without damage.
• Popular choices include Clairol Professional and Arctic Fox.

3. Demi-Permanent Hair Dye

• Ammonia-free and longer-lasting than semi-permanent dyes, lasting around 24 washes.
• A great option for toning, blending greys, or adding depth.
• Look for brands like Beautiful Collection by Clairol or Ion Intensive Shine.

4. Temporary Hair Colour

• Designed for very short-term use, such as for events or festivals. It washes out after 1–2 washes.
• Includes sprays, chalks, and wash-out formulas.
• Check out Jerome Russell’s Temp’ry Hair Colour Spray for one-day fun.

Step 2: Choosing the Right Colour

1. Identify Your Natural Base Colour

Using the hair colour chart at Sally’s can help you determine your current shade. This will guide you on how your selected dye will interact with your natural tone for the desired result.

2. Consider Your Undertone

• Cool undertones work well with ashy blondes, cool browns, and vibrant reds or blues.
• Warm undertones are complemented by golden blondes, warm caramels, or rich auburn shades.

3. Decide on Coverage

• For grey cover-up, opt for permanent formulas.
• For highlights or subtle changes, semi- or demi-permanent formulas are ideal.

Pro Tip: If you’re unsure about a shade, test a strand first to see how the colour develops on your natural hair.

Step 3: Gathering the Tools You’ll Need

Sally’s Beauty Supply provides everything you need for a seamless hair dyeing experience. Make sure you have:

• Hair Dye Kit: Depending on your chosen product, some brands include gloves and an applicator.
• Developer: For permanent and some demi-permanent dyes, you’ll need a developer like Salon Care.
• Application Tools: A mixing bowl, brush, and clips ensure precise application.
• Protective Gear: Gloves and an old towel or cape to keep the dye off your hands and clothing.
• Post-Dye Care: Colour shampoos and conditioners help maintain the vibrancy of your new look. Try Ion or Generic Value Product (GVP) hair care lines.

Step 4: How to Dye Your Hair at Home

Follow these steps for the best results:

1. Prepare Your Workspace and Tools

• Wear an old shirt, lay down newspaper or old towels, and have everything ready (dye, developer, tools).

2. Perform a Patch Test

• Apply a small amount of dye behind your ear or on your inner wrist. Wait 48 hours to check for any allergic reaction.

3. Mix the Dye

• For dyes requiring a developer, follow the specific mixing ratio provided on the packaging. Use a non-metallic bowl.

4. Apply the Dye

• Divide your hair into sections using clips for even application.
• Start from the roots and work your way down for full coverage.
• For touch-ups, apply to regrowth first.

5. Process

• Allow the hair dye to sit for the time specified on the box. Set a timer to ensure accurate results.

6. Rinse Thoroughly

• Rinse with lukewarm water until the water runs clear. Avoid using shampoo immediately to let the colour set.

7. Condition

• Use the deep conditioner provided in the dye kit or purchase a colour-treated conditioner.

Step 5: Maintaining Your Colour

Keep your hair looking vibrant with these tips:

• Use Colour-Protectant Products: Shampoo and conditioners designed for coloured hair prevent fading.
• Limit Washing: Wash your hair 2–3 times per week to preserve colour integrity.
• Avoid Heat Styling: Heat can strip colour faster, so use heat tools sparingly or choose a heat protectant spray like Chi 44 Iron Guard.
• Touch-Up Kits: To extend the life of your colour, Sally’s offers root touch-up kits for busy schedules.

Step 6: When to Seek Professional Help

While at-home dyeing can be rewarding and affordable, certain situations may call for professional expertise:

• Radical Changes: Going from dark hair to platinum blonde or vice versa.
• Corrective Colouring: Fixing patchy or uneven tones.
• Pre-Lightening Needs: Pre-lightening for vibrant colours like pastels or intense reds.

Final Thoughts

Experimenting with hair colour can be a fun and rewarding experience, especially with premium products and tools from Sally’s Beauty Supply. Whether you’re going bold with bright, trendy shades or opting for a subtle change, following these steps ensures salon-worthy results at home.

If you’d like more guidance personalised to your hair type and goals, Sally’s in-store experts and online resources are always at your disposal. Transform your look today—your next colour challenge awaits!