What Is the Difference Between Professional Hair Color and Box Dye?

What Is the Difference Between Professional Hair Color and Box Dye?

We all agree that DIY home dye kits are not what they used to be a couple of years ago. Even though they have advanced, professional dyes remain to be a step ahead. With the latter, a hairstylist can mix different shades to give your hair more depth says Lina from Nail Art Gear.

You, too, can accomplish the same, but you must also follow the same steps. That is, purchase two varying types of hair color. Preferably, one should be that of your hair’s actual color and the other a bit lighter. Mix a tablespoon of each of these dyes and apply it a half an inch from your hairline.

Another critical difference between the two is that professional hair dyes don’t come when they are already matched up like at-home hair dyes, which means that a stylist has the freedom to mix different colors and create a more appealing shade. With at-home pigments, the colors have already been developed, so you are forced to accept the outcome, and that can be scary.  

Does that Mean Salon Dyes are Better?

Applying hair dye at home is convenient and affordable. After all, who doesn’t love playing with their hair? But there are certain factors that most clients overlook. For instance, what product do you intend to use? And do you know how to use it properly?

Due to a lack of knowledge and experience with hair coloring, most customers buy the wrong box dye. And even if they are lucky enough to buy the right product, they may either not apply enough product on their hair leaving behind an uneven and cheaper DIY look. Overusing the dye may result in a too dark, damaged, dry, or dull finish. The chances of landing yourself in a hair disaster are higher with a box dye.

Salon dyes, on the other hand, are not a gamble. Unlike box dyes that lure you into believing your hair will look like the photo-shopped image on the box, salon dyes are mixed by a professional who knows how to achieve different color tones and levels. 

When combining different shades, a hairdresser will keep in mind the texture and density of your hair. As a result, you can receive a hair color that will meet all your expectations.

Even though dying hair is not rocket science, you should know that a misstep might have severe consequences. 

For example, if you have grey hair, applying a darker shade can leave unwanted tones. Therefore, it’s best to seek professional help when making significant hair color changes, such as bleaching or highlights.

Are There Better and Safer Alternatives to Box Dye?

Instead of running towards the toxic hair dyes in the beauty shop or supermarket, below are five natural and safe hair coloring treatments worth giving a try.  

  • Coffee 

Coffee can do more than kickstart your morning routine. It can also be used as a natural hair dye. When brewed, coffee can give your hair deep cooled hues. To get a darker shade, you can mix it with a leave-in conditioner. Let it sit on your hair for 1 hour then wash it out.

  • Henna

For decades, henna has been used as a natural hair dye. What we love most about is that it is non-toxic and blends well with grey/lighter hair. The drawback of using henna is that it’s not long-lasting. And, it may fade away if you wash your hair regularly.

  • Hairprint

Have you ever thought that it is possible to get a hair re-pigmentation product which is toxin and chemical-free? Well, you haven’t come across hair print. This product adds protein-based melanin pigments into your hair shafts, giving you a natural and healthy look. Though it may take more than an hour to get this hair coloring treatment, the results are entirely satisfactory. Not to mention, it’s perfect for black and brown hair shades.

  • Beet/Carrot Juice

If you are looking adding a reddish tint to your mane, then these two juices can do the job. 

However, depending on what shade of red you want, you can use each juice alone, or mix the two together. If you want a more reddish look, use more beet juice to achieve an auburn, deeper red or strawberry blonde tone.

Are you craving an orange tint? If so, then there is no need to get a box dye. Carrot juice can give you the color you want and an extra natural sheen on top of that. Its preparation process is a whole lot like coffee. Mix it with a leave-in conditioner and let it dry for an hour. Wash it off with apple cider vinegar and watch your hair grow.

Other natural alternatives to boxed dye worth checking out include sage, chamomile tea, brewed tea, unsweetened Kool-aid, and lemon, juice.

Venturing into Professional Hair Color

As mentioned earlier, when you decide to color your hair, most people think that you are limited to only two options. One, you can do it yourself or two, go to a salon. However, another option to consider is buying a professional hair coloring kit and applying it yourself. This may not be very popular but is quite effective

Venturing into professional hair dye is a strategy that guarantees hair will get the right shade without risking damaging it. Even though it’s meant to be sold to professionals, anyone can buy this high-quality dye and apply it at home. Because it’s a high-grade product, the results will be more than satisfactory. And the overall cost will be lesser than visiting a salon for a professional color splash. The only challenge here is that you must be well acquainted with professional DIY dye.

Sarah Anna