5 Ways to Dye Underneath Your Hair

Underneath hair dye

When dyeing your hair, the first thing you might think of is adding vibrancy to your hair. However, would you believe that you can also dye the underneath portion as well? Also known as underdye, this hair trend has been gaining traction for its unique and trendy look. Moreover, the best part is that the technique is way easier than expected. So, if you are looking for a new way to spice up your hairstyle, underdyeing hair might just be the perfect solution.

Underdye hair dyeing can work on any hair length, texture, and color. It involves adding a splash of color to the underneath section of the hair, which is usually hidden when the hair is down. This creates a subtle but eye-catching effect that can add personality to your look. The underdye can be temporary or permanent, and it can be customized to your liking. You can choose any color you want, and you can even create a multi-colored underdye.

If you’re ready to give underdye a try, there are a few things you’ll need to do. First, you’ll need to bleach the section of hair you want to dye. This will help the color to adhere better. Once the hair is bleached, you can apply the dye. Follow the instructions on the package, and be sure to leave the dye on for the recommended amount of time. Once the dye has set, rinse it out and style your hair as usual. With proper care, your underdye can last for several weeks or even months. And if you ever get tired of it, you can always wash it out and start over.

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Understanding the Basics of Under-Hair Dyeing

Understanding the Basics of Under-Hair Dyeing

Under-hair dyeing, also known as peek-a-boo or hidden dyeing, involves adding a vibrant dash of color to the underside of your locks. This technique allows you to express your individuality while maintaining a subtle or more dramatic effect, depending on your desired look.

Benefits of Under-Hair Dyeing:

Adds a unique and stylish touch to your hair
Allows for a more subtle or dramatic color transformation
Versatile, allowing you to experiment with different colors and patterns
Ideal for adding depth and dimension to your hair
Can be a low-maintenance way to refresh your look without a significant change

Things to Consider:

Hair Length: Under-hair dyeing works best on hair that is at least shoulder-length.
Base Color: Consider the color of your natural hair or any existing hair dye to ensure the under-dyed section complements your overall look.
Color Choice: Select a color that contrasts or complements your base color for a striking effect.
Sectioning: Determine the size and location of the section you want to dye. Use clips or hair ties to separate the layers.
Maintenance: Under-hair dye may require touch-ups as your hair grows, especially if the color is significantly different from your base color. Consider using a color-protecting shampoo and conditioner to prolong the vibrancy of the dye.

Choosing the Right Dye for Your Hair Type

Selecting the ideal dye for your hair depends on various factors, including your natural hair color, desired shade, and hair condition. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you make an informed decision:

Temporary Dyes:

Lasts: Up to 28 washes
Shades: Limited vibrant and semi-permanent shades
Durability: Fades gradually with each wash
Damage: Minimal to none
Best for: Temporary color changes or adding a subtle tint

Semi-Permanent Dyes:

Lasts: 4-12 weeks
Shades: Wider range of natural and vibrant shades
Durability: Fades over time but can be refreshed with touch-ups
Damage: Contains some ammonia but less than permanent dyes
Best for: Semi-permanent color changes or covering gray hair

Permanent Dyes:

Lasts: Until you cut or color your hair again
Shades: Vast array of natural and vibrant shades
Durability: Permanent
Damage: Contains ammonia, which can cause hair damage
Best for: Major color transformations or covering stubborn gray hair

Preparing Your Hair for Dyeing

1. Wash and Condition Your Hair

Start by washing your hair with a clarifying shampoo. This will remove any product buildup or dirt that could interfere with the dye’s absorption. Follow up with a conditioner to moisturize your hair and make it more receptive to the dye.

2. Dry Your Hair to 99%

Towel-dry your hair until it’s about 99% dry. Avoid blow-drying your hair, as this can damage it and make it more difficult to dye. Use a wide-toothed comb to gently detangle your hair.

3. Protect Your Skin and Clothing

Dying your hair can be a messy process, so it’s important to protect your skin and clothing. Wear gloves to prevent the dye from staining your hands. Apply a thick layer of petroleum jelly or Vaseline around your hairline, ears, and neck to create a barrier between your skin and the dye.

Hair Type	Time to Leave in Developer
Fine/Damaged Hair	20-25 minutes
Medium Hair	25-30 minutes
Coarse Hair	30-35 minutes

Use an old towel or t-shirt to cover your shoulders and back. If you’re worried about staining your clothes, consider wearing something dark or disposable.

Sectioning Your Hair for Accuracy

To ensure a precise and even application of hair dye, proper sectioning is crucial. Follow these steps to section your hair accurately:

Center Part: Part your hair down the center from your forehead to the nape of your neck.
Horizontal Part: Make a horizontal part about 2 inches above the nape of your neck. This will create two horizontal sections: the bottom and top sections.
Vertical Parts: Now, divide the top section into four equal parts by creating three vertical parts parallel to the center part. These parts will be called the left front, right front, left back, and right back sections.
Subsectioning (Optional): For longer or thicker hair, you may want to further subsection each vertical part. Divide each part into two or three smaller subsections, creating a total of 8 or 12 subsections. This will make the application process more manageable and ensure an even distribution of dye.

Section	Description
Left Front	The left side of the top section, from the forehead to the center part.
Right Front	The right side of the top section, from the forehead to the center part.
Left Back	The left side of the top section, from the horizontal part to the back of the head.
Right Back	The right side of the top section, from the horizontal part to the back of the head.
Bottom	The entire section of hair below the horizontal part.

Applying the Dye Evenly

To ensure an even color distribution, follow these meticulous steps:

1. Divide Your Hair into Sections

Part your hair into manageable quadrants: front, back, left, and right. Secure each section with clips to keep it separated during the application process.

2. Apply Dye to the Roots First

Using a brush or comb, apply the dye evenly to the roots of your hair, ensuring complete coverage. Focus on the areas closest to your scalp where the new growth appears.

3. Work in Small Sections

Avoid applying dye to large sections of hair at once. Instead, work in small, 1-inch sections to ensure the dye is thoroughly distributed and penetrates the hair shafts evenly.

4. Comb Through the Dye

After applying the dye to each root segment, comb it through using a wide-toothed comb. This helps distribute the color evenly, prevents clumping, and ensures that every strand is coated.

5. Process Time and Touch-Ups

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the recommended processing time. Once the desired color is achieved, rinse the hair thoroughly and condition to restore its moisture.

Touch-Up Tips
For areas that need additional color, apply touch-ups to those specific sections rather than recoloring the entire head.
Use a darker shade of dye for touch-ups to blend with the existing color and avoid a noticeable contrast.
Process touch-ups for a shorter duration than the initial application to prevent over-processing and damage.

Achieving a Seamless Transition Between Colors

Creating a seamless transition between colors when dyeing under your hair requires meticulous attention to detail.

Blending Hues

Choose two hair color shades that complement each other and create a natural-looking gradient. The darker shade should be applied at the roots, gradually blending into the lighter shade at the tips.

Sectioning Hair

Divide your hair into four sections: top, bottom, left, and right. This allows for precise application and control over the blending process.

Applying Color

Start by applying the darker shade to the roots of each section. Use a brush or comb to distribute the dye evenly and avoid creating harsh lines.

Once the roots are covered, apply the lighter shade to the mid-lengths and tips. Overlap the two shades slightly to create a smooth transition. You can blend the colors using a color brush or your fingers.

Timing

Follow the instructions on the hair dye packaging for the recommended processing time. Avoid over-processing, as it can damage your hair.

Rinsing and Conditioning

Once the processing time is complete, rinse your hair thoroughly with cold water. Condition your hair to restore moisture and prevent dryness.

Transition Effect	Blending Technique
Subtle Gradient	Overlapping shades slightly
Sharp Transition	Applying shades without blending
Dimensional Color	Using multiple shades and overlapping them

Rinsing and Conditioning Your Hair Properly

1. Rinse Thoroughly with Cold Water

Once the dye has set, rinse your hair thoroughly with cold water until the water runs clear. This will help to remove any excess dye and prevent it from staining your scalp or skin.

2. Use a Clarifying Shampoo

After rinsing with water, use a clarifying shampoo to remove any remaining dye residue and build-up. This will help to ensure that your hair is clean and healthy before conditioning.

3. Condition Deeply

Apply a deep conditioner to your hair and leave it on for the recommended amount of time. Deep conditioners help to restore moisture to your hair and make it feel soft and silky.

4. Rinse with Cold Water Again

After conditioning, rinse your hair thoroughly with cold water again. This will help to close the hair cuticles and seal in the moisture.

5. Air Dry or Blow Dry

Allow your hair to air dry or blow it dry on a cool setting. Avoid using heat styling tools, such as flat irons or curling irons, as they can damage the hair.

6. Moisturize Regularly

Keep your hair hydrated by using a leave-in conditioner or hair mask regularly. This will help to prevent dryness and keep your hair looking healthy and vibrant.

7. Touch Up Roots

When to Touch Up Roots	How Often
Every 4-6 weeks	For subtle fading
Every 6-8 weeks	For moderate fading
Every 8-12 weeks	For significant fading

Avoiding Common Mistakes When Dyeing Under Your Hair

1. Don’t Overdo It:

Under-dyeing should accentuate your natural hair color, not completely replace it. Use a light hand and build up the color gradually.

2. Use a Stencil or Guide:

Creating a precise and even under-dye requires precision. Use a stencil or guide to prevent dye from bleeding into the wrong areas.

3. Protect Your Hair:

The underside of your hair is more vulnerable to damage. Apply a pre-dye treatment or coconut oil to protect it from color chemicals.

4. Use Toner or Conditioner:

After dyeing, apply a color depositing conditioner or toner to enhance the vibrancy and tone of the under-dye.

5. Don’t Wash Your Hair Too Soon:

Allow the dye to set for at least 24 hours before washing your hair. This gives the color time to fully penetrate and adhere to the hair.

6. Use a Heat Protectant:

Heat styling tools can damage color-treated hair. Always use a heat protectant spray or serum before using hot tools.

7. Trim Split Ends:

Split ends can make under-dyed hair look ragged. Trim them regularly to maintain a healthy and vibrant appearance.

8. Avoid Using High-Lift Colors:

Hair Color	Recommended Dye Level
Dark brown	Level 6 or lower
Medium brown	Level 7 or lower
Light brown	Level 8 or lower

Under-dyeing works best with low-lift colors that deposit semi-permanent or demi-permanent color without significantly lightening the base hair.

Maintaining the Vibrancy of Your Under-Hair Color

Once you’ve achieved your desired under-hair color, there are a few simple steps you can take to keep it looking its best:

Wash less frequently

The less you wash your hair, the less the color will fade. Aim to wash it every other day or even less often if your hair is not oily.

Use color-safe shampoo and conditioner

Color-safe products are designed to be gentle on colored hair and help prevent fading.

Protect your hair from heat

Heat can damage colored hair and cause it to fade more quickly. Use a heat protectant spray when styling your hair with heat tools.

Avoid chlorine and salt water

Chlorine and salt water can strip away color from your hair. If you’re going to be swimming, wear a swim cap to protect your hair.

Use a color-depositing conditioner

Color-depositing conditioners can help to refresh your color between salon visits. Choose a color that is close to your natural under-hair color.

Touch up your roots

As your hair grows, your roots will start to show. To keep your under-hair color looking its best, touch up your roots every 4-6 weeks.

Get trims regularly

Trimming your hair regularly will help to get rid of any split ends, which can make your hair look dull and faded.

Use a hair mask

Hair masks can help to nourish and strengthen your hair, which can help to prevent color fading.

Additional Tips

Tip
Use a wide-toothed comb to brush your hair. This will help prevent breakage and color loss.
Avoid using harsh styling products, such as hairspray or gel. These products can build up on your hair and make it look dull.
If you do use styling products, make sure to rinse them out of your hair thoroughly before you go to bed.

Troubleshooting Under-Hair Dyeing Issues

1. Patchy or Uneven Color

Ensure even application by dividing the hair into sections and using a wide-toothed comb. Apply the dye thinly and in sections, keeping it off the scalp.

2. Over- or Under-Processing

Avoid leaving the dye on for too long or too short. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for the recommended processing time. Use a color-removing shampoo if over-processed.

3. Bleeding or Fading

Use a color-safe shampoo and conditioner. Avoid heat styling and excessive washing. To prevent bleeding, apply clear hairspray to the edges of the dyed area.

4. Skin Irritation

Perform a patch test before using the dye. Use a barrier cream around the hairline and wear gloves. Rinse thoroughly after processing.

5. Insufficient Coverage

Use a color-enhancing shampoo to intensify the color. Apply multiple coats of dye if necessary. For gray hair, consider using a toner or a dye specifically formulated for gray coverage.

6. Too Dark or Light of a Color

Blend the dye with a lighter or darker shade. Adjust the processing time to achieve the desired color intensity.

7. Color Transfer to Other Parts of the Hair

Use a clarifying shampoo to remove any residue. Wash the hair with a color-safe shampoo and conditioner. Avoid using metal combs or brushes.

8. Difficulty Blending

Start by highlighting small sections. Use a toner or color-correcting glaze to adjust the undertone. Blend the highlights with the natural hair color using a wide-toothed comb.

9. Damage to the Hair

Use a protein treatment or hair mask to repair the hair. Avoid excessive heat styling and chemical treatments. Trim the damaged ends regularly.

10. Uneven Blending: Proper Dye Application and Timing

Apply the dye in thin layers, evenly distributing it along the hair’s length. Use a wide-toothed comb to remove any excess product. Once applied, set a timer for the recommended processing time as per the manufacturer’s instructions. Processing the dye for too short or too long can result in patchy coverage or uneven blending. Avoid leaving the dye on for longer than advised, as this can lead to over-processing and damage the hair.

How to Dye Under Your Hair

Dying the hair has been popular for years to create unique looks. A recent trend is to dye the hair on the bottom layer while leaving the top layer untouched. Not only does this look drastically change the style, but it also ensures that the natural hair color is not damaged from bleach or dye.

The first step is to separate the hair. This is best done when the hair is damp and detangled. Brush all of the hair to the top of the head and secure it in a ponytail or bun.

Next, use clips to divide the ponytail or bun into several sections. The number of sections will depend on how long the hair is and how thick it is.

Apply dye to the underneath sections of hair. Be sure to saturate the hair completely. Once the dye has been applied, put on a shower cap and let the dye sit for the amount of time specified in the instructions.

Rinse the hair with cool water until the water runs clear. Then, shampoo and condition the hair as usual.