Applying dye onto your natural hair…The do’s and don’ts.

Natural hair can be a great canvas for color, but if you’re considering dyeing your hair for the first time, there are some precautions to take.

You have to consider the color you want, how it will affect your curls, and the upkeep associated with your choice.

1. You can use at-home dye if you’re going for a one-dimensional dark hue.At-home dyes have come a long way over the past two decades. If you’re going light, box dye won’t be your best option, but, says Alvarez, “it’s perfectly fine and more cost-effective to use for a darker color.”
2. You should also buy several boxes of color just to be safe. “You don’t want to be left with a section of hair that’s not colored due to lack of product,” she says. “Almost every woman underestimates the thickness of her hair.”
3. Go for gel and liquid color formulas if you’re going DIY. They’re the best for full coverage, whereas foam formulas often don’t penetrate densely curled strands well.
4. But you should make a visit to the salon if you want to lighten your hair. Everyone’s hair is structured differently, and the exact formulation to achieve a multi-dimensional color may be complicated, but a professional who’s well-versed in color will adapt to the actual tones of your hair.
5. Go slow and steady with the dyeing process so as not to affect your curl pattern.If your color is done the right way, your curls should remain intact. However, lightening your hair extensively in one session can cause hair damage that could affect your coils. The bigger the difference in your natural hair color and your desired shade, the more likely it is that you’ll experience a (temporary) loss of elasticity and loosened curl pattern.
6. All hail highlights. Highlights are the choice of many curly girls because you can go longer in between touch-ups,”
7. Blondes do have more fun, but the integrity and strength of your hair will change.  “To achieve a platinum blonde hair color, for example, you must perform multiple processes, use higher volume developers, and have longer processing times, all of which can become a recipe for disaster.”
8. Skip the shampoo before you dye. What you’ve heard is true: You shouldn’t wash your hair before dyeing it. Dirty hair is ideal for color application. The natural oils on your scalp act as a buffer between your scalp and the chemicals in the formula, so skip the shampoo a day before you plan to color.
9. Regular deep-conditioning is a must. Color-treated hair needs a little extra TLC, we recommend deep conditioning at least once a week and investing in our First Class Moisture Boost and Hair Food.