If you’re looking to change up your hair color, you may be wondering if you can mix multiple hair dyes together to create a custom shade. The answer is yes – you can absolutely mix hair dyes, provided you follow some key guidelines.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about safely and effectively blending hair colors at home.
Overview
- Mixing hair dyes allows you to create unique, custom shades not available in a box.
- Certain types and brands of hair dye can be mixed, while others are incompatible.
- It’s crucial to mix dyes of the same type and brand to avoid chemical reactions.
- Follow proper techniques like strand testing and using proper mixing ratios.
- Blend colors of similar depths and tones for natural-looking results.
- Mixing hair dyes takes some skill, so beginners should exercise caution.
Can You Mix Different Brands of Hair Dye?
When learning how to mix hair colors, the first question that often comes up is: can you combine hair dyes from different brands?
The short answer is no – mixing different brands is not recommended for a few key reasons:
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Formula differences: Brands use varying formulas, chemicals, intensities and more in their dyes. Mixing them can cause unpredictable results.
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Instructions vary: Brands have different ideal color-to-developer ratios, processing times and other directions that are crucial to follow.
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Reactions possible: Ingredients that are safe when separate could potentially interact and cause adverse reactions when mixed.
To avoid these risks, it’s best practice to only mix shades from the same brand of hair color. This helps ensure you get predictable, uniform results from your custom blends.
What Types of Hair Dye Can Be Mixed?
Another key factor in mixing hair colors is using dyes of the same type or classification. Here’s an overview of what kinds of hair dye can and cannot be blended together:
Compatible Types
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Permanent + Permanent: Most permanent hair dyes are intermixable to create custom permanent shades.
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Demi-permanent + Demi-permanent: Demi-permanent dyes can be mixed to make custom demi-permanent colors.
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Semi-permanent + Semi-permanent: Any semi-permanent shades from the same brand can be blended together.
Incompatible Types
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Permanent + Semi-permanent: Do not mix permanent and semi-permanent dyes due to formula differences.
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Demi-permanent + Semi-permanent: These two dye types should not be combined due to their chemical differences.
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Bleach + Dye: Never mix bleach and hair dye together. Bleach is for lightening only.
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Keratin + Dye: Keratin treatments react negatively with hair dye chemicals.
To summarize, permanent, demi-permanent and semi-permanent dyes are only mixable with other shades of the same type. Bleaches, keratin treatments and other products should never be blended with hair color.
How to Mix Hair Dyes Step-By-Step
Once you’ve chosen two compatible shades of hair dye from the same brand, follow these steps for mixing:
Gather Your Supplies
- Two shades of the same dye type/brand
- Dye bottle brushes
- Measuring containers like scoops or cups
- A tint or mixing bowl
- Applicator brush
- Gloves
- Developer (for permanent/demi-permanent dye)
Select Your Colors
Choose the primary and secondary shades you want to blend. The primary color will make up the bulk of the mixture, while the secondary adds accent tones.
Determine Your Ratios
Refer to the brand’s instructions to find the ideal dye-to-dye mixing ratio. For more of the primary color, use a 3:1 ratio. For equal amounts, use 1:1.
Mix The Colors
Pour the two shades into your tint bowl, using your selected ratio. Mix together thoroughly with an applicator brush until uniform.
Add Developer (If Needed)
For permanent or demi-permanent dyes, add the correct amount of developer according to the brand’s guidelines. Mix again to incorporate.
Perform a Strand Test
Apply mix to a small section of hair and process as normal. Rinse and dry to preview final results before applying to full head.
Apply to Hair
If satisfied with your strand test, apply the mixture to your entire head of hair. Follow directions for processing, rinsing and conditioning.
Tips for Mixing Hair Dye Like a Pro
Follow these handy tips and tricks to mix hair colors like a seasoned stylist:
- Always do strand and patch tests.
- Keep total dye amounts proportional to your hair length/thickness.
- Mix shades with similar depth and tone for natural looks.
- Add a neutral shade to soften a color that’s too intense.
- Dilute vibrant dyes by adding conditioner a bit at a time.
- Err on the side of less secondary dye until you achieve the desired look.
- Never exceed total processing times by leaving mixes on longer.
- Rinse hair with cool water and use a sulfate-free shampoo.
Can I Mix Semi-Permanent Dye With Conditioner?
One common technique for sheer, pastel hues is diluting semi-permanent dye with white conditioner. The conditioner acts as a neutral base to tone down the color without altering the hue.
Start by mixing a small amount of dye with an equal part conditioner. Add more conditioner a little at a time until you achieve the desired sheer or pastel effect.
Since permanent and demi-permanent dyes require developers to work properly, only dilute semi-permanent shades with conditioner.
Best Hair Color Combinations to Try
Here are some chic, popular hair color combinations you can recreate by mixing dyes at home:
Chestnut Brown
Mix a rich chocolate brown with a red-brown shade.
Bronde
Blend brown and blonde dyes for a sun-kissed look.
Rose Gold
Mix a warm golden blonde with a rose gold dye.
Silver Lavender
Blend a silver dye with your favorite lavender shade.
Copper Caramel
Mix copper and caramel dyes together for warmth.
Chocolate Cherry
Combine deep red and chocolate hues.
Sandy Blonde
Mix tan and blonde shades together.
Blending Hair Dyes With Caution
While mixing hair dyes opens up a world of possibilities for unique shades, there are still inherent risks – especially for beginners. Here are some cautions to keep in mind:
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Strand and patch testing is absolutely essential to avoid surprises.
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Improperly mixed dyes can cause skin irritation or undesirable tones.
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Overlapping brands, types or application methods can cause damage.
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Don’t apply mixes right to the scalp or on sensitive areas like eyebrows or hairlines.
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Seek professional help if you experience burning, itching or other reactions.
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Consider getting a professional consultation before attempting unusual color mixes.
Bottom line: approach hair color mixing with care, patience and a willingness to tweak formulas until you get it right. Hair can always be re-colored if your custom blend doesn’t turn out quite as imagined on the first try.
The Takeaway
Mixing hair dyes opens up a world of possibilities when it comes to achieving unique, custom hair colors. With some strategic blending, you can become your own colorist.
However, to get ideal results it’s crucial to mix shades of the same type and brand – and of similar depth and tone. Permanent, demi-permanent and semi-permanent dyes can all be blended following proper techniques.
Be sure to strand test your custom mixes and apply them cautiously, especially when starting out. With a little patience and experimentation, you’ll be able to whip up beautiful, colorful hair combinations.