Dyeing hair for first time at home -patch test

[xsquared]

I've put a bit of the coloured cream behind my ear but so I need to mix it to get a try result? The instructions do not mention mixing it.

True

No. Just the colourant. You can't mix it or it won't work two days from now.

I hadn’t considered a patch test. If you usually have it dyed at the hairdressers do you also need to patch test a home dye?

Well strictly you should because every make of hair dye presumably has a slightly different make-up. In practice, I don't, but I'll have only myself to blame if I have a reaction one day!

Thanks. I just wanted to make doubly sure. I've only ever had it dyed at the salon where they just dab a bit behind the ear. I am using a box dye for the first time at home and just don't want to be in a position where I'd need to be rushed into hospital.

You should ALWAYS patch test. Even if using the same brand and colour. You can develop reactions to things you have used before, and hair dye reactions can turn nasty, quite quickly.

I am patch testing Natasha. My question was whether I needed to mix the two which it doesn't mention in the instructions.

Natasha was probably answering me @xsquared Apologies for highjacking your thread!

No worries Red. I've been apprehensive about home dyeing so that's why I'm patch testing. There are horror stories about reactions from not having done one and I don't want to risk it, so I'd definitely do a test first.

Aren't you supposed to do the patch test, wait until the next day then apply? But you are not supposed to use the same mix a day later or have I been ignoring the patch test unnecessarily? If so I have been very lucky not to have had a bad reaction but I never done one for this reason.

You dont mix up the whole thing for a patch test

Sorry @xsquared.
Yes, I was answering @RedRed9

Just the colourant for patch testing as that contains the ingredients likely to cause a reaction. You don't mix it up with the other stuff until you need to use it, @Doingtheboxerbeat. Some brands require a 48hour wait after the patch test as well, so worth checking!
And always dispose of the remaining dye once you have applied it.

Thanks for the clarification Natasha.

@dementedpixie, but can you still use it the following day after opening it? I think I know the answer to this, I'm being a bit thick today .

You arent mixing the 2 components together for a patch test and are just using a tiny amount of the colourant. You use the remaining colourant and mix it up with the developer on the day you want to use it - 48 hours later

Literally nobody bothers with a patch test. It's just something the dye brands write on the packet to stop people suing.

Another question. Is it better to dye hair when it's wet or can you apply to dry hair?
Thanks in advance.

Photos for @Mucklowe

(They’re of allergic reactions to hair dye incase that wasn’t obvious.)

Always apply to dry hair @xsquared

Washing your hair basically gives you microscopic abrasions to your scalp as you wash away the dead cells. Dye can then cause slight burning or irritation if you put it on straight after washing your hair.

never heard of anyone actually bothering to do this

Permanent hair colour is normally applied to dry hair. Semi permanent is often applied to wet hair. The instructions will tell you what to do

Dark hair dye tends to cause worse reactions than lighter colours