Dyeing your hair can be a fun and creative way to express yourself. While professional hair dyes offer long-lasting results, they can also be harsh and expensive. If you’re looking for a temporary, budget-friendly, and relatively gentle alternative, using food coloring might be the answer. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of dyeing your hair blue with food coloring, covering everything from preparation to aftercare.
Is Food Coloring Safe for Hair?
Before diving into the how-to, it’s crucial to address the safety aspect. Food coloring is generally considered safe for topical use, as it’s designed to be ingested. However, it’s essential to understand its limitations and potential effects on your hair.
Food coloring is a temporary dye. It coats the hair shaft rather than penetrating it like permanent dyes. This means the color will fade with each wash, usually lasting from a few washes to a couple of weeks, depending on your hair type and the intensity of the color.
While generally safe, some individuals might experience mild allergic reactions. Always perform a strand test before applying food coloring to your entire head. Apply a small amount of the diluted food coloring mixture to a hidden strand of hair and observe for any adverse reactions, such as itching, redness, or irritation, for 24-48 hours.
Food coloring can be drying to the hair. It’s vital to use a moisturizing conditioner or hair mask after dyeing to replenish lost moisture and maintain the health of your hair.
Blonde or light-colored hair will absorb the color more readily than darker hair. If you have dark hair, you may need to lighten it with a bleach kit before applying the blue food coloring to achieve a vibrant result.
Gathering Your Supplies
The success of your food coloring hair dyeing project depends on having the right tools and ingredients readily available. Here’s a checklist of everything you’ll need:
- Blue Food Coloring: Gel food coloring is generally preferred over liquid because it’s more concentrated and less likely to drip. Choose a high-quality brand for the best color payoff. You can use a single shade of blue, or mix different shades (e.g., royal blue and sky blue) to create a custom color.
- White Conditioner: A thick, white conditioner serves as the base for your dye mixture. Avoid colored or heavily scented conditioners, as they may interfere with the color.
- Mixing Bowl: Use a non-reactive bowl (glass or plastic) to mix the food coloring and conditioner.
- Applicator Brush: A hair dye applicator brush will help you apply the mixture evenly to your hair.
- Gloves: Protect your hands from staining by wearing disposable gloves.
- Old Towel: Drape an old towel around your shoulders to protect your clothing from drips.
- Hair Clips: Use hair clips to section your hair for easier application.
- Petroleum Jelly or Coconut Oil: Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly or coconut oil along your hairline, ears, and neck to prevent staining of your skin.
- Shower Cap or Plastic Wrap: Covering your hair with a shower cap or plastic wrap will help to keep the dye moist and prevent it from drying out.
- Optional: Bleach Kit: If you have dark hair and want a vibrant blue, you’ll need to lighten your hair with a bleach kit beforehand.
Preparing Your Hair
Proper preparation is key to achieving the best results and minimizing damage.
Start with clean, dry hair. Wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo to remove any product buildup. Avoid using conditioner at this stage, as it can create a barrier that prevents the dye from adhering properly.
If you’re bleaching your hair, follow the instructions on the bleach kit carefully. It’s crucial to protect your hair during the bleaching process, so consider using a bond-building treatment like Olaplex or a similar product to minimize damage. After bleaching, tone your hair to remove any brassy or yellow tones.
Wait at least 24-48 hours after bleaching before applying the food coloring. This will give your hair time to recover and prevent further damage.
Mixing the Dye
The mixing process is critical to achieving the desired color intensity and consistency.
In your mixing bowl, combine the white conditioner and blue food coloring. Start with a small amount of food coloring and gradually add more until you achieve the desired color. Remember that the color will appear lighter on your hair than it does in the bowl.
The ratio of conditioner to food coloring will depend on the intensity you want. For a pastel blue, use more conditioner and less food coloring. For a vibrant blue, use more food coloring and less conditioner. A general guideline is to start with about 1/2 cup of conditioner and add food coloring until you achieve a deep, rich blue color.
Mix the conditioner and food coloring thoroughly until the color is evenly distributed. There should be no streaks or swirls of color. The mixture should have a smooth, creamy consistency.
Applying the Dye
Now comes the fun part: applying the dye to your hair.
Protect your skin by applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly or coconut oil along your hairline, ears, and neck. Put on your gloves and drape the old towel around your shoulders.
Section your hair into manageable sections using hair clips. Start at the roots and work your way down to the ends, applying the dye mixture evenly with the applicator brush. Ensure that each strand is fully saturated with the dye.
Once you’ve applied the dye to all of your hair, massage it in to ensure even coverage. Pay special attention to the roots, as they tend to be the most resistant to color.
Cover your hair with a shower cap or plastic wrap. This will help to keep the dye moist and prevent it from drying out. The heat from your scalp will also help the dye to penetrate the hair shaft.
Processing Time
The processing time is how long you leave the dye on your hair. The longer you leave it on, the more intense the color will be.
The recommended processing time for food coloring is typically 1-3 hours. For a more intense color, you can leave it on longer, up to 4-6 hours. However, it’s essential to monitor your hair during the processing time to ensure that it doesn’t become dry or damaged.
Check the color periodically by wiping off a small section of hair. If the color is not intense enough, you can leave the dye on for longer.
Rinsing and Conditioning
Once the processing time is up, it’s time to rinse out the dye.
Rinse your hair thoroughly with cool water until the water runs clear. Avoid using hot water, as it can cause the color to fade faster.
Apply a generous amount of moisturizing conditioner or hair mask to your hair. Leave it on for 5-10 minutes to replenish lost moisture and seal the hair cuticle.
Rinse out the conditioner with cool water.
Drying and Styling
After rinsing, gently towel-dry your hair. Avoid rubbing your hair vigorously, as this can cause damage.
Allow your hair to air dry as much as possible. If you need to use a hairdryer, use a low heat setting and a diffuser to minimize damage.
Style your hair as usual. Be aware that the blue color may transfer to your clothing or bedding, especially when your hair is wet.
Aftercare and Maintenance
Proper aftercare is essential to prolonging the life of your blue hair and keeping it healthy.
Wash your hair as infrequently as possible. When you do wash it, use a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner designed for color-treated hair. Sulfate-free products are gentler and less likely to strip the color.
Use cool or lukewarm water when washing your hair. Hot water can cause the color to fade faster.
Avoid using heat styling tools as much as possible. If you must use them, use a low heat setting and apply a heat protectant spray.
Protect your hair from the sun. UV rays can cause the color to fade. Wear a hat or use a hair product with UV protection when spending time outdoors.
Consider using a color-depositing conditioner or hair mask to refresh the color and prevent fading. These products contain small amounts of pigment that can help to maintain the vibrancy of your blue hair.
Be prepared for the color to fade with each wash. Depending on your hair type and the intensity of the color, you may need to reapply the food coloring every few weeks to maintain the desired look.
Tips for Dark Hair: If you have dark hair and don’t want to bleach it, you can still achieve a subtle blue tint. The food coloring will act as a stain, adding a cool undertone to your hair.
Preventing Staining: Clean up any spills immediately to prevent staining of surfaces. Wear dark-colored clothing during the dyeing process.
Troubleshooting: If the color is uneven, you can reapply the dye to the areas that are lighter. If the color is too intense, you can wash your hair more frequently to fade it.
Experimenting with Colors: You can mix different colors of food coloring to create custom shades. For example, mixing blue and green will create a teal color.
Dyeing your hair blue with food coloring is a fun and creative way to experiment with color without the commitment of permanent dye. By following these steps and taking proper care of your hair, you can achieve a vibrant, temporary blue hue that expresses your unique style. Always remember to prioritize the health of your hair and perform a strand test before applying any new product.
Enjoy your new blue ‘do!
Can I use any type of food coloring to dye my hair blue?
While you can technically use any type of food coloring, gel food coloring is generally recommended over liquid food coloring for dyeing hair. Gel food coloring is more concentrated, resulting in a more vibrant and longer-lasting color. Liquid food coloring tends to be more diluted, requiring a larger quantity and often resulting in a less noticeable or more easily washed-out color.
Regardless of the type, always opt for food coloring that is specifically designed for consumption and doesn’t contain any potentially harmful additives. Always perform a strand test before applying any food coloring to your entire head to ensure you achieve the desired color and don’t experience any adverse reactions. Avoid using food coloring with high amounts of red, as it may create a green or muddy tone when mixed with blue and applied to hair that isn’t light blonde.
How long will blue hair dyed with food coloring last?
The longevity of blue hair dyed with food coloring varies depending on several factors, including your hair’s porosity, the intensity of the blue food coloring used, and how frequently you wash your hair. Generally, you can expect the color to last anywhere from one to three washes. Porous hair tends to absorb the color more readily but also releases it more quickly.
To prolong the color, wash your hair less frequently and use cold water, as hot water can cause the dye to fade faster. Using sulfate-free shampoo is also recommended, as sulfates can strip the hair of its color. Consider using a color-depositing conditioner with blue tones to refresh the color between washes and maintain the vibrancy of your blue hair.
Will food coloring damage my hair?
Food coloring is generally considered a safer alternative to traditional hair dyes because it doesn’t contain harsh chemicals like ammonia or peroxide. It essentially coats the hair shaft rather than penetrating it, minimizing the risk of damage. However, it’s still important to be mindful of your hair’s condition and avoid over-processing it.
While food coloring is less damaging, it can still dry out your hair, especially if used frequently. To combat this, deep condition your hair regularly and use moisturizing hair products. If your hair is already damaged or chemically treated, perform a strand test to assess how it reacts to the food coloring before applying it to your entire head.
What if my hair is dark brown or black? Will the blue color show up?
Unfortunately, blue food coloring will likely not show up vibrantly on dark brown or black hair. Food coloring is translucent and doesn’t have the lifting power to lighten dark hair shades. Therefore, the blue color will likely be barely visible or appear as a slight blue tint in certain lighting.
To achieve a noticeable blue color on dark hair, you would need to pre-lighten your hair with bleach. This process can be damaging, so it’s essential to proceed with caution and consult a professional if you’re unsure. After bleaching, you can then apply the blue food coloring for a more vibrant and visible result.
What if I get food coloring on my skin? How do I remove it?
Food coloring can stain the skin, but thankfully, it’s usually removable with a bit of effort. The best approach is to act quickly. Gently wash the affected area with soap and warm water. You can also try using a mild exfoliating scrub or a mixture of baking soda and water to help lift the stain.
If soap and water aren’t sufficient, try using a makeup remover or micellar water. For more stubborn stains, consider applying a small amount of rubbing alcohol or hairspray to a cotton ball and gently dabbing the stained area. Remember to moisturize your skin afterward, as these methods can be drying.
How much food coloring do I need to dye my hair blue?
The amount of food coloring needed depends on the length and thickness of your hair. For short hair, you might need just a few drops, while for long and thick hair, you might need several teaspoons. It’s best to start with a small amount and gradually add more until you achieve the desired intensity of blue.
As a general guideline, for shoulder-length hair, start with about 1-2 tablespoons of gel food coloring or a small bottle of liquid food coloring. Mix the food coloring with a conditioner base to help distribute it evenly throughout your hair. Remember to perform a strand test first to determine the ideal amount for your hair type and desired color.
What are some tips for making the blue color last longer?
Besides washing your hair less frequently and using cold water, several other tips can help prolong the vibrancy of your blue hair. Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight, as UV rays can fade the color. Consider wearing a hat or using hair products with UV protection.
Use dry shampoo between washes to absorb excess oil and keep your hair looking fresh without stripping the color. When you do wash your hair, use a sulfate-free shampoo specifically designed for color-treated hair. Finally, consider using a blue color-depositing conditioner regularly to refresh the color and prevent fading.