You’re standing in front of the mirror with a box of dye, a list of instructions and no idea how long to leave it in. You want to change your hair color, but you also want to keep it as healthy and strong as possible.
Leaving hair dye in too long can damage your hair and lead to uneven color. It can also lead to your hair becoming dry and brittle. It can even cause you to lose your hair strands altogether.
If you’re using a semi-permanent hair dye, it’s best to stick to the instructions on the box and not leave it in for longer than recommended. These dyes don’t have the harsh chemicals that permanent dyes do, so they won’t damage your strands as much.
Unlike semi-permanent dyes, permanent dyes have peroxide and ammonia in them that will eat away at your hair’s cuticle. This will make your hair brittle, weak and dull, and it could lead to split ends.
Most hair dyes require you to leave them on your hair for 30 minutes before rinsing it off. This is enough time for the peroxide and ammonia to penetrate your strands, which is how they change your natural pigment.
If you’re trying to cover gray strands, it takes an additional 45 minutes. You might also need to leave it in for a little longer if your hair is thick or curly.
