I must admit something horribly embarrassing as a beauty junkie.

I had never, before today, even considered dying my hair.

I’m a natural blond, so it would be pretty easy to transform my hair, but I’ve always been too scared to take a risk with my hair. I was afraid I couldn’t pull of anything but blond hair.

But for some reason today, amongst the hell that are my midterms, I decided to pick up Manic Panic’s Hot Hot Pink from the drugstore and dying the ends and strands of my hair dark pink.

Psychosis? Perhaps, but great decision? Absolutely.

Let’s start from the beginning.

Here I am, with unwashed virgin hair (better to absorb hair dye apparently).

This is how I look on the outside.

This is how I look on the inside.

Preparation:

You need a few things to dye your hair.

1. Dye: The actual dye I used as mentioned above is Manic Panic’s Hot Hot Pink. Vegan, paraben-free and cruelty-free! This dye had no scent and contained a lot of product, especially when you compare it to mainstream colored hair dyes. It was very creamy, easy to use and easy to mix with conditioner. As a first impression review, I must say I’m impressed, and will go back to Manic Panic for my temporary colored hair needs. Price-wise, it was around CA$12, but as I said, you get a ton of dye!
2. Bowls: I initially wanted different tones of pink in my hair, so I set out 3 bowls to mix different amounts of conditioner in with the dye.
3. Gloves: According to the internet, I didn’t need any as long as I washed my hands immediately after applying the dye to my ends. Ha. Ha. Ha. Funny. Says the lady with fuschia hands.
4. Dye brush: Because I was concentrating on my ends I tried using a brush, but found that using my fingers applied more evenly and with more precision.
5. Useless Tee Shirt: You will inevitably get die all over you so don’t decide to wear your Burberry sweater the day you dye your hair. An older brother’s camp shirt sufficed for me.

Tip: High necklines are better to avoid chest and lower neck dye stains.

Process

Step 1: Pour dye into bowls.

Step 2: Mix conditioner to make lighter (if you want to, for me I wanted a bit lighter but it ended up not making a difference)

Step 3: Put on your gloves (for the love of Sephora use gloves) and apply the dye to the desired areas of your hair. I applied to the tips and a big strand in my layered bangs.

Step 4: Wash your hands, face, neck, anywhere that may have been stained.

Step 5: Wait. Most dyes will tell you how long to wait, I assume it varies from brand to brand, but my box said 30 minutes, and so that’s how long I sat on my couch anxious and sweating.

Step 6: Wash out your hair until the water is clear. Some told me to use warm water, others cool, so I went with tepid, to be safe.

Step 7: Wait until it dries or use a blow-dryer to dry your hair.

And voila! You are done!

Even though I didn’t get the crazy 3 toned-strands I first wanted, I’m still incredibly happy I took the plunge.

If you don’t feel like dying your hair dark pink, at least take this piece of advice with you. My biggest concern about dying my hair was that I couldn’t “pull it off”. Guess what, girls (and boys)?

“Pulling something off” has nothing to do with skintone, skin type, hair color, or style.

It has to do with confidence.

If you strut down the street like you’re related to Queen Elizabeth II, no one will even question whether you can “pull it off”, no matter what “it” is. Whether it’s red pepper lips or a leopard skirt, never let your insecurities dictate how you express your beauty.

Remember, you can pull off anything your heart desires as long as you believe it.

Well, this has been my Public Service Announcement.

Have an amazing day!

XOXO

Gabby