DIY-ing a hair color is not for the faint of heart. It can either turn out extremely well or become a total disaster, which is why we always recommend getting it done by a professional for best results. Hence, coloring your own hair at home should be your last resort, and if you are going to do it, you better make sure you do it right (here's our complete guide on doing just that).
To increase your chances of a successful attempt, opt for box dyes that minimize all the nightmare-ish possibilities. And for this, bubble hair colors are by far your best bet. Not only are these easier to apply than a standard box dye, they're practically foolproof for an even coat of color even if you're going DIY. Curious? Scroll ahead to learn more!
How do bubble hair colors/dyes work?
Bubble hair colors or foam dyes work just like your regular box dye—the only difference lies in the application. Instead of mixing the dye and the developer in a bowl and applying it with a brush, bubble dye solutions are combined inside a plastic bottle. Once the dye has been mixed, the plain bottle cap is replaced with one that has a special mechanism that transforms the liquid solution into a rich foam.
You then apply the foamy mixture straight to your hair like shampoo, and the color will adhere to your strands similar to traditional box dyes. It's a beginner-friendly to color your hair, because aside from not needing any special tools, you don't have to be too precise with it either.
Another FAQ about bubble hair dyes is its longevity, but just like with any box dye, how long your bubble dye lasts depends on the product you use and your current hair color. How vibrant your color turns out also depends on your pre-dye shade—bleached hair will always make bright hair colors register closer to the shade on the box, while dark hair can at most achieve a visible tint or become slightly lightened.
How to Use Bubble Hair Dye
1. Perform an allergy test two days before.
Allergy tests are a must for any DIY dye sesh, especially if it's your first time trying a formula. You can do this by mixing a small amount of the solution onto a cotton bud and then swiping it on areas like the back of your ear or your inner forearm. If you don't get an allergic reaction, then you're good to go with dyeing your locks!
2. Prep your hair and skin.
Your color prep has to start even before you mix your color solution. Start by detangling your hair with a brush or a fine-toothed comb, which will help the dye go on more evenly and easily. Once your hair is ready, apply either face cream or petroleum jelly on your hairline, ears, and the back of your neck to protect your skin from getting stained. Because if there's anything you wouldn't want to deal with after a DIY color, it's unsightly stains on your face and neck!
3. Expect and prep for the messy application.
Bubble hair colors can get quite messy thanks to the foam, so expect it to go everywhere during application. It can stain your clothes and even the floor, so make the necessary preps to prevent that from happening. You can wear a salon cape or an old shirt you don't mind staining, and as for your floor, set some newspaper or plastic on it to catch the dye.
4. Mix the coloring solution according to the instructions on the box.
Brands often provide very detailed instructions about how to mix their color solution. Make sure to follow this to the letter as mixing methods are not the same for every bubble dye!
5. Squeeze the foam on gloved hands and apply to hair.
When your solution is ready, start coloring by squeezing out a generous amount of foam onto your gloves. It's up to you whether you want to apply on your roots or ends first, but remember that the color will always be the strongest where it's left on the longest! Again, be generous with your application, and make sure your hair is fully covered with foam before you start the waiting time.
Here's what your hair should look like after application:
6. Leave the solution on your hair for the recommended time.
The instructions on the box should tell you exactly how long you should leave the foam on, and following this exactly is the safest option for first-timers. The correct rinsing method should be specified as well, but most variants will recommend shampooing twice or thrice.
7. Use the post-color treatment (if included).
If you spot a small packet inside the box of your bubble hair color that looks like conditioner, that's most likely the post-color treatment. These are included to nourish your strands after dyeing it, and depending on the instructions given, you're either meant use it as a rinse-off treatment or on towel-dried hair.
Best Bubble Hair Colors to Try at Home
Now that you're equipped with all the bubble dye basics, it's time to choose your color! Ahead, we list some of the best ones you can shop:
1. Liese Creamy Bubble Color Natural Series
Liese is one of the most popular Japanese brands for bubble hair color. Their natural series has different shades of brown that leave a sheer and soft finish, and the formula makes use of lanolin acid to protect your strands from damage.
If you want to achieve a cool-toned dark brown, try:
Creamy Bubble Color Natural Series in Silvery Brown, P449, LIESE, Watsons
If you want to lighten and add warmth to dark hair, try:
Creamy Bubble Color Natural Series in Chestnut Brown, P449, LIESE, Lazada
2. Liese Creamy Bubble Color Design Series
For those who want to experiment with unique hues, Liese's design series has a range includes shades of green, blue, red, pink, and ash.
Creamy Bubble Color Design Series in Dark Rose, P449, LIESE, Watsons
Creamy Bubble Color Design Series in Mint Ash, P449, LIESE, Watsons
3. Mise En Scene Hello Bubble Foam Color
Korean beauty brand Mise En Scene offers some of the most affordable foam-type hair colors around. That said, they have an impressively wide color range that spans between both natural and vibrant shades, so good luck choosing just one!
If you want to pre-lighten your locks for a brighter shade, try:
Hello Bubble in Bleaching Primer, P390, MISE EN SCENE, Shopee
If you're aiming to remove brassy tones from a previous dye job, try:
Hello Bubble in Dusty Ash, P390, MISE EN SCENE, Shopee
If you want to try pink hair sans the salon trip, try:
Hello Bubble in Rose Gold, P390, MISE EN SCENE, Shopee
4. Etude House Hot Style Bubble Hair Coloring
Yup, your favorite Korean makeup brand Etude House has hair color, too! Their take on bubble dye is infused with a damage-preventing ampoule infused with plant extract, and promises to have a non-drip and conditioning effect on the hair.
For a unique shade of ashy violet, try:
Hot Style Bubble Hair Coloring in Ash Violet, P500, ETUDE HOUSE, Shopee
For a light, beige-colored hue, try:
Hot Style Bubble Hair Coloring in Ash Gold, P500, ETUDE HOUSE, Shopee
If you have bleached hair and want to go red-orange, try:
Hot Style Bubble Hair Coloring in Brick Orange, P500, ETUDE HOUSE, Shopee
5. Beautylabo Whip Hair Color
Japanese brand Beautylabo is also popular for their effective bubble hair colors and wide color range. Their Whip Hair Color formula is packed with moisturizing ingredients like honey and color-sustaining elements like theanine and taurine that'lll ensure a vibrant, healthy finish.
If you want to DIY an ash brown color, try:
Whip Hair Color in Silky Ash, P399, BEAUTYLABO, Shopee
For a cool hint of green on plain-colored hair, try:
Whip Hair Color in Olive Green, P399, BEAUTYLABO, Shopee
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