I have dyed my hair more times than I can count. Usually I have a new hair color every six months. I always get the same questions like "How do you do that yourself?" and "How is your hair so soft still?" well here's a few tips I've learned from being a DIY hair colorist.

1. Find a hair dye that uses oil.

It can be pretty intimidating gong to the hair dye isle at the store and staring at the huge wall of all the different brands and colors. The first tip I have for you is always find a dye that uses oil in the dye itself. I have found that those with oil in them tend to not damage your hair as much as other dyes.

2. DO NOT USE FOAM HAIR DYES

Just a PSA if you still want healthy hair after dying. I have seen the results first hand of foam dyes. I have dyed many different types of hair for both my family and my friends and I would never let them use the foam dyes. They dry out your hair while you're waiting for the dye to set and when you rinse it out you will see clumps of hair falling out. If you chose to still use the foam dyes please use it with caution.

3. Be aware of how much dye you will need

It is very simple to figure out how much dye you'll need. If your hair is shoulder length or longer buy two boxes. Even if you don't end up needing it all you'll have an extra box for when it's time to fix your roots. If you have shorter hair one box will be enough and you will probably have some left over.

4. Be gentle and patient

This one may seem like a given but you'd be surprised how many times I've seen a hair dye job go wrong because the person wasn't gentle or patient.

BE GENTLE when washing out your hair color don't pull at it or try to hurry up the process by combing through it with your fingers harshly. This will cause our hair to fall out or get damaged.

BE PATIENT when waiting for your hair dye to set in. If you feel like you just want to get it over with and wash it out too soon some parts wont be ready and you'll be left with spots of different colors throughout your hair.

5. After coloring, treat your hair

This is probably the most important secret on how I keep my hair soft even after two at home bleaching processes. After showering, when you've achieved the color that you wanted, your hair will feel a little dry and in need of some love. I use "One n' Only" Argon Oil to re-hydrate my hair. (You can buy this at any beauty supply store and they usually retail for about $7.00 for a small bottle). Take a good amount of the oil into your hands and rub them together. Then while your hair is still damp run your fingers through your hair and make sure to pay extra attention to the ends. Once your hair is decently saturated with the oil put it into a bun or ponytail and leave it sit in over night. In the morning when you wash it out make sure to use conditioner too lock in the moisture. Give your hair a break for about a week from harsh chemicals and heat and your hair will stay healthy and shiny every time.

A huge part of this is making sure you take good care of your hair. So keep up the conditioning treatments and natural oils and your hair will be healthy and strong for years to come. So get out there and try a new hair color today!