How to Dye the Bottom Layer of Your Hair Dark

Dyeing the bottom layer of your hair dark is a popular two-tone hairstyle also known as "minking." The style is a popular hair trend, beginning in the late 2000s. The amount of dramatic changes to your hair can be controlled according to your personal style. If you naturally have a light hair color, then a dark bottom layer will be very noticeable, so if you are looking for a subtle change, this might not be the best option for you. Proper sectioning of the hair is the key to achieving professional and salon quality results.

• 1

  Look through hair magazines or websites and cut out pictures of this particular hairstyle that you like. Consider the length and style of the haircut as compared to yours, and look in a mirror to imagine the style on you.

• 2

  Purchase a hair dyeing kit in the desired shade of brown or black.

• 3

  Dress appropriately. Hair dyeing can get messy, especially if there is no past experience handling these products, so wear something old that can get dirty.

• 4

  Determine how high up the dark bottom layer of hair should come. For a more understated look, choose a lower point on the head, and for a more dramatic style, choose a higher point.

• 5

  Begin to section off the bottom and top layers of hair. Carefully section off and gather the top layer of hair. Use a hair tie or hair clips to secure it. Secure the bottom section and let the top section fall down evenly as a test to make sure you have the correct bottom hair section separated for dyeing. Re-secure the top layer of hair once the test has been completed and you are confident that you have separated the bottom layer appropriately. Place aluminum foil or plastic wrap strips to protect the top hair.

• 6

  Cover up or put away any items that might get stained with dark hair color. Place a towel or sheet on the ground and wrap one around the neck.

• 7

  Put on the plastic gloves, usually provided in the kit. Mix together the dark hair dye according to the instructions on the kit.

• 8

  Remove the hair tie. Carefully begin to apply the dark hair dye to the bottom layer by starting with the tips and working up to the roots. Be careful not to get any hair dye on the top light layer.

• 9

  Wait and allow the dye to dry according to the time from the kit instructions. Once the time is up, carefully rinse the bottom layer of hair. Again, be sure not to get any dye on the top layer of hair.

• 10

  Apply conditioner, blow dry hair and style as desired.