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Keep your locks dead gorgeous. Whether you're uber-goth or just gothing up, your hair color--from flaming red to raven black--should be luxurious, decadent and original. You don't want approval, but you want your hair color to last. If the color fades too fast, you might as well bang the nails into the coffin right now. Unearth techniques to keep your hair color bold and your look enigmatic. With minimal upkeep, you'll stay in the scene and remain the ultra-goth.
1.
Bleach your hair before you color. Pre-lightened hair follicles will be more porous and your color will last at least two weeks longer. If you'd rather not bleach, the dye color will produce a lighter tint. Leave your hair dry and unwashed, Goth goddess, and follow kit instructions. Prior to bleach application, perform a strand test. Using a tint brush, apply bleach mixture evenly onto hair. To bring natural hair color to the "inner lemon rind," yellow stage takes approximately 20 minutes for dark blonds and up to two hours for resistant hair. Evaluate color lift every 10 minutes, until you achieve the desired lightness. Fully rinse and towel dry hair.
2.
Douse your freshly-dyed locks with an equal amount of white vinegar and water afterward. The vinegar raises the pH level of the hair color and provides longer-lasting color. Comb the vinegar through your locks and rinse with cool water.
3.
Ditch the daily shampooing. You want to retain that color intensity, right? Wash your hair once or twice per week instead. Make it your new habit. Spend a little more money and purchase a natural shampoo sans sulfates and citric acid. The more natural the ingredients, the longer the color will stay vibrant.
4.
Boost your color between dyeing. Add two or three tablespoons of pre-mixed temporary hair dye hair to your conditioner. Leave it on for three minutes, before a cool rinse. Alternately, add one tablespoon of colored gel into your shampoo bottle and follow the same process.
5.
Touch up roots. First, bleach the virgin roots, and then apply color to your part and hairline. Or, spray a tinted, dry shampoo onto a tissue or cotton ball, and then apply it to the roots and any new growth near the hairline.
6.
Got vampire red? Red is the hardest color to keep in your hair. Maintain the fire by using a color-depositing moisturizing conditioner in cherry or blood-red hues. It will revive the color, enrich your hair and won't leave behind lifeless locks.
You'll have to go out during the day sooner or later. Cover your locks with a decorative top hat or carry a parasol.
If flat ironing or using hair appliances, spritz hair with leave-on conditioner or thermal-protecting spray.
Do not over-bleach your hair. Over-oxidizing your hair will cause the dye to fade much faster.
If you anticipated electrocuted-yellow locks but they turned hi-octane orange, seek out a professional salon for color correction.
