topic Re: Can half a box of hair dye be mixed and used? in Beauty

Can half a box of hair dye be mixed and used?

nightwired — Sun, 18 Jan 2015 03:30:50 GMT

I know that developer and color that is mixed cannot be re-capped and used or it will explode. But if I mix half the developer and half the color, can I recap the unmixed for use at a later date? Or will the fact that it has been unsealed ruin the effectiveness? Sometimes I just need to touch up my temples and the rest is still fine. It seems such a waste to throw so much away. If anyone could answer I would appreciate knowing.

Re: Can half a box of hair dye be mixed and used?

Eliana — Sun, 18 Jan 2015 03:31:53 GMT

My mother does this. She has short hair and gets three uses from one bottle.

Re: Can half a box of hair dye be mixed and used?

cater — Sun, 18 Jan 2015 03:33:46 GMT

I have been doing this for years. I only use half of the bottle cap it back tight and it is fine the next time I need it.

Re: Can half a box of hair dye be mixed and used?

NJgirl — Sun, 18 Jan 2015 03:36:13 GMT

My mother has done it for 40 years without a problem.

Re: Can half a box of hair dye be mixed and used?

Mary Bailey — Sun, 18 Jan 2015 03:37:51 GMT

I mix what I need in a glass bowl and apply with a brush.

Re: Can half a box of hair dye be mixed and used?

nightwired — Sun, 18 Jan 2015 03:38:11 GMT

Thank you all. I also have short hair and for the last couple years have thrown away about half. It is good to know that this does work. I appreciate your answers.

Re: Can half a box of hair dye be mixed and used?

Desertdi — Sun, 18 Jan 2015 12:58:22 GMT

On 1/17/2015 NJgirl said: My mother has done it for 40 years without a problem.

So have I. I also mix "custom colors" for myself, and save the unused portions in the original bottles.

Re: Can half a box of hair dye be mixed and used?

CalminHeart — Sun, 18 Jan 2015 13:32:04 GMT

You can save un-mixed product but not mixed. I have short hair and always had some left over too. I just mixed half of each and saved the other halves for next time in sealed bottles.

Re: Can half a box of hair dye be mixed and used?

circles — Sun, 18 Jan 2015 13:49:36 GMT

my sister and sister in law do it all the time....have for years....

Re: Can half a box of hair dye be mixed and used?

June Lands — Sun, 18 Jan 2015 14:46:42 GMT

When I colored my hair I did it all the time. I would buy two different colors and mix them. Save the half bottles of developer and color in the tube( not mixed!) for my next treatment. It always worked for me.

Re: Can half a box of hair dye be mixed and used?

YorkieonmyPillow — Sun, 18 Jan 2015 16:03:01 GMT

It won't explode if you mix it and then leave it with the top on. I know because I tried this several times as an experiment. I think they say this to get you to buy more product.

I have tried using part of the color and saving the rest, unmixed, but it didn't seem to work as well after it had been opened.

Re: Can half a box of hair dye be mixed and used?

Valstybaby — Sun, 18 Jan 2015 16:13:32 GMT

On 1/17/2015 Mary Bailey said:
I mix what I need in a glass bowl and apply with a brush.

I do too, I mix only what I'll use because I think once mixed together they activate and start turning darker so I mix only what I need.

Re: Can half a box of hair dye be mixed and used?

Shelbelle — Sun, 18 Jan 2015 16:21:19 GMT

I have kept unused, unmixed open bottles of hair color for several years at a time.

Re: Can half a box of hair dye be mixed and used?

Sunshine Kate — Sun, 18 Jan 2015 16:32:09 GMT

On 1/18/2015 BeautyAddiction said:
On 1/17/2015 Mary Bailey said:
I mix what I need in a glass bowl and apply with a brush.

I do too, I mix only what I'll use because I think once mixed together they activate and start turning darker so I mix only what I need.

If the color comes in a tube and developer is a liquid, how do you measure properly. It's hard to measure because the contents of the tube and liquid are so different.

Re: Can half a box of hair dye be mixed and used?

TY — Sun, 18 Jan 2015 17:43:59 GMT

On 1/18/2015 Sunshine Kate said:
On 1/18/2015 BeautyAddiction said:
On 1/17/2015 Mary Bailey said:
I mix what I need in a glass bowl and apply with a brush.

I do too, I mix only what I'll use because I think once mixed together they activate and start turning darker so I mix only what I need.

If the color comes in a tube and developer is a liquid, how do you measure properly. It's hard to measure because the contents of the tube and liquid are so different.

You can use a measuring spoon for the cream, usually if you are using half the contents of a box of hair color, you are measuring out 1 oz. or 2 tablespoons. Same with the liquid if the ratio of color to bleach is 1:1. You would of course make adjustments if the ratio is different. I color my husband's hair for him and since he has short hair, I use half a box each time and mix up only what I need. You can also buy a measuring beaker, measured bottle applicator, and mixing bowl and brush at Sallys Beauty. I also only use a half box of color to do my root touchups as I have long hair as I don't pull color through to the ends.

Re: Can half a box of hair dye be mixed and used?

sidsmom — Sun, 18 Jan 2015 17:46:15 GMT

I've used 1 box of 'Just for Men' dye for close to a year. I use it for my eyebrows, so little is used...if sealed tightly, there shouldn't be an issue.

Re: Can half a box of hair dye be mixed and used?

moonstone dunes — Sun, 18 Jan 2015 17:55:29 GMT

A tint bottle from Sally is only a few bucks and has measurement printed or embossed.

Don't mix Peroxide with the tint and then store. Peroxide is unstable and will oxidize - think about how it foams when poured onto a cut.

Re: Can half a box of hair dye be mixed and used?

bells4me — Sun, 18 Jan 2015 17:56:38 GMT

First, it will not explode if mixed, it's just not effective. Second, I keep opened bottles & mix as needed for root coverage with no problem.

Re: Can half a box of hair dye be mixed and used?

LilacTree — Sun, 18 Jan 2015 18:02:13 GMT

I used to just color my "skunk stripe" (white hair growing at the roots), so I always used half the bottles. I kept the last application bottle clean and ready and when I bought the new bottles, I would pour half the color mixture into the application bottle and then add half the white mixture. At my next coloring (usually three weeks to a month) I would combine the two remaining halves.

Re: Can half a box of hair dye be mixed and used?

Carmie — Sun, 18 Jan 2015 18:07:21 GMT

Professional colorists do this all of the time. It is not a problem and doesn't weaken the solution. As someone else suggested, get a coloring bottle from the beauty supply with the measure on the side. You can wash and reuse for years. You can measure cream and liquid color in it.

I have never seen a bottle of color explode, but when using bleach in the bottle , the solution "swells" and I have personally seen it pop the top off of a plastic bottle.