Guy Tang is a popular professional hair color brand known for its vibrant, long-lasting hair dyes. Mixing Guy Tang permanent hair color requires gathering the right supplies, prepping the hair, and properly combining the color and developer. With the right technique, you can achieve salon-quality results at home.
Guy Tang’s permanent hair colors infuse the hair with rich, luminous pigments that resist fading. Like other professional permanent hair dyes, Guy Tang uses a cream developer and toner to activate the color and deposit it into the hair shaft. However, the brand offers a wide range of unique shades, like smoky gray, rose gold, and opal that are difficult to achieve with standard box dyes. Guy Tang also focuses on conditioning treatments to keep the hair healthy and minimize damage from regular coloring services.
When mixed properly, Guy Tang delivers long-lasting, vibrant color payoff with a creamy texture that saturates every strand. The keys are selecting the right formula for your hair goals, properly combining the developer and color, and applying it correctly from roots to ends. With the right steps, you can get salon-worthy shades that last 4-6 weeks at home.
Supplies Needed
Mixing Guy Tang hair color requires gathering these supplies before you begin:
- Guy Tang permanent hair color in your desired shade
- Guy Tang developer or another professional hair color developer in 10, 20, 30, or 40 volume
- Non-metallic mixing bowl and applicator brush
- Hair color processing cap
- Comb
- Shampoo and conditioner for post-coloring
- Petroleum jelly to protect hairline and ears
- Old shirt or smock to protect clothing
- Gloves
Make sure to purchase the right formula of Guy Tang color for your hair type and goals. The brand offers oil-infused creams, conditioning creams, and fade-resistant colors to address different needs.
Preparing the Hair
Properly preparing the hair helps maximize color saturation for bold, vivid results. Follow these steps to get the hair ready for Guy Tang dye:
- Wash the hair with a clarifying shampoo 1-2 days before coloring. This removes any product buildup.
- Dry the hair fully. Damp hair will dilute the color.
- Detangle the hair thoroughly using a wide-tooth comb or fingers.
- Section the hair cleanly from root to ends using clips. Work in 1-2 inch sections.
- Protect the skin by applying petroleum jelly to the hairline, ears, and nape of the neck.
- Put on gloves and clip hair up inside a processing cap.
Detangling, sectioning, and protecting the skin ensures the product only touches the hair. Starting with clean, dry hair allows the color to absorb evenly for maximum vibrancy.
Mixing Directions
Mixing the developer and hair color properly is crucial for activating the dye and depositing it into the cortex. Follow these steps:
- Pour the entire tube of Guy Tang permanent hair color into a non-metallic mixing bowl.
- Add the developer according to the manufacturer’s recommendations based on your hair type and desired lightening level:
- For 10 volume, mix 1 part developer to 1 part hair color.
- For 20 volume, mix 1 part developer to 1 1/2 parts hair color.
- For 30 volume, mix 1 part developer to 2 parts hair color.
- For 40 volume, mix 1 part developer to 2 1/2 parts hair color.
- Stir the mixture thoroughly until it forms a smooth, creamy paste with no streaks.
- Optional: Perform a strand test on a small section of hair to check the color result.
After mixing, the color is ready to apply immediately. Do not let the mixture sit or it could oxidize too quickly. Use right away for best results.
Application and Processing
Guy Tang permanent hair color should be applied in small sections from roots to ends. Follow these instructions:
- Start at the back of your head and separate a 1-2 inch section of hair closest to the nape of your neck.
- Use the tint brush to paint the hair color mixture evenly from roots to ends, covering every strand.
- Massage the mixture to help it penetrate the cuticle.
- Continue applying to sections of hair until the entire head is covered.
- Use clips to separate the sections of hair and ensure even coverage.
- Leave the color on for the manufacturer’s recommended processing time.
- Check for full saturation and leave on longer if needed for your hair type and color goals.
Processing times will vary between 15-50 minutes depending on the formula. Rinse and dry the hair fully when the time is complete.
After Care
Proper after care helps the color last longer and keeps hair healthy. Follow these tips:
- Shampoo hair 2-3 days after coloring with sulfate-free shampoo. Condition well and avoid over-washing.
- Use a color-protecting shampoo and conditioner made for color-treated hair.
- Rinse hair using cool water instead of hot to preserve the color.
- Limit washing to 2-3 times per week if possible.
- Use a deep conditioning hair mask 1-2 times per week.
- Protect hair from sun exposure with a hat or products with UV filters.
- Avoid chlorinated pools and salt water to limit fading.
- Use a coloring conditioner for touch-ups between full coloring services.
- Get a gloss treatment every 4-6 weeks to refresh shine and vibrancy.
With proper maintenance and limited washing, Guy Tang permanent hair color can last 4-6 weeks before needing a touch up. Avoid heat styling when possible and use heat protectant to limit damage and fading.
Tips for Best Results
Follow these expert tips and tricks to get the most out of Guy Tang hair color:
- Perform a patch and strand test before full application.
- Choose a developer volume based on your hair’s condition and porosity.
- Mix the color using plastic or glass tools, not metal.
- Work quickly and apply immediately after mixing for best color payoff.
- Section hair cleanly in 1-2 inch slices for precise application.
- Saturate every strand, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends.
- Process for the recommended time or longer for resistant grays or thick hair.
- Rinse until the water runs clear. Avoid shampooing for 48 hours.
- Stick to a color-safe hair care regimen to protect your investment.
With the right prep, mix, and technique, Guy Tang permanent hair color delivers stunning, salon-worthy results at home. Follow the instructions carefully and maintain the color properly for head-turning hair color.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Here are some common problems and solutions for Guy Tang hair coloring services:
| Issue | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Uneven color | Hair not sectioned properly, mixture not saturated evenly | Work in clean sections and saturate from roots to ends |
| Color fades quickly | Hair not prepped properly, not caring for color properly | Clarify hair before coloring, use color-safe products, limit washing |
| Hair feels dry/damaged | Hair not conditioned enough, using hot tools excessively | Deep condition weekly, avoid heat, use protection products |
| Skin stained | Hairline not protected properly before application | Apply petroleum jelly thoroughly around hairline and ears |
| Color doesn’t deposit | Hair too porous, color wasn’t mixed properly | Use a filler before coloring, follow mixing directions carefully |
Conclusion
With vibrant shades and conditioning formulas, Guy Tang offers salon-worthy hair color results at home. Using the right developer ratio, applying to clean, dry sections, and caring for hair properly allows the color to take beautifully and resist fading. While the process requires precision, the rewards of shiny, long-lasting color make the effort worthwhile.
With a few essential supplies, careful prep, and the right technique, you can achieve stunning hair color with Guy Tang permanent dye. Follow the instructions for mixing, applying, and caring for your colored hair. With the proper steps, you’ll have head-turning, vibrant locks that look freshly colored for 4-6 weeks.