What Is Hair Stain? | An Overly-Detailed Guide

If you spend time experimenting with new styles, you may have stumbled across hair stains. But what is hair stain? With hair stain products, you can get a new look without worrying about damaging your original hair color. 

What Is Hair Stain?

For many people, hair dyeing starts at an early age. It’s so popular that the hair dye and color market is expected to reach more than $40 billion in 2023. But what is hair stain, and how does it differ from dye?

Hair stain essentially refers to hair color. It can either be long-lasting or can fade after a few washes.

Stained hair is flexible because it allows people to constantly change their looks. It can be quite exciting to try out a new color and see the results for a few days or several weeks before the color gets washed off.

You can also use hair stain for a dramatic effect. When it comes to staining your hair, the possibilities are endless. Some of the most popular colors include:

• Brown
• Red
• Purple
• Green
• Blue 

Why Should You Try Hair Stain?

A hair stain can give you the freedom to change your look as often as you like. Here are some reasons why you should try it. 

It Comes in a Variety of Colors

Stain comes in various colors and can be used to create a wide array of color combinations. You can choose hair shades from vibrant and bold colors to more natural and subtle ones.

If you want to create a statement, you can try out a bright color like blue or green. If you prefer a subtler look, you can try out a darker color, like a chocolate brown. 

There Are Many Brands Available

You can find hair stain products from almost every brand in your local store. There are different types of stains, each with its benefits. You can also find a good hair stain no matter your budget.   

It Fades Gradually, Which Gives It a More Natural Look

When it comes to some hair stain products, the color gradually fades. You can choose to have it fade gradually by not washing your hair, or you can wash it off every day. This gives it a more natural look. 

It’s Easy to Apply

There are many different ways to apply hair stain products, but it’s straightforward to do it at home, even if you don’t have prior experience. Around 32% of women even say they will continue dying their hair at home in 2021. 

Types of Hair Stain

There are different kinds of hair stains. Some colors may last longer than others, and some may fade faster than others. Each brand has its form of stain, which can be a powder, cream, or spray-on product.

Additionally, different brands may work better for different hair types. Here are the types of hair stain products you should know. 

Semi-Permanent Hair Dye

Unlike permanent dyes, semi-permanent dyes are likely to fade after a few washes. It’s possible to achieve a range of different shades with them. This is an excellent option for those who want to experiment with their hair color without committing.

Semi-permanent hair dye is thinner and less harsh as compared to permanent dyes. For people with fragile hair, semi-permanent dyes might not be a good option because the color will not stick like more permanent options.

Read Next: Making Semi-Permanent Hair Dye Last Longer

Permanent Hair Dye

Permanent dyes are ideal for those who want to change their hair color once and for all. While the hair color lasts a long time, it’s not easy to remove.

If you want to change your hair color, you’ll have to dye your hair again. It’s not recommended for those who constantly want to try out a different color. 

Washable Hair Stain

These are basic dyes that are designed to wash out immediately. The most popular forms of washable hair stains are chalk and spray-on. Washable stains are popular among those who like to play with their hair color. 

How to Use Hair Stain in 4 Easy Steps

Want to apply hair stain yourself? Here are the steps you need to follow. 

1. Make Sure Your Hair Is Clean

Wash your hair using a mild shampoo suitable for colored hair. Let it dry and brush your hair thoroughly to remove all tangles. This will make your hair soft, shiny, and manageable. 

2. Prepare the Materials

Gather the materials you’ll use in applying the stain. These include:

• Hair stain
• Tint brush
• Tint bowl
• Gloves
• Comb
• Old clothes and towels
• Plastic wrap

3. Choose Your Stain

There are many brands of hair stains available on the market. Choosing the right one depends on the effect you’re trying to achieve. For example, you can use a brown tint to change the color of blonde hair to a darker one. 

4. Apply the Product to Your Hair

Depending on the type of stain you’re using, the application is different. The easiest way to apply hair stain is to use a hair coloring wand. 

Start from the roots of your hair and work your way towards the tip. Cover with plastic wrap and let it sit for a few minutes, depending on the instructions. 

Tips for Applying Hair Stain

Using hair stain products doesn’t require rocket science. However, there are some things you can do to make the experience better. 

Research First

Explore all options before you decide on the stain to use. Hair Stain products usually have a different effect depending on the color of your hair. For example, if you have black hair, you’ll get a significantly different effect with a blue stain than someone with blonde hair. 

Expect It to Be Messy

Hair stain isn’t particularly hard to apply, but it can get messy and stain your clothes, so have a towel ready. Hair stain products are not hard to remove, but you still may want to play it safe. It’s recommended to use a towel or old shirt to prevent the mess from getting everywhere. 

Clean Your Tools

After you’re done, you’ll want to clean up the tools. Apply some stain remover or dish soap on your tools. Rinse it and wash it thoroughly so you can use it again in the future. 

How to Care for Your Hair When Applying Hair Stain

Caring for your hair is essential when trying out a new hair color. Here are some things to keep in mind. 

Prepare Your Hair

Make sure your hair is clean and free of tangles. It would help if you also used a mild shampoo to wash your hair. Ideally, you don’t want your hair to be too dry. 

Handle With Care

Hair can be fragile, especially when it has been dyed. Be careful when applying the dye, and make sure your hands are clean. You may want to wear gloves to protect your hands from getting stained. 

Use a Shampoo or a Treatment

Hair stain products can be harsh on your hair. After using hair stains, you need to use a moisturizing shampoo with a conditioner to prevent your hair from getting damaged.

Choose a Brand That Is Right for Your Hair Type

Because all brands use different textures and formulations, some are better for certain hair textures than others are. You don’t want to damage your hair with color, so do your research before you purchase. 

Different Hair Color Trends

Hair stain is a trend that has been around for decades and continues to last, even with new trends. This can be attributed to the various reasons for dying hair, like fashion, personality, or necessity.

Hair reflects your style and personality, thus making it one of the features that you need to be aware of. Here is a guide on hair color trends today.

Pastel Hair Stain

This is characterized by its lightness when compared to regular hair dye. The shade can include purple, pink, blue, lavender, and yellow. They are most pronounced on those with lighter colored hair. 

The shades of the pastel color vary depending on the brand and the amount of dye that is added. Though the pastel color creates a very noticeable effect, it’s not a very common hair stain.  

Silver Hair Stain

Silver hair stains are characterized by a silver or white color. The silver hair dye is created by adding a silver and purple pigment to a dye. It’s a popular hair color because it creates a unique look with a very subtle effect.

Balayage

Balayage hair color is characterized by a gradient of streaks of color that all fall in the natural hair shade range. The hair dye is applied in a gradient of darker to lighter, with the darker sections of the hair dye gradually fading into the lighter sections. 

This creates a very natural-looking color combination. Balayaye is a popular color style of brunettes, which is deemed as the most attractive hair color for men and women. 

Frequently Asked Questions: Hair Stain Guide

Here are some answers to the most common questions to help you make the right decision about hair stains. 

How long does hair stain last?

The duration of hair stain products varies depending on the type of hair stain you have chosen. Semi-permanent stain fades after a few washes, while permanent stain stays longer. 

How to remove a hair stain?

Hair stains can be easily removed by using shampoo or dye removal products. The easiest way is to wash your hair with a shampoo containing the dye removal agent.

What hair stain color is trending?

There are tons of trending hair stain colors. Some examples include balayage and pastel colors like lilac. Celebrities such as Kendall Jenner also made red a popular hair stain choice. Red is the rarest natural hair color, but it’s quite easy to achieve using a hair stain. 

How do you get the best result out of hair dye?

To get the best result out of hair dye, you’ll need to ensure that your hair is healthy and free of any impurities. You also need to follow the instructions on the label.

It’s important to do a patch test behind your ear before applying the dye to your entire hair. This is to check if you’ll have an allergic reaction to it. 

How do you remove hair stain from your skin?

Hair dye stains the skin, but it’s easy to remove. You can use a soap or an oil-based remover. Alternatively, protect your skin prior to applying with petroleum jelly along your hair line. 

So, What Is Hair Stain?

Hair stain refers to permanent, semi-permanent, and washable hair colors. You can use it to transition between colors or as a complete change. When it comes to changing your look, applying a hair stain is one of the best ways to do it.