Your Guide to Using Bigen Semi Permanent Hair Color
You’ve seen the bold, vibrant shades on social media or in the salon, and you’re ready to make a change. Maybe you want to cover stubborn grays with a rich, natural tone, or perhaps you’re aiming for a fashion-forward color without the long-term commitment of a permanent dye. Bigen Semi Permanent Hair Color offers a compelling solution, promising intense color with a gentle formula. But if you’ve never used it before, the process can seem a bit mysterious. How do you mix the powder? How long does it really last? And how do you avoid a patchy or disappointing result?
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from prepping your hair to the final rinse. We’ll cover the step-by-step application, crucial tips for even coverage, and how to troubleshoot common issues. By the end, you’ll have the confidence to achieve salon-worthy color at home.
Understanding Bigen Semi Permanent Color
Before you open the box, it’s helpful to know what makes Bigen different. Unlike many Western semi-permanent dyes that are cream-based, Bigen is a powder that you mix with water. This powder format, originating from Japan, is known for its ability to deliver strong, direct pigment that coats the hair shaft.
It’s called “semi-permanent” because it doesn’t use ammonia or peroxide to lift your natural hair color. Instead, it deposits color on top of your hair. This makes it much gentler than permanent dye. The color typically lasts through 6 to 12 shampoos, gradually fading with each wash. It’s perfect for refreshing your color, trying a new shade, or covering grays on hair that is already light enough for the pigment to show.
What You’ll Need for the Application
Gathering your tools beforehand is key to a smooth, stress-free process. Here’s your checklist:
– The Bigen Semi Permanent Hair Color kit in your chosen shade.
– A non-metallic mixing bowl (glass, ceramic, or plastic). Metal can react with the dye.
– An applicator brush or a tint brush. A regular paintbrush from a hardware store works in a pinch if it’s clean and dedicated to hair use.
– Clips to section your hair.
– Disposable gloves to protect your hands. The color stains skin easily.
– An old towel to drape over your shoulders and protect surfaces.
– Petroleum jelly or a thick moisturizer to apply around your hairline and ears.
– A timer.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Now, let’s get into the core of how to use Bigen hair color. Follow these steps carefully for the best outcome.
Preparing Your Hair and Workspace
Start with dry, unwashed hair. The natural oils from a day or two without washing will help protect your scalp. Do not use conditioner before applying the color, as it can create a barrier. Put on your old shirt and drape the towel over your shoulders. Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly around your entire hairline, on the tops of your ears, and on the back of your neck. This will make cleaning any stray dye a simple wipe.
Use clips to divide your hair into four sections: part it down the middle from forehead to nape, then again from ear to ear over the top of your head. This gives you manageable sections to work through.
Mixing the Color Powder
This is the most unique part of using Bigen. Open the package and pour the entire contents of the color powder into your non-metallic bowl. Slowly add lukewarm water, a little at a time, while stirring continuously with your applicator brush. Your goal is to create a smooth, creamy paste with the consistency of yogurt or pancake batter.
Avoid making it too runny. If it’s too thin, it will drip and be messy. If it’s too thick, it will be hard to spread evenly. The mixing process usually takes a minute or two of vigorous stirring to eliminate all lumps. The color will be vibrant even in the bowl.
Applying the Color to Your Hair
Put on your gloves. Starting with the back sections of your hair (as they are the darkest and often need more processing time), take a thin subsection of hair. Using your brush, apply the color mixture from the roots to the ends. Be generous and thorough, ensuring every strand is saturated. Work methodically through each of your four sections, subsection by subsection.
Pay special attention to the areas around your temples and the nape of your neck, as these are easy to miss. Once all your hair is covered, you can use your gloved hands to gently massage the color through your hair to ensure even distribution, almost like you’re shampooing it. Style your hair as you normally would—if you wear it parted, make sure the part line is coated; if you have bangs, smooth the color through them.
Processing and Development Time
Now, set your timer. The standard processing time for Bigen Semi Permanent color is 15 to 20 minutes. Do not leave it on for longer than 30 minutes, as it will not develop further and may start to dry out. There is no need to cover your hair with a plastic cap or apply heat, as the dye does not require heat to activate.
This is a good time to clean your bowl and brush immediately with soap and water before the dye sets. Use the mirror to check for any drips on your skin and wipe them away with a damp paper towel.
The Final Rinse and Aftercare
When the time is up, hop in the shower and rinse your hair with lukewarm water until the water runs completely clear. This is very important. You may see a lot of pigment washing out—this is normal excess dye. Do not use shampoo at this stage.
Once the water is clear, you can gently shampoo and condition your hair as usual. Use a color-safe, sulfate-free shampoo to help prolong the life of your new color. Towel dry your hair gently and style as desired. Avoid washing your hair for at least 24-48 hours to allow the color to fully set.
Troubleshooting Common Bigen Color Issues
Even with careful application, you might encounter a few hiccups. Here’s how to handle them.
The Color Didn’t Take or Is Patchy
If the color result is faint or uneven, the most common cause is applying it to hair that was too dirty or had too much product buildup. Next time, clarify your hair with a cleansing shampoo a few days before coloring. Another cause could be not saturating the hair enough during application. Ensure every strand is fully coated with the creamy mixture.
For very resistant grays or dark hair, Bigen’s semi-permanent formula may not show up. It works best on lightened or naturally light to medium brown hair. For dark hair, you will only see a tint in direct sunlight.
The Color Stained My Skin
If you missed applying the petroleum jelly barrier and now have stained skin, don’t panic. Rubbing alcohol on a cotton pad can often lift the stain. A paste made from baking soda and dish soap, or a dedicated makeup remover oil, can also work. Gently rub and rinse. The stain will fade on its own in a day or two.
The Color Faded Too Quickly
Rapid fading is usually due to washing hair with water that is too hot or using harsh, sulfate-laden shampoos. Switch to cool water rinses and sulfate-free products. Also, limit washing your hair to every other day or less if possible. Exposure to chlorine and saltwater will also strip the color quickly, so wear a swim cap or rinse hair immediately after swimming.
Alternative Methods and Creative Uses
Bigen isn’t just for all-over color. Its semi-permanent nature makes it great for experimentation.
– Root Touch-Ups: Mix a small amount to refresh your roots between permanent color appointments.
– Color Boosting: Add a pinch of a vibrant shade (like a red or purple) to your conditioner for a weekly color-depositing treatment.
– Dip-Dye or Ombre Effects: Apply the color only to the ends of your hair for a temporary pop of color.
– Covering Brassiness: A cool-toned Bigen shade (like an ash brown) can help neutralize orange or yellow tones in lightened hair.
Remember, because it’s a direct dye, Bigen will only deposit color. It cannot lighten your hair. For a dramatic change from dark to light, you would need to bleach your hair first before using a light Bigen shade.
Your Path to Confident Color at Home
Using Bigen Semi Permanent Hair Color successfully comes down to preparation, patience, and using the right technique. By mixing the powder to the correct consistency, applying it meticulously to sectioned hair, and following the processing time, you set yourself up for vibrant, even results. Embrace it as a low-commitment way to explore new colors or maintain your current shade with less damage.
Your next step is to choose your shade. Consider your base hair color and the tone you want to achieve. When in doubt, go for a shade close to your natural color for gray coverage, or one level lighter for a subtle brightening effect. With your tools ready and this guide in hand, you’re prepared to transform your hair color safely and effectively from the comfort of your home.
