It’s trendy to add bright colors to your hair. So why not let your dog ride this beauty wave with pet-safe dyes? You can color with your dog for special occasions, sporting events, and seasonal fun.
Can I use human hair dye on my dog? Is it safe for pets?
Never use human hair dye on your dog. Look for dyes made specifically for pets for home use. They usually come in the form of colored shampoos, blowing pens (you blow color onto your dog), and chalk.
“Most pet-safe dyes are known as settling dyes,” explains Helen Schaefer, NCMG, CCE, style service specialist and master groomer for Heart + Paw groomers. “They work by bringing dense pigment into the hair shaft that attaches to the outside of the cortex, under the cuticle. They do not contain peroxide and are therefore not damaging as they work by ‘dyeing’ the hair. It’s like spilling red wine on a lighter fabric,” she added.
How long a color lasts depends on the texture of the coat and the color used. And, there is no way to predict the timeframe. They can last for weeks. Naturally, pet-safe dyes work best on white coats.
Do pet-safe dyes work on dark hair?
“Because these dyes do not cause chemical changes to the hair, they work best on coarse/lightly curly coats and work better on light coats,” explains Helen. shadow’ than for them.
“For example, the color will hold better on a Bich more than an ice cream Labrador. Likewise, they will work better on a light background. gold doodle rather than smooth Jack Russell Terrier. She could also work on darker coats but in sunlight they would look like ‘a bit of color’, she added.
The best pet-safe dye brands
When looking for pet-safe dyes, choose a product you can trust. Brands that master hairdressers appreciate include:
- Crazy freedom There are multiple color options of shampoos and gels to temporarily change your dog’s coat color, and a line of “permanent” dyes that the company says will last more than 24 washes. They also sell a set of brushes and stencils ($119.90) to spray specific sections or designs onto your dog’s coat. Check website for price range.
- Dog care and products company Warren Londonrecently introduced a line called Warren London Canine Color that offers a wide selection eight semi-permanent brilliant shades fades gently when washing; $16.99 per color. This is a supplement to the Critter Color line of temporary pet hair color shampoos.
- Davis Studio crayons for pet hair color there is a pack of 12 bright pens for free hand design or using stencils. These temporary colors appear after one wash; $20.95.
How to use pet-safe dyes
Groom Helen Shaefer offers 5 tips for dyeing your pet’s fur at home.
- Always wear gloves and use old towels
- For colored pens, chalks and hairspray, hold the section of hair you intend to dye with one hand while applying color from the box, blower, or chalk onto strands
- Brush the color with a small soft brush and repeat as needed to get the desired effect. Rub it in if you’re using chalk.
- To dye the top of your pet’s head without affecting the eyes and ears, spray a little color in the center where you want it and pull the hair into the “puddle” with a standard hair dye brush.
- Avoid getting too close to the eyes. To be on the safe side, use a lubricant that protects your eyes, such as those made from mineral oil sold in pharmacies. Also, avoid getting it on any mucous membrane areas, such as the nose and mouth. Be careful around the genitals and foot pads.
