Manic Panic not dying roots

[olive]

I've dyed my dogs tail twice in the past two weeks.. Used ultra violet by manic panic. My dog has soft shih tzu type hair with a smidge of wirey hair(jack russell/shih). For some reason when I dye her tail it isn't taking at the roots.. I made sure both times to comb it through throughly with a flea comb. I checked her tail closely and it looks like everything dyed(incuding her skin) except for like 1/2 inch at her roots. Anyone have any ideas why this might be happening or how to fix it? Thanks in advance!

[HOTW]

TRy using a toothbrush to work it in. Start at the root and work up the length of hair the newer and less damaged the hair is the longer dye has to sit. YOU should try to avoid gettingit on her skin even thought it's non-toxic there is a chance it may iritate skin. Once the dye is on the coat for a while put a little water on your gloves and work it some more til you get a creamy foamy effect-not too much water a couple drops just to wet to allow the colourant to lubricate a little more.

[ColleenT]

Are you getting the oils out of the coat before you dye? i know that is important with Manic Panic.

[olive]

TRy using a toothbrush to work it in. Start at the root and work up the length of hair the newer and less damaged the hair is the longer dye has to sit. YOU should try to avoid gettingit on her skin even thought it's non-toxic there is a chance it may iritate skin. Once the dye is on the coat for a while put a little water on your gloves and work it some more til you get a creamy foamy effect-not too much water a couple drops just to wet to allow the colourant to lubricate a little more.

Thanks for the tips, I'll definitely try this next time.

[olive]

Are you getting the oils out of the coat before you dye? i know that is important with Manic Panic.

I didn't bathe her first because I thought I read somewhere that it's better to dye hair dirty than clean. But I will try that next time to see if there is a difference. Thanks!

[pixiedust]

defiantly bath first, you may even want to add a little baking soda to your shampoo. my applicator of choice has always been the tooth brush also. working the product in until it becomes frothy gets you the best results. Good advice here.

[kputman]

I didn't bathe her first because I thought I read somewhere that it's better to dye hair dirty than clean. But I will try that next time to see if there is a difference. Thanks!

IF you are using a chemical dye with developer, it is probably less irritating to apply it to dirty hair.

Manic Panic is a temporary color and takes best if you not only break down the oils in the coat, but also open the cuticle of the hair shaft slightly so the stain can be deposited under the cuticle. (That's what the developer is for with the chemical dyes.) Pixiedust's suggestion of adding baking soda to your shampoo will help to open the cuticle. Most clarifying shampoos will also do the same thing. It also helps the color last longer and keeps the hair healthier if you follow the color with a conditioner to reseal the cuticle.

[olive]

perfect! Thanks everyone for your suggestions.. I read this board a lot and didn't come across this information. Gonna be a huge help!

[Paw-fectionist]

I personally do the toothbrush thing and make sure my dogs are squeaky clean before dying. But for some reason the dogs with the wire type coats doesn't take. I charge people for this service and some don't care if it doesn't take so i have put up a sign that we are not at fault if the color doesn't take. I have even dyed a black dogs mohawk that took way better than a cream colored poodle with minimal wire type hair. Most of my poodles take to it very well though ( The white ones )

[HOTW]

Always read directions first. I'm pretty sure it says Apply to clean dry hair but I'm at home today. I never apply any colourants to dirty hair.

[gottalovegracie]

I'm glad you asked this question...I've had the same problem. Great advice...I'm going to have to try again.

[caninecrazy]

Just curious, you color gurus, I have NO COLOR EXPERIENCE, live in florida and no one around here colors for fear of laws.
I have a black standard poo and have learned from this site it is possible to color their coat. Would love suggestions on what to use and how to play with color to learn?