How to Dye Your Hair

Dyeing your hair at home might seem like a hassle, but it's actually very straightforward when you follow the right steps. Plus, you'll save both money and time. This article will walk you through the proper technique for dyeing your hair.

Wash your hair 24 to 48 hours before dyeing. This allows your hair's natural oils to develop, which will help the dye adhere more easily. The color will appear more natural and last longer.

• Avoid using conditioner when washing your hair prior to dyeing. Conditioner strips away the natural oils necessary for the dye to take well.
• If your hair is extremely dry, hydrate it every evening with hot water for a week before you dye it. Then, skip conditioner the night before dyeing to prevent dryness after the process.

Choose the color you prefer. It can be overwhelming to choose from hundreds of available shades. If this is your first time dyeing your hair, it's best to pick a color that is no more than two shades lighter or darker than your natural hair color.

• If it's your first time, you can opt for temporary or semi-permanent dye. These options are easier to handle and won't leave you stuck with a bad color for long. Remember to apply semi-permanent dye while your hair is still damp.
• Temporary dye usually washes out after 6 to 12 washes, while semi-permanent dye may take 20 to 26 washes to fade completely. Permanent dye will last from 6 to 8 weeks, but sometimes even longer.

Keep yourself and your surroundings free from dye stains. When dyeing your hair, you don't want red stains on your floor or clothes. Cover areas that are prone to dye splashes, and lay down some newspaper on the floor. Have towels on hand to clean up any spills. Wear old clothes you no longer care about, preferably ones you were ready to throw out, as dye can easily stain fabrics.

Cover your shoulders with a towel or cape. A towel or cape will absorb any dye that drips while you color your hair. You can purchase a cape from a beauty supply store. If you choose to use a towel, pick a dark-colored one so the dye stains aren't visible. Secure the towel around your neck with a pin or clip.

Brush your hair. Make sure to brush out all tangles. This will make applying the dye easier and ensure even color distribution.

Protect your hairline, ears, and neck before applying the dye. You can use petroleum jelly, lip balm, or a protective hair product included in your dye kit (if provided). This step is optional, but it helps make cleanup easier if the dye smudges onto your skin.

Wear gloves. Gloves are usually included in the dye kit, but if not, you can use rubber, vinyl, or latex gloves. Wearing gloves is a must when dyeing your hair, or you’ll end up dyeing your hands too.

Use the bottle or bowl provided to mix the dye. Follow the instructions on the box of dye. Most dye kits come with a bottle to mix the dye in. Follow the directions to combine the ingredients in the bottle, then shake it until the mixture is smooth. If your kit doesn't include a mixing bottle or bowl, you can buy one separately to mix the dye.

• If your kit doesn't come with an applicator brush, you can purchase one at a beauty store, or simply use your gloved hands to apply the dye.

Mix the dye with the developer. This step is only necessary for certain dyes – the instructions on the box will specify if a developer is required. Developer is usually included in the dye kit. If not, you can purchase it at a store that sells hair products.

• If you need to buy a developer, choose one with a 20% concentration.

Divide your hair into 4 sections. Use large hair clips (available at supermarkets) to separate your hair into sections. This makes sure you don't miss any spots while applying the dye.

Apply dye to each section of hair. Divide each section into 1cm chunks to ensure an even application of dye. Use a dye bottle or brush to distribute the color evenly throughout the hair. You can also use your gloved hands to spread the dye. Whether you start applying the dye depends on whether this is your first time or not.

• If this is your first time dyeing your hair, apply the dye about 2.5cm away from the roots.
• If you're touching up your color, apply the dye about 1.2cm from the roots.
• Make sure the dye is evenly distributed to cover not just the top layers of hair.
• The thicker your hair, the more sections you'll need to create to ensure the dye reaches every strand.

Set the timer for the recommended processing time. Follow the instructions on the dye box. Do not wash out the dye before the suggested time, nor should you leave it on for longer than recommended. It is crucial to stick to the instructions. If you have a lot of gray hair, it's best to leave the dye on for the maximum recommended time.

• Do not leave the dye on overnight as it can dry out the hair and cause severe scalp irritation.

Wipe off excess dye from your neck and forehead with a tissue or wet cloth. Avoid touching the dye on your hair. If desired, you can wear a shower cap to prevent dye from splattering around.

• Once the shower cap is on, you can wrap a towel around it to retain heat on your head. This will speed up the dyeing process.

Wait until the processing time is over, then rinse your hair thoroughly. Once the dyeing time has passed, rinse out the dye using a shower head or a sink. Use warm water to wash away the dye until the water runs clear.

• Don’t worry if the water is still colored – this is normal and doesn’t mean you did something wrong. However, if you used temporary dye, the water will continue to be colored until all the dye is completely washed out.

Shampoo and condition your hair. Wait at least an hour before washing your hair. The conditioning step allows the dye to fully absorb into each strand. After shampooing, apply the included conditioner from the dye kit, then rinse thoroughly.

• Most dye kits come with conditioner, but if yours doesn't, you can use any conditioner you have at home.

Dry and style your hair as usual. You can either blow-dry or air-dry your hair. Once your hair is dry, style it as you normally would and show off your new color! If you're not satisfied with the result, you can ask a stylist to help you adjust the color, or wait at least two weeks before re-dyeing your hair.

• If you’re using permanent dye for a special event or vacation and want your hair to look healthy with a natural shade, it’s best to dye your hair a week in advance. This gives your hair (and scalp) time to wash and rinse a few times. Freshly dyed hair can sometimes look unnatural, but after a week, the color will settle and look more natural.
• Use shampoo and hair products specifically for color-treated hair. These products contain mild cleansing agents and will help your color last longer.
• When showering and washing your hair, use cold water! This helps preserve the color and is also better for your hair.
• Avoid washing your hair with warm water, as it speeds up color fading.
• When using long-lasting hair dye, avoid washing your hair immediately after applying the dye unless directed by the manufacturer. Washing your hair too soon can cause the color to fade faster. Also, if you're using plant-based dye for vegetarians (made from fruits and vegetables), leaving the dye on for longer will make the color last longer.
• Hold the color sample up next to your face and hairline to see which dye shade suits you best.

• Some hair dyes contain a chemical called paraphenylenediamine, which may cause allergic reactions in certain individuals. If your dye contains this ingredient, it's best to conduct a patch test on a small area of skin before applying it to your hair. Apply the dye to the skin behind your ear or on the inner part of your arm, leave it on for 20 minutes, then wash it off and wait at least 24 hours to check for any allergic reactions.
• If you experience a burning sensation or itching after applying the dye, rinse it off immediately.
• Never attempt to dye your eyebrows or eyelashes. Doing so can cause serious eye injuries or even blindness.