DIY Hair Dye at Home: Choose Color, Apply, and Stay Safe

• Skin Tone & Base Color: Find shades close to your natural color for an even result. Experts advise going no more than 2-3 shades lighter or darker than your base For example, if you’re a dark brown, a medium brown or soft chocolate is safer than jet black or bleach-yellow blonde. If you want a dramatic change (reds, pastels), you’ll likely need to pre-lighten (bleach) first. - Type of Dye: Decide permanent vs. semi-permanent. Permanent dyes cover grays and give long- lasting color (up to weeks), but contain stronger chemicals. Semi-permanent (no-ammonia) fade with shampoos and are gentler. Always check the box for expected longevity. - Patch Test: Even if you’ve colored before, do a 48-hour allergy test. Mix a bit of the dye with developer, apply behind your ear or on your inner elbow, and wait days If you see no redness or rash, it should be safe. Burning or swelling? Don’t use that product. - Read Instructions: Every kit is different. Usually, you’ll combine colorant with developer (in the provided bottle or bowl). Follow the ratio exactly. - Apply to Roots First (for regrowth): If just touching up roots, apply dye there first and let it process a bit longer than the ends (since new hair can be more resistant). If coloring the whole head, some stylists start mid-lengths to ends first, then roots last, to avoid over-processing the roots - Technique: Unclip one section. Using the brush, apply dye from roots down to ends, saturating each strand. Work quickly to ensure even color. Comb through with a wide-tooth comb if needed. Move to the next section until all hair is covered. - Timing is Key: Once done applying, set a timer. Never leave dye on longer than instructed. (Contrary to myth, extra time doesn’t deepen color — it just increases damage) Typical times are 30–45 minutes depending on the brand. - Gloves Always: Direct skin contact can cause stains or reactions. Gloves are non-negotiable. - No Skin Application: The dye and developer should stay on your hair, not your scalp or skin (beyond the hairline barrier). - Eye Protection: If dye splashes, rinse eyes immediately with water. - Ventilation: Work in a well-ventilated room to avoid inhaling fumes. - Discard Leftovers: Don’t save mixed dye past the application. Mix only what you need and discard the rest to avoid accidental use. Common FAQs - What if I only need a root touch-up? You can use a “root touch-up” product or just carefully apply the box dye to roots only. Follow timing instructions exactly to match the rest of your hair. - My hair turned too brassy — what now? Use a purple shampoo for blonde or ash tones to neutralize warm tones. Wait at least a day after dyeing to try this. - Is it safe during pregnancy? If concerned, check with a doctor. Many people avoid strong chemical dyes during pregnancy, opting for semi-permanent or vegetable dyes instead. Share Your New Look! We want to see your at-home color results. Post a pic or drop a comment with your experience. For more DIY beauty guides, like and subscribe. And remember, correct technique is the secret to salon-worthy hair color at home! Sources: Professional colorists and brand guides emphasize preparation and timing. For example, Schwarzkopf advises always doing a 48-hour allergy test , using gloves and Vaseline , and following section-by-section application These tips come from expert hair color tutorials to ensure you get the shade you want – safely. 7 Hot Oil Treatment for Hair: Benefits and How to Do It Yourself healthline.com 3 5 8 12 14 How to Do a Hot Oil Treatment for Hair at Home realsimple.com 10 74 77 79 How to dye your own hair at home | Schwarzkopf schwarzkopf.co.uk 17 25 7 Trichologist Backed Tips for Healthy Scalp curlsmith.com 23 65 67 Wash Hair Without Shampoo: Co-Washes, Vinegar Rinses, and More healthline.com 24 28 30 32 34 Hair Mask: Best Hair Mask For Dry, Damaged, Frizzy Hair luxyhair.com? srsltid=AfmBOoq38iQz2jJwwoOOKrH94lL1qo5c0MGC6SvPJ0f9JIS6TIoVzksl 57 59 61 63 Aloe Vera for Hair Growth: A Remedy to Try or Skip? verywellhealth.com Apple Cider Vinegar for Hair: Growth, Dandruff , Rinse healthline.com 36 44 Rice water for hair: Is it the miracle social media claims? | University Health Center | Nebraska health.unl.edu 38 41 43 Rice water for hair: How to use it and how to make rice water medicalnewstoday.com 48 50 52 54 56 Coconut Oil for Hair Growth: Research, Efficacy, and More healthline.com 69 Is It Safe to Use Baking Soda on Your Hair? healthline.com 75 Your Guide to Coloring Hair at Home | Clairol US clairol.com