Want a New Hair Color? Here’s How To Dye Your Hair at Home!

At least once, you probably thought of dyeing your hair to take on a new look. Having it done in the salon is convenient, but a little bit pricey. If only you knew how to dye your hair at home by yourself! 

If you want to know how to dye your hair at home by yourself, you’ve come to the right place. We’ll give you a step-by-step guide on how to safely and effectively color your hair at home. 

Things To Know Before Dyeing Your Hair

Before knowing how to dye your hair at home by yourself, you must first keep these tips in mind:

Washing Your Hair in Advance Helps

Washing your hair in advance preserves the hair’s natural oils, which then help add natural color to the dye and make it last longer. If possible, don’t use conditioner when washing your hair the day before you dye it. Conditioners often strip away the hair’s natural oils. 

There’s a General Rule in Choosing a Color

Chances are, you probably have a color in mind. But before deciding on it with finality, see if it suits you first. 

The general rule is to choose a color that’s two shades darker or lighter than your natural color. If you’re new to hair dyeing, you can either use a temporary dye or test on a curl first. This makes it easier to change the color or treat hair should it sustain some damage. Remember to apply temporary dye while your hair is still damp.

It Can Get Quite Messy

Prepare old newspapers or any covering to protect the floor from unwanted stains. Have a towel ready to wipe the dye right away. Wear old clothes that you don’t like anymore or choose those you already want to get rid of.

The Dye May Stain Your Skin, Too

Coloring your hair means some of the dye will drip down. Hence, it’s advisable for you to cover your shoulders with another used shirt, towel,  or scarf. 

You can also buy a hood at a hairdresser’s store. If you decide to use a towel, choose a dark color so that the dye is not visible. Secure the towel at the front of the neck with a hand needle or clip.

Applying Vaseline Helps Get Rid of Stains

Prepare Vaseline before dyeing. Although optional, applying Vaseline on the skin (forehead, neck, etc.) makes it easier to remove dye stains (should there be any!). If the hair coloring pack comes with its own Vaseline, it’s best to use it. 

Gloves Are Mandatory

Gloves are usually available in a dye kit, but if you don’t have one, you can use disposable latex or nylon gloves. Wearing gloves when dyeing hair is mandatory. Otherwise, you might end up dyeing the skin on your hands, too!

Combing Makes Hair Dyeing Easier

One of the important steps on how to dye your hair at home by yourself is to make sure your hair is neatly combed or brushed. This will make it easier to apply the dye and give your hair a more even color.

Following Package Instructions Is Crucial

In mixing hair dyes, be sure to follow package instructions. Not doing so may affect the quality of the coloring or the dye’s ability to last longer. 

How To Dye Your Hair at Home by Yourself

Here’s a quick guide on how to dye your hair at home by yourself:

Step 1: Using a Comb, Separate Your Hair into Several Sections

Use large hair clips (available at supermarkets) to clip sections of hair. Parting your hair into sections helps in even application of the dye. Also, it reduces the possibility of missing some strands. 

Step 2: Apply the Dye to Each Section of Hair

Thin each section of hair into a patch about 1cm wide. Use an applicator bottle or brush to evenly distribute the dye into your hair. You can also use your gloved hands to even out the dye.

Step 3: Leave the Dye on for a Specific Amount of Time

Follow the instructions on the box. Do not wash off the dye before the required time or leave it on for too long. Remember to follow the instructions. If you have a lot of gray hair, it is best to leave the dye on for the longest specified time. Do not leave the dye overnight because it might make the hair dry and cause severe scalp irritation.

Step 4: Wipe the Dye off the Skin with a Tissue or Wet Towel

While wiping unwanted stains on skin, avoid touching the dye in your hair. If you want, you can wear a shower cap . Once you’ve put on your shower cap, you can wrap an extra towel around it so that the cap remains fixed. This also helps speed up the dyeing process.

Step 5: Rinse Your Hair

Once the specified time is up, rinse your hair with warm water until the water is no longer colored. You can do this in the shower or sink. 

Step 6: Shampoo and Condition Your Hair

Another step on how to dye your hair at home by yourself is to wait at least an hour before shampooing your hair. This gives the dye enough time to penetrate the strands. After shampooing, apply some conditioner before rinsing. 

Step 7: Blow-Dry and Style as You Usually Do

As the last step on how to dye your hair at home by yourself, you can blow-dry your hair. Once your hair is dry, style it as usual. If you are not satisfied with the results and want to change the color, wait at least 2 weeks to dye your hair again.

Additional Tips When Dyeing Hair for the First Time

If this is your first time using a hair dye, paying attention to the following tips would help:

Ask for a Friend’s Help

If you don’t know how to dye your hair at home by yourself, it would be nice to have someone knowledgeable share their experience with you.

Test the Dye on the Skin To Check for Allergies

Certain dyes contain a chemical called paraphenylenediamine, which some people are allergic to. To be on the safe side, it’s best to test the dye on a small area of ​​skin before applying it to your hair. Apply the dye directly to the skin, possibly behind the ear or inside the arm, let it sit for 20 minutes, then wash it off and wait at least 24 hours to see if an allergic reaction occurs.

Watch Out for Untoward Reactions

If you experience a burning or itching sensation after applying the dye, wash it off immediately.

Use Cold Water When Showering

The habit of showering with cold water will help your hair color stay longer. Try not to wash your hair with warm water because the heat will cause the hair to lose color faster.

Is the Color for an Event? Then Dye Your Hair 1 Week in Advance

If you want to dye your hair for an event or holiday and you want a natural color, dye your hair a week in advance. This gives the hair time to wash and rinse a few times. After a week, the hair will have the desired natural color.

Learn more about Hair and Scalp Care here.