How Often Should I Use Permanent Hair Color on My Whole Head?

A single process hair dye can dramatically change your natural hair color.

Root Touch Up

The first time hair dye is applied it's important to cover the entire head, from root to end and leave on according to package directions. Many colorists agree that after the initial all-over dye process, only roots need to be touched up every four to six weeks.

Ensure Even Coverage

After repeatedly dying hair and only covering the regrowth, the color on the middle and ends of hair my become brassy, lackluster and faded. Applying dye all over the head can help freshen old color and keep it a close match to the regrowth.

Bottom Line

Experts agree that to prevent damage, breakage and loss of shine, only the roots should be touched up every four to six weeks as needed. To freshen old color on ends, apply dye to whole head only for the last five minutes of the processing time to give the rest of hair a subtle boost.

References

• Woman's Day: Hair Color Maintenance 101
• The Beauty Biz: Coloring Your Hair - Do's and Don'ts

Resources

• Real Simple: Hair Color 101