-
Step 1
Pick the easiest route by purchasing an all-in-one kit with color, applicator bottle, developer and conditioner all packaged together in pre-measured amounts for an exact formulation. These kits are available in the hair care department of grocery stores and discount stores.
-
Step 2
Buy individual hair color products from a public beauty supply store. If you choose this method, you will have more color varieties to choose from but you will also need to follow directions carefully. Beauty stores that sell to the public, offer professional products but they do not offer advice. You must read the directions well.
-
Step 3
Mix the color product with different strength developers for different results. Developers come in cream or liquid form. Mix cream in a bowl and apply with a brush. Mix liquid developer with the color product in a plastic applicator bottle and apply directly to your hair.
-
Step 4
Blend professional color products to make a custom color for your hair. By mixing two different shades and then adding the recommended amount of developer, you can achieve a specialty shade at home.
-
Step 5
Part your hair and apply the mixed coloring liquid directly to the hair at the roots. Continue to part the hair in ½-inch segments and repeat until your entire head is covered. For root touch-ups, that's all you need to do but if you are coloring your entire head wait 10 minutes, then apply the mixed color product to the rest of your hair and leave it on for the recommended amount of time.
-
Step 6
Use a stronger developer for hair that resists color or gray hair. Choose developer strength by its numerical rating. A 20-strength developer is weaker than a 30-strength or 40-strength brand. For most applications, a 30-strength developer is sufficient. For damaged hair, try a 20-strength developer and if you're going to lighten your hair a lot, try a 40-strength developer.
