How to Change Hair Color at Home

Change your hair color at home by following simple tips and tricks for boxed hair dye. With a few extra materials, and a box of hair dye from your local beauty supply store, changing your hair color at home is simple and easy, and takes less than an hour of your time.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Boxed hair dye kit

1. Select your hair dye. Choose permanent dye for a longer lasting color, or for a more gradual and adaptive color, choose a semi-permanent dye. A boxed dye will allow you to carefully select from these options.

2. Open your box and read the instructions for any brand-specific tips. Put on your rubber gloves, and mix your dye according to the instructions. Basic mixing includes adding the activating liquid or cream to the dye in the provided applicator bottle. Ensure the top is securely on the bottle and blend your dye by shaking vigorously for about 10 seconds, or until blended. Be sure to keep one gloved finger over the tip of the applicator bottle if a cap is not present.

3. Screw on the pointed applicator tip (if separate) to the applicator bottle and remove the cap. Using a brush or your gloved hands, begin applying dye to dry hair. Saturate the roots with dye, but avoid excessive contact with your scalp. Use the remaining mixture to work the dye from the roots to the tips of your hair.

4. Check to be sure all of your hair is saturated evenly. Loosely pile your hair on top of your head. Allow your hair to sit the exact amount of time recommended by the instructions. This is usually 20 to 40 minutes.

5. Shower. Avoid contact with the eyes. Rinse your hair with water until no dye is remaining and the water running off your head is clear in color. Apply a heavy moisturizer, or the moisturizer provided by your boxed hair dye kit, and let it sit for up to five minutes. Rinse normally. Too see your new hair color, blow dry your hair or allow it to air dry.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear an old T-shirt or wrap a towel around your shoulders during dyeing.

• Hair dye can stain; avoid contact with fabrics and surfaces. For sensitive skin, do an allergy test 24 hours before dyeing as recommended by the box instructions.

References

• "Top ten hair dyeing mistakes"