If you can't remember the last time you went to the hairdresser's to get your hair done and your roots drive you mad, consider dyeing your hair yourself. Avoid patchy dye jobs and colours that don't look right with our handful of hints and tips on how to dye your hair. However, it's always best to consult a professional if you're unsure.
Choose your colour and equipment wisely. Those with dark hair looking to try a softer shade or a bold colour might benefit from bleaching their hair first for a lighter base to work. You should also get a toner to keep your hair from going brassy whilst enriching the colour.
Make sure you have enough box dye. If your hair is longer than shoulder-length or is particularly thick, we suggest buying two boxes of dye so you don't run out halfway through. If you discover you only need one, you can use the other next time to help you touch up your roots.
Do your strand test. Too many people skip this step, where many mistakes stem from. By doing your strand test on hidden hairs, you can see what the colour will look like, so there's still time to change your mind or switch shades. Whilst doing your strand test, do a skin test to avoid irritating your scalp.
Prep appropriately by putting on gloves and applying lip balm or Vaseline around your hairline to avoid staining your skin. Put dark towels down if you're likely to get messy and wear a loose-fitting top or button-down that's easy to remove.
Mix and apply the dye according to the box instructions. Alternatively, mix into a bowl and use a brush for a salon-inspired look.
Use two mirrors to help you see the back to avoid any patchy or missed areas.
Section your hair into four to make it easier to see what you're doing.
Avoid tieing your hair back whilst the colour develops. Hairbands can cause the constricted area to become patchy, so if you need to keep your hair out of the way, try tucking it under a shower cap.
Remove any dried dye on your skin with makeup remover, baby oil, or nail polish remover.
Don't wash out the dye early. We all have busy lives and other things to do, but washing the dye out early stops the colour from taking, and you'll end up wasting more time re-dyeing your hair.
When washing out the dye, use the included conditioner. It closes your cuticles and stops your hair from turning darker.
Start using shampoo and conditioner designed for coloured hair. This often helps to preserve colour whilst keeping it moisturised and nourished for a glossy look.
Wash your hair less frequently. The more you wash, the more the colour can seep out, so try and keep hair washing to a minimum and make use of dry shampoo.
Take the time to use a hair mask. Keeping your hair conditioned is one of the most important parts of dye maintenance and you can help your hair rehydrate by using a hair mask once a week.
Keep your hair out of the sun. Sunlight can cause the colour to fade quickly so keep sun exposure to a minimum.
Touch up your roots every 4-6 weeks to keep your hair looking its best.
Use heat protection when blow-drying, straightening, or curling to keep your hair strong as coloured hair can often feel more damaged.
If you're looking to change up your look, check out our collection of hair dye to find the perfect shade for you.
