The best way to avoid a patchy at-home dye job? Start with enough color for your hair, divide it into manageable sections, and work methodically so you don’t miss the back. Always follow your specific dye’s instructions, including the allergy test and processing time. And if you’re unsure how a shade will look on your hair, test a hidden strand first.
I am finally dyeing my hair this weekend. I say finally because I bought some Manic Panic dye about four months ago (or whenever we still had snow) and it is still sitting in my bathroom unopened. I was intending to dye my hair sooner, but I procrastinated since I was worried about doing a DIY dye job/I pretended I was too busy reading Game Of Thrones to do much else. There was one time I was just about to dye it (I swear) then one of my friends dyed her hair, not just the same color, but the exact same shade. Awkward.
After seeing Sam’s awesome dye job, I am committed to dyeing my hair this weekend, but I’m still nervous about botching things up. I have dyed my hair once at home, and that was with a L’Oreal Feria Wild Ombré kit. The dyeing process was fine, and I really liked the look. What worries me this time is that I am dyeing my entire head, so things are a bit more complicated. I have to make sure that I cover my hair evenly, and not miss any pieces. I have long-ish, thick, medium brown hair and I’m also convinced I’m going to run out of dye and that I’ll need two boxes. Sorry if that sounded like a humblebrag, but it is a stupid irrational fear I have. It makes no sense considering my hair is just past my shoulders, not my butt.
I don’t want to say what color I’m dyeing my hair, but *teaser* let’s just say I’m going to be joining the crazy hair-colored group soon. Don’t worry, I’m not attempting some drastic transformation at home. (Though I would love to try Kesha‘s pistachio green color.) I’m trialing a color that promises a touch of rainbow hair without going full-on pastel.
So after my long-winded essay, what I need are some tips for dyeing my hair at home. I’m already planning on doing a patch test, and I’m going to wear crappy clothes/my PJs, so I don’t risk ruining anything I like. I’m going to wear gloves and put Vaseline around my hairline so I don’t get a dyed forehead (that’s not the look I’m going for). I was debating about whether I should use a brush a la a professional hairdresser, or use the applicator and disperse it with my gloved hands? What do you recommend? Any tips and tricks would be appreciated.
At the time, I promised before-and-after photos, no matter how the color turned out. Wish me luck!
Tips for dyeing your hair at home without a mess
That original question about brushes versus gloved hands is a good one. A tint brush can help you apply color precisely at the roots and along part lines. A bottle applicator may be easier for some formulas, and gloved fingers can help distribute certain direct dyes. The right choice depends on the product, so use the application method on its label rather than assuming every dye works the same way.
- Check the box before you start. For thick or shoulder-length hair, consider having a second package of the same shade on hand if the manufacturer recommends it. Check the amount needed before mixing.
- Do the allergy test. Follow the package directions before every application, typically allowing 48 hours. A patch test cannot rule out every reaction. A strand test is a separate way to check how the shade appears on your hair.
- Divide your hair into sections. Clip it into manageable sections and work through smaller partings for even coverage. A friend or a second mirror can help you spot anything you missed at the back.
- Protect your space and skin. Wear gloves and an old shirt, cover nearby surfaces, and use a little petroleum jelly around the hairline without getting it on the hair you want to color. Wipe up spills promptly using a cleaner safe for the surface.
- Follow the timer, not your instincts. Apply only as directed, don’t extend the processing time or add heat unless the product tells you to, and rinse as instructed. A shower cap is fine only if your product allows one.
One important correction to the old reader advice: don’t use nail polish remover, rubbing alcohol, or harsh bathroom cleaners to remove dye from your skin. Try gentle soap and water or a product made for removing hair-color stains from skin. If the dye causes burning, itching, swelling, or a rash, stop using it, rinse as directed, and seek medical advice. If you develop difficulty breathing or swelling of your mouth or throat, get emergency help.
For more detail after the color goes on, see our 14 things to know before dyeing your hair at home. For product safety, the FDA’s hair dye precautions are worth reading before opening the box.
