6 Tips for Dyeing Your Hair at Home

Remember how your teachers would quiz you on major test topics before the exam to make sure you were ready? You should do the same before dyeing hair by performing a skin-allergy test. Instructions for this simple trial run will likely come with your dye kit, but we’ll quickly break it down.
1. Clean a small patch of skin like the inside of your elbow or the back of your hand.
2. Dab on a quarter-sized amount of the dye solution.
3. Let it dry and check the area periodically over the next two days.
4. If you don't feel well or experience a skin reaction (irritation, itchiness, rash, etc.), do not use that particular hair dye.
5. If everything is fine, you’re good to go!

One of the best tips before coloring hair is how to avoid coloring outside the lines, or accidentally staining your skin with your new color. According to Patricia Slattery, Assistant Vice President of Hair Color Education, Training & Testing at L’Oreal, a basic hack for dyeing hair at home assures you’ll only get color where you want it. “You can help avoid any potential staining of your skin by applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly along your hairline and to the tops of your ears,” says Slattery. “If you end up getting some color on your skin anyway, grab a damp towel and wipe it off quickly so that it does not set.” If the dye dries on your skin and creates a stain, rub on some waterproof micellar water until it’s gone.

Each kit will have instructions on what to do before dyeing your hair and how to apply it for best results. Hair color generally works better on dry hair that hasn’t been washed in a couple days. Around three days before dyeing, use a sulfate-free color-safe shampoo like Color Shield to get a head start (pun intended J). Also get the companion conditioner for afterwards so everything is already in the shower.

Hair dye prep is important, and a big part of that is wearing the right gear and protecting the area.
• Put on clothes you don't mind getting stained: a dark T-shirt is great for concealing any drips.
• Wear the gloves provided in the kit: they are usually enclosed in the instructions insert.
• Wrap an old towel around your shoulders: use one you don’t mind staining, it’s also great for patting your hair dry after rinsing out the dye.
• Always apply your dye in a well ventilated area over a surface that is easy to clean, such as your bathtub, sink or a linoleum floor.

When it comes to tips before coloring hair, here’s an oldie but a goodie: gather everything you need first. After you start coloring your hair, it might be difficult to run around and get any supplies you need in the moment.
• Grab a caddie and put all the supplies in it.
• Lay out everything you’ll need for dyeing hair ahead of time.
• Remove all the products from the box, get the gloves ready and open the instructions insert so you can read it.
• Drape the old towel over your clothes and secure it in front with a hair clip.