We’ve Got Your All-Over Color Needs Covered

Whether you want to switch to a completely new shade or change the tone of your current color, check out our simple tips for mastering the art of full-head hair color application at home.

Who Should Apply Full-Head Color

If you have never colored your hair, your hair hasn’t been colored in 3+ months, or your hair is colored but you want to go darker, you should follow “All-Over” instructions. Otherwise, you should probably follow the “Touch Up” instructions. Please note, if your hair is already color-treated, our traditional hair color dyes cannot effectively lighten previously colored hair. Only dyes with bleach or those specifically designed for color removal can lighten previously colored hair.

Full-Head Color Application 101

Anytime you color your hair, you should compare your starting point with the pictures on the side of the box to get a clear idea of what your final color result will be. It’s important to compare your roots and not your ends to the “before” picture on the box to get the most accurate comparison.

Choose Colors That Complement Your Skin Tone

If your veins look blue showing through your skin, you look best in silver versus gold jewelry and green, blue, and purple outfits suit you best, you’re skin is probably a "cool tone." Brown, Black, and Blonde hair color shades with “ash” will look great. Looking to go Red? Try “cool” reds, such as those with burgundy tones. If your veins look more green than blue, you look best in gold jewelry and earth-toned clothes, then, you likely have a "warm skin tone." Look for Brown, Black, and Blonde hair color shades with words like “gold,” or “mahogany” in the name. For red shades, cobber & auburn, tones will complement you best.

PRO TIP: Don't Dye Hair That Has Been Chemically Treated

If you already have a relaxer, or have bleach or highlights in your hair, it’s very important to check the usage warnings on your hair color kit so that you know when it's safe to color and how to determine shade compatibility. Many times, you may need to wait a few weeks after your treatment before you can color in order to protect your hair. Unfortunately, if you've used henna to color your hair, your hair is incompatible for dyeing.

Follow Application Instructions Carefully

Reading and following the instructions that come with your dye will yield the best results. That includes performing a skin allergy test at least 48 hours before coloring your hair, mixing all the required ingredients and keeping the color on for as long as the package instructs--no shorter or longer. 

Expert Advice

Full directions for applying Nutrisse hair color - Garnier

How to Apply Nutrisse Hair Color at Home: Full Head and Root Touch Up Tutorial

Nothing is easier than erasing stubborn gray hair and applying radiant, nourishing all-over color.

How to Apply Olia
Hair Color

How to Apply Olia | Hair Color 101

See how Olia gives you brilliant color and visibly healthier hair with 60% oils and zero ammonia. Get hydrated, silky, 3x shinier hair.

how to apply color sensation hair color - Garnier

How to apply color sensation hair color | hair color 101

See how Color Sensation's non-drip formula and precision brush gives you rich, long-lasting color and silky shine at an incredible value.

Browse By Color

Show More

BROWSE BY BRAND

Garnier Nutrisse Nourishing Color Creme logo

For 3x More Moisturized Hair and 2x Stronger Hair*

Learn More
Garnier Olia Ammonia-Free logo

Brilliant Color. Visibly Healthier Hair. No Ammonia. 60% Oils.

Learn More
Garnier Express Retouch logo

Makeup Your Roots! Our Quickest Way To Temporarily Conceal Grays.