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

Last updated April 27, 2026

What’s the hardest part about coloring with Nutrisse Ultra Crème? Picking your favorite shade! Applying it is as easy as 1-2-3. (There are actually four steps, but who’s counting?)

Once you’ve finally fallen for an irresistible color (see the Shade Selector below), grab an old towel and head for the sink. In less than an hour, all the grays will be gone and you’ll be swooning over the rich and radiant lasting color. And with five hair-loving fruit oils, your locks will be deeply nourished for amazing body and shine. As Nutrisse ambassador Drew Barrymore likes to say, “Better color, better hair!”.

Everything You Need

Every Nutrisse Ultra Crème kit includes:

• Gloves
• Color crème (tube)
• Developer (applicator bottle)
• Fruit oil concentrate (vial)
• After color conditioner
• Instruction leaflet

Also have on hand: old towel or cape, petroleum jelly (to protect hairline/ears), plastic hair clips, wide tooth comb, and a timer. Use 2 boxes for hair past shoulder length or very thick hair. Always complete the 48 hour skin allergy test (a quick strand test helps preview your result and processing time). Use only as directed and do not use to dye eyelashes or eyebrows.

Everything You Need

PREP IT UP

• Start with dry, unwashed hair.
• Protect your skin by applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly along the hairline and around ears and drape an old towel over your shoulders.
• Section hair into 4 quadrants with plastic clips for easier root application.
• Mix: twist off the developer cap, squeeze in the entire color crème, add the fruit oil concentrate. Replace cap, cover the tip with your finger, and shake until the mixture is uniform. Use immediately.

APPLY & DYE

For all over color:
• Using the nozzle like a tail comb, apply to roots in small sections for even coverage, then work through lengths and ends until fully saturated.
• Massage color into roots with gloved fingertips; comb through to distribute. Avoid missing the back and crown.

For a root touch up (how to apply to roots):
• Following Drew’s method, part hair into small sections. Apply color only to new growth first, focusing on any resistant gray areas.
• Keep previously colored lengths clean until the final minutes of processing to avoid over darkening.

LET THE MAGIC HAPPEN

• Clip up your hair and set a timer for 25 minutes. Do not exceed 30 minutes.
• Root touch up timing: process roots for 20 minutes; if refresh is needed, pull color through lengths and ends for the last 5 minutes only.
• Resistant grays: leave on roots up to 30 minutes total for best coverage.
• Do not cover with a cap or add heat; Nutrisse’s no drip, creamy formula stays put while it works.

RINSE, CONDITION, STYLE

• Add a little warm water and gently massage to emulsify the color at the roots and lengths, then rinse thoroughly until water runs clear. Do not shampoo.
• Apply the after color conditioner with five oils (shea, olive, argan, coconut, avocado) from mid lengths to ends; leave on 2–5 minutes, then rinse well.
• Save the remaining conditioner and use weekly to help maintain softness and color vibrancy.
• Gently towel dry and style as usual.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to do an allergy test before using Garnier Nutrisse?
Should I apply Garnier Nutrisse to wet or dry hair?
What's included in the Garnier Nutrisse kit?

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

Everything You Need