How to dye your hair at home - Garnier How to dye your hair at home - Garnier

How to Dye Your Hair at Home in 6 Steps

Dyeing hair at home is one of the best ways to express your unique beauty through color. But whether you're a newbie or a seasoned home colorist, it's worth reviewing all the hair-dye steps to avoid common mistakes and achieve salon-quality results. Get ready to show off your new shade with these 6 pro tips on how to dye your hair at home whenever the mood strikes.

How to Pick Your Best Hair Dye

Don’t be intimidated by all the shades out there! You’d be surprised how easy it is to narrow them down and pick the best hair dye color to match your complexion. Salon pros recommend starting with an online visualizer like the Garnier Virtual Try-On Tool that instantly shows you what different colors look like on you.

Hair Color Virtual Try-On

Hair Color Virtual Try-On

Virtually try on Garnier hair colors to discover your perfect shade.

TRY ON SHADES

The Step-by-Step Guide to Dyeing Hair at Home

Once you decide on a shade, you’re all set to dye your hair at home! If your hair is on the long side, get a couple boxes so you don’t run out. Only mix the second one if you use up the first. Then follow the steps below on how to dye your hair for the best results.

Step 1. Perform a Skin Test 
Step 2. Protect Your Skin and Clothes
Step 3. Divide Your Hair into Sections
Step 4. Mix, Apply, Wait
Step 5. Rinse and Condition
Step 6. Wait at Least 24 Hours before Washing
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Step 1. Perform a Skin Test 
Even if you’re a hair-dyeing expert, you should always do a 48-hour skin patch test a couple days before coloring your hair. See the product insert for full instructions. The test is quick and easy and may save you from a bad rash!
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Step 2. Protect Your Skin and Clothes
Dyeing hair at home can get a bit messy, so put on some old clothes that you don’t mind getting stained. Then drape an old towel around your shoulders and secure it with a clip. You can rub a little petroleum jelly or hair conditioner along your hairline to prevent stains and drips. If you do stain your skin while dyeing your hair, micellar water is great for removing hair dye.
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Step 3. Divide Your Hair into Sections
For the best at-home hair dye, start with unwashed dry hair that you’ve detangled with a wide-toothed comb. To ensure all your hair gets saturated with color, divide your hair into sections by parting it down the middle and creating four sections: two in the front and two in the back. Hold the sections apart with plastic clips or large barrettes (don’t use metal).
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Step 4. Mix, Apply, Wait
Put on the gloves provided and mix the colorant and developer (see instructions) then shake well. Begin coloring your hair by squeezing some dye onto the root area. Thoroughly coat hair section by section, then distribute the color evenly* to the ends. Grab your phone or a kitchen timer and set it for the recommended time. 
*Pro tip: For salon-quality results, use a mirror (or a friend) while applying color to the back of your head to ensure full coverage.
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Step 5. Rinse and Condition
Put the gloves back on and wet your hair. Apply the shampoo and massage into your hair for one minute, then rinse well until the water runs clear. Finish by applying the nourishing conditioner provided in the kit. Leave on for 2 to 5 minutes and rinse thoroughly. Gently pat dry with an old towel or microfiber cloth (one that’s OK to stain). Style as usual and get ready to rock your amazing new shade.
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Step 6. Wait at Least 24 Hours before Washing
Your hair-dyeing process isn’t over yet! The color needs time to completely set in because it can easily fade if you use shampoo or even plain water within the first 24 to 72 hours. During this period, you can use dry shampoo to keep your dyed hair clean. When you’re ready to wash and condition, be sure to use sulfate-free color-safe shampoo and conditioner. And make sure you use up all the special conditioner that came with your at-home hair dye kit.

How Frequently should you Color Hair?

Dyeing hair should not happen too often. The rule of thumb to keep dyed hair healthy and hydrated is 6 to 8 weeks for a full head of hair. Root touchups, for example to cover gray, can be done more frequently. See our guide on how often to color hair for more information.

How to Dye Hair at Home FAQs

  • How can I cover gray hair at home?
  • What tools do I need for dyeing hair at home?
  • How do I maintain my color after applying at-home hair dye?

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