How to Dye Your Hair at Home Like a Professional


How to Dye Your Hair at Home Like a Professional - Young woman in front of light green background. She has with bleached blonde hair with dark roots and is holding out strands of her hair - 1080 x 772 How to Dye Your Hair at Home Like a Professional - Young woman in front of light green background. She has with bleached blonde hair with dark roots and is holding out strands of her hair - 1080 x 772


As indulgent as a trip to the hair salon is, when it comes to colour, you sometimes need to just roll up your sleeves and do it yourself. Thankfully, DIY hair products have come a long way. From rich, nourishing tints to toners that keep things fresh, there’s an at-home hair colour product for you. Your hair doesn’t need to fall flat when you take matters into your own hands.

If you want to make a drastic change and know how to dye hair, you should spend some time with a professional. Enriching greys with a specific shampoo, adding purple to your ends, enhancing a nice chestnut brown, and knocking the brass out of your blonde is surprisingly easy to handle on your own. You just need the right product, a bit of patience, and a soft approach.

If you’re wondering how to professionally dye your hair at home, we’ve got the tips and tricks for how to dye hair at home and achieve salon results in your bathroom.


Tips for Dying Hair at Home

When it comes to knowing how to dye hair at home, preparation is key! Before you start pouring on colour, take the time to do some tests. You must treat the hair (and scalp) right to achieve your desired look. No one wants an orange-hair mishap!

●  Tip 1: Stock up on product to keep at home

If you want to cover every strand on your head with colour, always pick up 2 boxes of colour. You don’t want to run out of formula halfway through the job! Even if your hair is short and fine, picking up a couple of boxes will help you avoid disasters.

●  Tip 2: Do the patch test

Although it can be a bore, knowing how to test hair colour on your scalp before you apply it to your whole head will serve you well. There are a lot of ingredients in hair dye, and you don’t always know how your skin will react. Apply a small amount of the dye to the inside of your wrist and leave it for 10 to 15 minutes. If nothing happens, you’re good to go. If your skin reacts in any way (turns red, or shows signs of swelling), you need to try a different formula.

●  Tip 3: Do the strand test

Like the patch test, knowing how to perform a strand test will keep you in good stead. A strand test will ensure your hair turns the colour you want it to before you dye your entire head. Pick a few strands of hair from underneath the top layer. Apply your chosen colour and leave for as long as the specific dye recommends. Rinse the formula out and check to see if the colour is as you envisioned.

●  Tip 4: Brush your hair

Any knots in your locks will make dyeing your hair difficult. Use a wide-tooth comb to work through any tangled areas. Then brush gently to smooth the hair further and help it pick up pigment evenly.

●  Tip 5: Section the hair

Get your professional hair-dyeing head-on and do like the experts do. Sectioning all your hair into quarters will keep your application even. Make a middle parting and then make another parting horizontally from ear to ear.

 

Hannah Shows us How to Dye Hair at Home with L'Oreal's Permanent Hair Colour in the YouTube video below...


Dying Hair at Home - Step by Step

Knowing how to dye hair at home can save you from common mistakes derailing any DIY colour experience. Here are a few steps to get you started.

1. Know how to choose your colour wisely: Try to stay within two shades of your natural colour to experience the best results when dying hair at home. Also, make sure you have enough dye to cover your whole head!

2. Prep the area you will be using and find all your tools: Unlike at the salon, dying your hair at home may mean your styling tools are not right at your fingertips. Preparing yourself before you start colouring will help you avoid any problems later.

3. Know how to do a strand test: As we mentioned before, a strand test is important to ensure that you are not allergic to the dye and actually see how the colour will turn out.

4. Protect your hairline when colouring at home: Try lining your hairline with Vaseline. This will stop errant hair colour from coming into contact with your skin.

5. Section your hair to apply the colour: Start by parting your hair down the middle and then create smaller sections from ear to ear and down the back of your head. Clip these sections out of the way as you colour. This will not only save you time down the track, but it will enable greater accuracy when dying your hair at home.

6. Work from the root down: Start colouring at the roots first, before combing it through to the rest of your hair strands. Repeat this process for each section of hair.

7. Know how long to wait for the colour to develop: Depending on the colour and the dye you are using, you will need to wait for the product to take. Check the instructions on the packet for the right times before rinsing your hair.

 

How to Remove Hair Dye from Skin

Dying your hair at home can be great, but it also comes with a lot of risks. Some of the most common problems people face is finding dye all over their faces and hands. Whether it’s a speck of colour or streaks along the hairline, you may find that you are scrubbing your skin for days just to get rid of these marks. So, how can you remove hair dye from your skin? Here are a few tips to help you out.

  • Try olive oil, soap or toothpaste to eliminate the dye marks. Leave them for 5-10 minutes to react with the colour, and then gently rub away the solution with a warm washcloth.

  • Use a colourless lip balm, moisturiser or ointment on your skin before dying at home to prevent the colour from penetrating the layer of skin. Try this on your hands or around the hairline.

  • Wear gloves! Prevention is the best way to avoid hair dye staining your skin, so always use clean gloves when colouring hair at home.

 

Permanent Hair Colour for Dying Hair at Home

After a pricey trip to the salon, a permanent box dye is the next best way to commit to a new look.

Whether you want to boost the shade Mother Nature gave you or mix things up completely, there’s a way for you to do that at home.

If you’re wondering how to dye your hair a lighter colour at home, we have some “how-to tips” for you.

For Blonde Hair

Using targeted toning shampoos and conditioners will help to enhance and protect your blonde colour and clear away any debris from the dyeing process. Ideally, you want to opt for products that are gentle on the scalp and contain nourishing ingredients, like Keratin, that know how to keep the hair strong.

Going blonde makes a big statement, so it’s worth investing in an at-home dye you know you can rely on. Look for products that can provide total grey coverage, as well as rich, natural colour. Before you begin to colour your hair at home, conduct a strand and a patch test, following the instructions closely to determine whether the product is right for you.

After you have figured out how to use your chosen colour to dye hair at home, follow it up with conditioning and nourishing products like hair masks and treatments to protect and strengthen your tresses.

These Are Our Top 10 Best-Selling Blonde Hair Products of All Time

For Brunette Hair

Dark colours have a way of making hair appear lush and lustrous. If you are looking to colour your hair at home, brunette shades are an excellent place to start and learn how to apply colour, as they generally complement any skin tone and last long after the initial colouring.

When it comes to choosing the best at-home hair dye, our advice is to start with a lighter colour, learn how to best dye your hair, and gradually build up to a darker shade.

If you are hoping to cover your greys or try something different entirely, a permanent brunette shade should do the job. Combined with products like a clarifying shampoo and a rich hair mask, these hair dye products can create an eye-catching colour without causing any damage. Try to select dye products that include strengthening ingredients like Keratin in their formulas to provide your locks with that extra bit of protection and TLC.

I Tried Every Cool Brown Hair Toner on Adore Beauty & These Are the Ones I'd Repurchase


Semi-Permanent Hair Colour for Dying Hair at Home

If you fancy mixing up your look without making a long-term commitment, knowing how to use a semi-permanent hair dye could be the way forward.

Offering a milder approach than a permanent hair dye, semi-permanent colour is great at giving you a rich, full-bodied look.

If you’re wondering how often to dye hair to cover grey hair, know that a semi-perm dye will usually last up to 12 weeks.

For a Vibrant Colour

If you are feeling adventurous and ready to try something new while dying your hair at home, why not move away from the standard browns, blondes and blacks?

Thanks to quality brands like evo fabuloso, Mr. Smith and Revlon Professional, some amazing colour options are available to those looking to enjoy a bit of DIY TLC.

When choosing these distinctive colours, search for products containing nourishing ingredients to help maintain and protect your hair during the dyeing process. Unfortunately, every colouring session will create some problems for hair, but you can considerably reduce the risks of concerns by carefully choosing hair care products. For example, ammonia-free formulas will reduce the risk of irritation and brittle strands, whilst providing luminous colour that can last for weeks.

Like any colouring process, you should always follow up an at-home attempt with quality conditioners and treatments to protect your tresses and ensure you enjoy a lustrous look for longer.

HOW TO: Keep Your Coloured Hair Vibrant and Healthy with Chloe Nguyen

For a Natural Look

Sometimes a simple change is all you need to feel refreshed and revitalised. If this sounds like something for you, then experimenting with a natural look could be the way to go. Knowing how to dye hair at home for natural hues and shades will ensure that the colouring process is easy to manage, all while producing stunning results.

From covering greys to creating an all-over look, there are several colour options to choose from, thanks to the wide-ranging collections on offer.

Depending on the shade you choose, there will be varied wait times and instructions to help you achieve the perfect look. Therefore, it is important to always check the guidelines on any at-home dye product. It is also useful to check the ingredients list when searching for the right colour to complement your new look.

If they contain nourishing ingredients in favour of harsher chemical options, then they are more likely to maintain and nurture your hair as you colour at home.

To further ensure your hair is properly looked after, always use quality conditioners and treatments after colouring your hair at home to replace any moisture that has been lost and further revitalise and strengthen your locks.


Colour Intensifiers to Extend Your Hair Colour

When applying hair colour at home, it’s a good idea to stock up on some toner. A good toner will pep up hair that’s lost its lustre and bring your colour back to bold.

Though typically used to knock out brassy shades from bleach-blonde strands, a toner can also help give brunettes back their shine.

A good toner can last up to 6 weeks, so it’s worth investing in one you can rely on to bring your colour back to life.

 Here are a few of our favourite colour intensifiers...

IGK MIXED FEELINGS Leave-In Toning Drops Brunette

IGK MIXED FEELINGS Leave-In Toning Drops Brunette IGK MIXED FEELINGS Leave-In Toning Drops Brunette

Why it's so good: Just because you’re a brunette doesn’t mean you should skip the toner. To maintain a healthy shine and a rich, full-bodied look, it could be time to try IGK MIXED FEELINGS Leave-In Toning Drops Brunette

Making it easy for you to maintain depth of colour, these toning drops neutralise any orange undertones and give your brown hair the boost it needs. Helping to prevent colour fade, the lightweight formula will keep the hair hydrated and nourished.

This vegan and cruelty-free colour toner is safe to use on chemically treated locks and is perfect for straight, curly, coiled, or wavy hair.

IGK MIXED FEELINGS Leave-In Toning Drops Brunette are truly unique. Blueberry and Artichoke keep the hair nourished with Vitamins A, B5, C, and E while keeping your colour safe.

If you’re stuck at home or between salon visits, this unique droplet formula will keep your colour looking fresh—even when it starts to fade.

To use, add the desired number of drops to your shampoo, conditioner, or leave-in product and mix. To work out how many drops you need, check the instructions. Use as often as you need to top up your look.

Shop IGK MIXED FEELINGS Leave-In Toning Drops Brunette here:


Mr. Smith Blond

Mr. Smith Blond Mr. Smith Blond

Why it's so good: The Mr. Smith Blond treatment mask will neutralise yellow and brassy tones, making it the ideal choice for those with blonde or lightened hair. To keep your hair fresh in between salon visits or at-home sessions, use this mask as part of your regular hair care routine and benefit from the blue-violet pigments that leave hair looking cooler and ashier. 

You can even use it for brunette styles too, as the ability to remove warm tones like yellow, orange and red, means that you will enhance your colour regardless of its shade.

The soothing formula contains almond, lavender and orange peel oils to calm the scalp, as well as wheat protein which works to strengthen each strand. This treatment mask is developed without using any sulphates, parabens or silicones, making it a perfect product for those with sensitive hair and scalps.

For the best results, use this mask after shampooing and before conditioning. Apply it to damp hair and leave it in for 30 seconds to 3 minutes before gently rinsing. If you are new to the Mr. Smith Blond, start with the 30 seconds and work your way up to avoid over-toning the hair.

Shop Mr. Smith Blond here:


Redken Color Extend Brownlights Shampoo

Redken Color Extend Brownlights Shampoo Redken Color Extend Brownlights Shampoo

Why it's so good: It’s not just blonde hair that benefits from a little toner. Intensify your brunette look with a blue-tone shampoo. Redken Color Extend Brownlights Shampoo is a sulphate-free formula that gently cleanses hair as it adds a blue pigment.

The blue works to fight any unwanted brassy, orange tones that might be creeping through. If you like your brown hair to look bright, cool, and healthy, wash with this formula 2 to 3 times per week to see results.

Perfect for natural and colour-treated hair, this shampoo gets your brown hair looking its best quickly.

This anti-brass shampoo for brunettes is a truly unique formula. Gentle, nourishing, and super-effective, Redken Color Extend Brownlights Shampoo cleanses the hair and scalp and brings out the best in your hair.

A rich, cool brunette look starts with great aftercare. This shampoo will give you the shade you crave and rid your hair of any impurities.

Follow up with a super-nourishing conditioner for a silky-soft, shiny finish. Use it on the first wash after you’ve dyed your hair to keep the colour the way you want it.

Shop Redken Color Extend Brownlights Shampoo here: 


Root Touch-Up at Home

If you can’t get to the salon and don’t want to dye your hair yourself, a root touch-up system will see you right.

Great at covering up greys at a moment’s notice, a root touch-up is a perfect cheat to make your hair colour last.

If you’re wondering how long to keep dye in hair, well, it’ll last just that little bit longer when you can touch up your roots yourself.

 Here are a few of our favourite root touch-up products...

R+Co BRIGHT SHADOWS Root Touch-Up Spray – Light Blonde

Why it's so good: Want to extend the life of your blonde tresses? Try R+Co BRIGHT SHADOWS Root Touch-Up Spray!

Ideal for those with light blonde hair waiting to see a professional for their next appointment, this handy touchy-up spray is there to cover any unsightly greys or regrowth by blending your natural hair and salon colour.

Designed with biotin to thicken the hair and stimulate growth, along with pearl extract, mica, and tapioca starch for extra shine, light reflection and oil absorption, this formula is a treat for the tresses. It is easy to use and lasts until shampooed out, so you can enjoy its full coverage and non-sticky feel for longer.

You can enjoy the experience further by indulging your senses with the delectable Rose Eyed fragrance, made from bergamot, wild fig, cyclamen, lotus flower, cedar and tonka bean. All you have to do is shake, spray and go, for colour and coverage that will see you through any transition period.

 

L’Oréal Professional Hair Touch Up Mahogany Brown

Why it's so good: Experience the power to touch up roots in a manner of seconds with L’Oreal Professional Hair Touch Up Mahogany Brown. While not as effective as a trip to the salon, this spray is a close second, and it takes less than a minute!

The tough formula is resistant to sweat and water, but shampoos out with ease. Available in six shades and colours, this versatile product makes colouring hair at home a breeze with its easy spray application.

All you need to do is shake it well, before spraying 10-15cm away from your head. Along with covering greys, you will also notice your hair seems fuller and refreshed when pulled away from your face.


ColorWOW Root Cover Up

Why it's so good: When a trip to the salon is still a few weeks away, but your roots are starting to peek through, it’s time to take matters into your own hands. ColorWOW Root Cover Up covers greys instantly and gives you a natural finish with no gritty texture.

Designed to disguise your greys and blend into your hair, this densely pigmented mineral powder works quickly to hide grown-out roots. Perfect for a pre-Facetime touch-up, you can also use Root Cover Up to extend your highlights and fill in your hairline. Apply the powder formula with the double-ended brush and check out your efforts in the compact mirror.

ColorWOW Root Cover Up won’t give you that just-been-to-the-salon feeling, but it will freshen up your look in a flash. Available in many shades, this mineral powder formula is easy for all to use. Start with dry hair and load up the smaller brush end with powder. With one hand, hold your hair taut against your scalp.

With the other hand, apply the product using a short, pressing motion. Gently brush away any excess powder using the larger end of the brush, and you’re good to go! Wash your hair as usual after use.







    Subscribe for beauty sales, free goodies, advice and SO much more!