Dyeing your hair at home can be a fun and cost-effective way to change up your look, giving you so many great color options to choose from. But starting without going through all the different steps could make it go less smoothly and mean you have to fix any small mistakes later on. We’ve put together a step-by-step guide for how to color your hair at home-full of ways to make sure you can easily get the look the way you’ve always wanted on your first attempt.
Before you start: choosing the right color
Changing your hair color can be an exciting way to express yourself, and deciding which color to pick can be fun but a little daunting. Breaking this decision down into a couple of steps can help keep it stress-free: First, gather inspiration. Before you start getting concerned about what dye might suit you, it’s a good idea to gather some colors you like the idea of trying out-no need to overthink it. If you’d like some more ideas, check out classic looks and some of our newest colors on Instagram. Then, think about what works for you. You’ve already narrowed your choices by getting a range of colors you’d love to try. From the options you’ve been given, we need to think about which shades and tones would work for you. Choose the right shade by trying to complement your skin tone with your hair color. The main idea behind this is that people with cool skin tones look great with cool hair colors like ashy hues, icy platinum or dark burgundy shades. People with warm undertones are perfect for warm hair tones, like golden brown or strawberry blonde. This isn’t to say you can’t play around with other tones, especially if you have neutral undertones in your skin. But complimenting your skin tone might be a good rule of thumb to follow if it’s your first time dyeing your hair at home. When selecting a natural hair color, consider how many shades lighter or darker than the natural color you want to go. The more drastic the difference between your natural and chosen colors, the more trial and error may go into finding something that looks right on you. Finally, find the dye that matches your desired color. It’s worth considering how long you want your new color to last. For your first time dyeing your hair at home, you might want to think about only using semi-permanent dye so that any mistakes caused by lack of experience can be easily fixed later. But permanent and temporary dyes are both available if you’d prefer. To find specific shades, see our range of hair coloring products for blonde hair, brown hair, black hair, red hair, violet hair and various bright colors.
Allergy patch test and strand test
Do an allergy patch test. It’s important to know if you’re allergic to a product before you use it, especially if you’re using an at-home hair dye for the first time. Doing an allergy patch test isn’t one of the fun parts of dyeing your hair, but it’s super important for ensuring you have the best experience with your new color. The things you’ll need are: A cotton wool ball, A plastic bowl, A plastic spoon, Your chosen at-home dye. Once you’ve got all that, follow these easy steps: Mix a small amount of dye (following the package instructions) in your bowl using the plastic spoon. This should contain no more than a spoonful of color and developer. Apply a small dab of the mix to the inside of your elbow or behind your ear, as these are places where your skin is less sensitive. Wait 48 hours before deciding whether or not there’s been any visual allergic reaction. Signs of reaction to hair dye include redness and irritation. Also, watch out for any negative sensations around the applied area, like itching or burning. Be careful not to wash it off during this time to be sure you get an accurate result.
Do a strand test. Mix a tablespoon of your dye, following the same instructions from the allergy test. Then, apply your mixed dye to a small, isolated strand of hair that isn’t normally visible (like one near the nape of your neck). Now, you just need to wait for the suggested amount of time in the instructions, then rinse and dry. Take a look at the final result and decide if it looks how you expected. If it is a lot darker or lighter than you imagined, there are a couple of things you can do to try and fix that: If it’s too light, it could be because your hair has recently been washed with products that have left residue. Try the test again when your hair hasn’t been washed with products for a couple of days. If it’s too dark, it could be because your hair is dry. Try using a moisturizing shampoo on your hair as soon as possible after dyeing it to bleed the color. This should make the dye lighter.
Read and follow all instructions
Read all instructions carefully. Not following instructions can damage your hair. If you don’t follow the instructions closely, it can lead to unexpected results and even damage to your hair. Also, make sure to check the expiration date of the dye before you start. Any packaged hair products will list an expiry date, and ignoring it could lead to unpredictable results.
Coloring your hair at home: step-by-step main process
Prepare your hair and space for dyeing. Brush your hair through to remove knots, put on your gloves, get the space ready with towels, and use warm water to get damp hair. Ask for help. Coloring the back of your hair is hard-ask someone to help you so you don’t miss any spots. A three-panel mirror can help you see all sides. Section your hair with clips or bands to keep a minimum distance of 1 inch between sections. Apply color to your roots first, about an inch from your roots, following the timing instructions on the box. Work in small neat sections to ensure an even final result, using your fingers to distribute the color evenly. Move onto the rest of your hair-mid-length and ends-still working in small sections to maintain even coating. Wait for the dye to develop. Set a timer for the recommended time and wipe any excess product from your neck and forehead with a wet cloth. Rinse through, dry and condition. Rinse with lukewarm water until the water runs clear. Leave conditioning as instructed on the box but don’t leave it too long, as the dye will keep working until you condition. Admire your new color. If the shade isn’t exactly what you pictured, consider using a gloss or color refinement product to adjust finish and prevent brassiness. After you dye your hair, maintain your color with color-safe routines and occasional touch-ups as roots grow in.
Maintenance and troubleshooting
To keep your newly dyed color vibrant longer, use cool water for washing, choose a gentle shampoo formulated for color-treated hair, and apply a nourishing conditioner. Deep-conditioning masks once a month help keep hair hydrated and color-bright. For roots, consider Root Touch Up products to maintain consistency between sessions. If color turns out too light, re-color with a shade one step darker and perform a strand test. If too dark, consider clarifying shampoo to fade slightly and then consult a professional for long-term fixes if needed. Patchy color can be addressed by coloring again, ensuring full coverage with two boxes if necessary.
As a personal note, many people find Clairol Natural Instincts convenient for its ammonia-free formula and a selection of shades that suit a range of undertones. The process can be quick, with a typical coloring session taking under 15 minutes from unboxing to rinse, followed by conditioning. With over 30 colors and a semi-permanent or demi-permanent option, you can experiment without long-term commitment, allowing you to switch looks as desired.
Practical tips and user experiences
For example, a user story highlights trying Nutmeg or Dark Warm Brown, noting a smooth application and refreshed look without ammonia. The key is to follow the kit instructions, perform an allergy test, and apply color evenly from roots to ends. A friend’s help can speed the process and improve accuracy, especially when dyeing the back of the head. If you’re new to dyeing, starting with semi-permanent color minimizes risk while you learn timing and technique.
DYING MY HAIR DURING LOCKDOWN/ EASY AND AFFORDABLE/SEMI PERMANENT/ CLAIROL NATURAL INSTINCT
Color ideas aligned with skin tone
- Cool skin tones: ashy hues, icy platinum, dark burgundy
- Warm undertones: golden brown, strawberry blonde
- Neutral undertones: versatile palette across shades
Table: quick reference of color outcomes and duration
| Shade family | Representative hues | Typical longevity |
|---|---|---|
| Blonde | Ash, beige | Semi/ Demi: ~28 shampoos |
| Brown | Golden, chestnut, warm | Depends on dye type |
| Red | Copper, burgundy | Varies with porosity |
In summary, Clairol Natural Instincts provides a flexible, low-commitment way to experiment with color at home. It emphasizes patch tests, strand tests, following instructions, and gradual testing to achieve a satisfying result on the first try. The brand's guidance through color selection, application, and maintenance helps you maintain a vibrant look while minimizing damage and brassiness.
tags: #instructions #for #clairol #natural #instincts