The Ultimate Guide to Dyeing Your Hair at Home

Alright, this is the guide so many people have asked me about because dyeing your hair at a salon is sometimes not an option. So, can you dye your hair at home? Is it safe? How do you do it? And how, in God’s name, do you get dye stains off your skin? I’ve got the answers you need.

Oh, and if you’re new here – hi, I’m Lili, Hello Gorgeous Naples salon owner – and I know a thing or two about hair dyeing. I’ve been blonde for as long as I can remember, and let me tell you, that color didn’t always look spectacular. While I do get my hair done by my professional stylists now, there was a time when I was the at-home hair-dyeing expert.

And now I’m here to relay that information to you. Bookmark this blog for later so you don’t forget, and let’s dive in.

The Prep Before The Prep

Let’s assume this is your first rodeo, and you’re not sure what to expect. The first question that’s probably on your mind is, “Is dyeing your hair at home safe?” and the answer is very simple – yes, if you’re careful and meticulous.

I’m pretty sure you already know that, as a first-timer, you should absolutely not bleach your hair at home – so much can just go wrong! Bleach is how you can end up with damage and a lot of unwanted hair loss.

That’s why, at least for starters, choose a color that’s similar to yours – maybe a few shades lighter or darker. In fact, if you know you want to go darker, it’s recommended to choose a shade lighter than your desired outcome. Why? Well, you can always dye it again for a darker color because if you go too dark, it’s harder on your hair to lighten it up.

24 Hours Before Dyeing

The whole process of dyeing starts 24 hours before the moment dye actually touches your hair. Should you wash it? Or is it better to dye dirty hair? If you ask me and my stylists, washing your hair before dyeing is always a good idea. However, use a clarifying shampoo to get rid of the product buildup, and don’t use any other product – mousse, hairspray, etc. – until after hair coloring is complete.

Once you’ve done that, it’s time to gather your supplies:

• Box dye (if your hair is long and/or thick, get two)
• An old shirt you don’t care about getting stained
• A towel you also wouldn’t care about getting stained
• Petroleum jelly – Vaseline will do
• Hairbrush
• Hair clips

With that, you’re ready for the next step – finally dyeing your hair.

The Process of Dyeing

Now that it’s been 24 hours since you washed your hair, you’re ready for the dyeing. Ensure your hair is dry because dye doesn’t cling well to wet strands. Get your supplies together and let’s begin:

1. Wear a loose-fitting shirt and drape the towel over your shoulders to prevent staining (yes, even if you’re wearing an old shirt – why stain it if you don’t have to?).
2. Grab petroleum jelly and apply a thin layer along your hairline and on top of your ears to prevent the color from staining your skin.
3. Get your box dye, read the instructions, then read them again because you want to be absolutely sure you’re following them to ensure the best possible results.
4. Brush and section your hair into four zones – the middle part will leave you with left and right sections, each of which you’ll split into two down the middle, following the line behind your ears.
5. Work on your hair section by section, keeping the parts you’re not working on clipped away.
6. Use the brush from your kit or your gloved hands to evenly distribute the dye, saturating your strands as much as possible – don’t be afraid to use more dye than you think you should because the color won’t get darker, and you’ll lower the chance of your color looking patchy (this is especially true for the back of your head, where you can’t really see what you’re doing unless you have two mirrors set up).
7. Set a timer for however long your hair needs to develop according to the instructions, and don’t tie it up during this process – keeping it down ensures the even coloring you’ve achieved stays even.
8. Step into the shower and rinse your hair until the water starts coming out clear.
9. Apply the conditioner that came in your box dye kit to seal the color and nourish your hair.

And that’s it!

After dyeing your hair, ensure you’re using sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners, as well as toners or glosses that will keep your color looking brilliant between dyes.

How to Get Hair Dye Off Your Skin?

But let’s say something went wrong and your skin got stained after all. No reason to panic – there are ways to remove it from both your face and hands! When you see the dye hitting your skin, immediately dab it away – don’t rub or wipe. But if it’s too late for that, here’s what you can do:

• Gentle cleansers for lighter stains:
  • Lukewarm water and face wash – try a couple of rounds
  • Makeup remover wipes
  • Oil-based cleansers
• For more stubborn stains:
  • Baking soda + dish soap – mix into a paste and gently rub the stain before rinsing
  • Toothpaste
  • Rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball
  • Nail polish remover on a cotton swab

If you’re removing tougher stains, wash your face and moisturize like you’ve never moisturized before to ensure your face isn’t too dried out.

At Home Hair Dyeing Done Right

See? Dyeing your hair at home doesn’t have to be a scary experience if you prepare well.

However, if you don’t want to make the effort or worry about patchy results, stop by the Hello Gorgeous salon in Naples. My stylists will not only dye your hair with the utmost care, but also teach you all about the process!

To schedule your appointment, simply call or text us at (239) 261-3131 or visit our online booking platform and get your time slot in just a few clicks.