Get your supplies in order.

Before you begin, make sure that you have everything necessary to apply your black hair dye. This includes:

• A bottle of black hair dye
• Gloves (clean and new)
• A rat-tail comb or wide-toothed comb (to smooth out the colors)
• Shower cap or plastic cap (to cover your head while the chemicals set in)

Start with a clean canvas.

Start with a clean canvas.

Before you begin any new hair color, it’s important to remove all product build-up with a clarifying shampoo. This will ensure that your natural hair is free of any residue and ready for new color. Also, ensure that your hair is dry before applying dye as wet strands can make it more difficult for the dye to take hold. Additionally, avoid washing your hair with hot water as this can cause damage to the cuticle and dry out your tresses (duh). And finally, if you heat-style frequently or use curling irons/straighteners on a regular basis, make sure you use heat protectant spray before each use!

Don’t skip the strand testing.

When you’re new to dyeing your hair, it’s best to do a strand test. This will help you avoid allergic reactions and ensure that the color is perfect for you. It’ll also prevent any damage from occurring and let you know how long to leave the dye in, as well as if the color will be too dark or patchy on your hair.

Get comfy and make it last.

• Have a friend come over to help you.
• Sit in a comfortable chair, preferably one with arms so you can rest your elbows and keep them out of the way while you work.
• Don’t try to rush the application process! Make sure you have everything at hand that you’ll need, including water, hair clips or bobby pins and possibly an old t-shirt to cover yourself (or your clothes if they get messy). And make sure there’s plenty of time set aside for both dyeing and washing off afterwards as well—it doesn’t take long but it’s much easier when done properly from start to finish.

Apply to dry hair.

Make sure your hair is dry before applying the dye. If you wash your hair before applying the dye, it will be easier for it to get wet and run off of your head. This could cause staining on clothing, towels and bedding.

It is also recommended that you do not apply black hair dye to wet or damp hair.

Start at the roots and work downwards.

Start at the roots and work downwards. One of the most important things to remember when dying your hair is that you should always start at the roots and work downwards. It is much better to have an even application than risk applying too much dye at one end and not enough at another. If you don’t do this, then it will be obvious where your hair has been dyed as there will be a stark difference in color between one part of your head and another.

Use the rat-tail comb to part even sections of hair.

• Use the rat-tail comb to part even sections of hair.
• Follow the instructions on the box, but make sure that you divide your hair into four even sections.
• Once you’ve done this, apply the color to your scalp first and then work down towards your ends. You want to make sure that every strand has been coated with dye! If you have any gaps or places where there isn’t enough product on a given section, use a brush or toothbrush to spread it around some more.
• Use a timer or watch as a reminder for when you need to leave it in longer than recommended (this will happen once in awhile). Better safe than sorry!

Cover your head with the shower cap and wrap with cling film.

Once you have applied the dye, wrap your head in clingfilm and put on a shower cap. This will help to keep the heat in and help the colour set. You can use a hairdryer on a medium-high setting to apply heat to your hair if you have one available. Alternatively, if you don’t have time or access to such equipment then just wait for half an hour before using a towel to remove some of the excess dye from your hair.

Rinse out your color using lukewarm water and conditioner.

Rinse out your color using lukewarm water and conditioner.

Use a wide-tooth comb to remove any remaining color and make sure your hair is evenly colored.

There are some easy tips to follow that can help ensure black hair dye is applied perfectly every time when you do it yourself at home!

• Get your supplies in order
• Start with a clean canvas
• Don’t skip the strand testing
• Get comfy and make it last
• Apply to dry hair
• Start at the roots and work downwards